Gavarnie > Cauterets-Pont d'Espagne
50 km / 1h18
Probably still dizzy from yesterday's grandiose spectacle? Well , it is already time to leave, towards even more new encounters but this time gentler and harmonious. We are heading to Cauterets and Pont d'Espagne, the Garden of Eden of the Pyrénées!
Your itinerary
Gavarnie > Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne • 50 km / 1h18
Leave Gavarnie heading towards Luz Saint Sauveur on the RD921 (20k). Take the turning for Sassis (D12), continue for 2k. At the junction turn left towards Lourdes (D921). Continue for 9k. At the roundabout take the 2nd left to Cauterets (D921). Follow to Cauterets for 11k, then Cauterets to Pont d'Espagne for another 7k.
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Cauterets
" Chateaubriand, Victor Hugo, Beaudelaire, Debussy… All the high society came here, it became a centre for the Romantics. "
This small mountain spa town welcomed Chateaubriand, Victor Hugo, Beaudelaire, Debussy… All the high society came here, it became a centre for the Romantics. Follow in their steps along the Boulevard Latapie Flurin and admire the sculptures and monumental doorways dating from the Belle Epoque period.
www.cauterets.com
The National Park centre
For a better understanding of the area visit The National Park centre for information on the Isard, the countryside, water and walks. There are tactile markers to explain the walking trails of the valley.
Cauterets - Place de la Gare
The ancient bus station
" An astonishing building, totally in wood. "
An astonishing building, totally in wood, and located at the entrance to the town. It is actually the Norwegian pavilion from the Universal Exhibition in Paris of 1889.
Berlingots
" Nowadays four shops in Cauterets continue to make and sell these sweets. "
At the beginning of the 19th century the local doctors recommended that those coming for the spa waters should suck sweets to take away the sulphorous smell of the waters. So the berlingot was invented! Nowadays four shops in Cauterets continue to make and sell these sweets.
The Lutour and Cerisey waterfalls
Head towards Pont d'Espagne, there are a succession of thundering waterfalls along the roadside, the journey itself is a real show. Firstly stop at La Raillère where the Lutour waterfall is signposted, cross the footbridge and there it is in the forest. Then continue to Pont d'Espagne, the Cerisey falls can be seen from the road, if you approach you will most certainly be drenched in spray.
La Raillère • 2.5 km after Cauterets, towards Pont d’Espagne.
Cauterets Pont d'Espagne
" The Marcadau valley offers easy walks in a sublime setting of mountain pines, flowery meadows with towering rocky peaks all around. "
The Garden of Eden of the Pyrenees
As you reach the Puntas parking area you have already crossed into the National Park and the site of Cauterets / Pont d'Espagne, one of the most visited sites in the Pyrenees National Park. It is a fabulous area, full of life, which water crashing from all directions. The Marcadau valley offers easy walks in a sublime setting of mountain pines, flowery meadows with towering rocky peaks all around. One can take the chairlift to Lac de Gaube, a beautiful turuoise lake beneath the mighty Vignemale, the highest mountain in the French Pyrenees, the setting of the lake is pure magic.
Parking at Puntas • 7 k after Cauterets • www.cauterets.com
Relaxation at the Bains de Rocher spa centre
" Some soothing relaxation ina lovely refined setting. "
Before starting your day or at the end of it treat yourself to some soothing relaxation ina lovely refined setting. Huge windows, fine embroiderd curtains, floors in jade, mosaics, glass pearls... the outdor lagoon with its bubbling waters is a great spot to relax, in all weathers, at all times of the day as the waters are at 38C.
2 hour pass. Massges by reservation • Cauterets • www.bains-rocher.com
Evening and night in Cauterets
The Hautes-Pyrenees holiday shop proposes you a small selection of very favorite accommodations in Cauterets and surroundings. For more choices, contact directly the Shop to 05 62 56 70 00.
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Worth the detour
" The hardest thing is to choose. "
A gourmet stop at the Refuge de Sens, chocolate maker and tea rooms
The hardest thing is to choose amongst all the delicious patisseries and crepes, not to mention the chocolates...
7 rue Richelieu-Galerie des Princes – 65110 Cauterets
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Favourite places
- Hôtellerie du lac de Gaube
Sit on the terrace in this magical setting, above the lake and facing the mighty Vignemale, trout and other local produce.
Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne, lake of Gaube – 65110 Cauterets
+33 6 74 51 56 28
- Hôtellerie du Pont d’Espagne
Opposite the waterfalls of Pont d'Espagne, try their delicious Cepe omelette or other local delicacies.
Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne – 65110 Cauterets
+33 5 62 92 54 10
- The Abri de Benques in Cauterets
Food to please the eyes and the tastebuds! A huge choice of carefully prepared dishes, taster dishes served on slate to whet your appetite. Recomended by the Michelin guide.
In Cauterets at La Raillère on the way to Pont d'Espagne.
+33 5 62 92 50 15
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