La cascade du Pont d'Espagne.
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Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube Cauterets

4.7
·10k reviews·Cauterets, France

Dramatic Pyrenean valley with iconic waterfalls and a stunning alpine lake, accessible by scenic hike or chairlift.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
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La cascade du Pont d'Espagne.

Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube Cauterets

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dramatic Pyrenean valley with iconic waterfalls and a stunning alpine lake, accessible by scenic hike or chairlift.

4.7
(10k reviews)

"It was such a magical and mesmerising sight! The view is amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up quickly, especially in summer. Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot.

🚠 Chairlift for Ease

Take the chairlift to save time and energy, offering great views. Be mindful of potential queues.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pont d'Espagne Waterfall

Pont d'Espagne Waterfall

Pont d'Espagne

Witness the powerful cascade tumbling over rocks, a dramatic natural spectacle. Accessible via a scenic walk.

Lac de Gaube

Lac de Gaube

Above Pont d'Espagne

A stunning alpine lake reflecting the surrounding peaks. Perfect for a picnic or a moment of tranquility.

The Chairlift Ride

The Chairlift Ride

Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views as you ascend towards the lake. An adventure in itself!

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially in summer. Parking fills up fast, and the chairlift can have queues. Consider visiting outside peak season for a more serene experience.

Getting to the Lake

While the walk from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube is beautiful, it's about an hour. For a quicker ascent, utilize the chairlift, but be prepared for potential waits and a mild height phobia.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
June & September
Why
Milder weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Low
When
Winter (snowy)
Why
Magical snowy landscapes
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

C’est quoi son délire à ce type ???? #ski #pourtoi #cauterets #pontespagne
@camillebrlc
240.1K likes • 1.1M views

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up quickly, especially in summer. Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot. Reddit

🚠 Chairlift for Ease

Take the chairlift to save time and energy, offering great views. Be mindful of potential queues. TikTokReddit

La magie des paysages du Pont d’Espagne sous la neige ✨😍❄️ Parfait pour une balade au milieu des sapins enneigés, entre les montagnes et les cours d’eau. 🤩 Ou pour faire la plus grosse bataille de boules de neige de votre vie, c’est au choix 😄
@cauterets
35.5K likes • 435.6K views
O tempo muda, mas sua beleza não 🏟️✨
luanryderfoto
2.2K likes • 0 views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for hiking. The terrain can be rocky and uneven. TikTok

🐶 Pet-Friendly Paths

Dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great outing for furry friends. TikTok

5 spots en Occitanie partie 2 ✌🏻Quel est ton préféré ? 🤩 #occitanie #lacdegaube #lacdoo #lacdusalagou #salagou #pontdugard #artouste #traindartouste #cauterets #lacdartouste #occitanietourisme #occitanieregion #herault #pyrenees #gard #petaouspot #naturevoyagesdecouvertes
@naturevoyagesdecouvertes
35.2K likes • 880.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up quickly, especially in summer. Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot. Reddit

🚠 Chairlift for Ease

Take the chairlift to save time and energy, offering great views. Be mindful of potential queues. TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for hiking. The terrain can be rocky and uneven. TikTok

🐶 Pet-Friendly Paths

Dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great outing for furry friends. TikTok

📱 Download Offline Maps

Cell service can be spotty. Download maps beforehand for navigation. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty, from the powerful waterfalls at Pont d'Espagne to the serene Lac de Gaube. The chairlift is a popular, albeit sometimes slightly nerve-wracking, way to access the lake with stunning views. While parking can be a challenge during peak times, the overall experience is described as magical and a great starting point for beautiful hikes.

"Nice waterfall and nature place. Dogs not allowed. Not friendly for strollers and toddlers."

Venkatesan dhanasekaran

"I've been here 25 years ago and it's great to be back once in this place. You can just hang around, but it's a good starting point for beautiful hikes in the mountains (what I did) also lovely walks like the "waterfall walk" (centier des cascades). Been here in June and it was not too busy, guess it can be really crowded in summer, luckily there's a huge parking nearby."

Maarten Callebert

"It was such a magical and mesmerising sight 🩵 The view is amazing! People go hiking here as well which is around 3 hours I heard but we took the télésiège (chairlift). It was closed two weeks ago but it is finally open since the weather allows it. There are two, the first one is a closed capsule and a shorter ride to one base, from there you can walk further, we took the second chairlift which was open as it is also used by skiers during winters. It was mildly scary because we were a bit afraid of the height but it is taken by multiple people for years now so we safely made it. While coming back down it was a little scarier as it kept pausing but that was due to many people getting on so they had to hold and adjust as they had kids along as well. Overall a fun experience as it gets you to the Lac de Gaube and Pont d'Espagne!"

Roma Chiplunkar

What People Like

Stunning natural scenery
Magical lake views
Scenic chairlift ride

What People Dislike

Crowded parking
Chairlift queues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can drive to the Pont d'Espagne parking lot, which costs around 8€. Alternatively, a shuttle bus service runs from Cauterets; check with the local tourist office for timings. Reddit

Yes, there is a large parking area available, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, you can take a shuttle bus from Cauterets to Pont d'Espagne, and then proceed to Lac de Gaube via walking or the chairlift. Reddit

Cauterets is accessible by car. The nearest major train station is in Lourdes, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Cauterets. TikTok

Roads are generally open year-round, but can be affected by snow in winter. Check local conditions before traveling during colder months. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the natural areas of Pont d'Espagne and Lac de Gaube is free. However, there is a parking fee at Pont d'Espagne. Reddit

The chairlift typically costs around 8-10€ for a round trip, but prices can vary. It's advisable to check current rates at the ticket office. Reddit

The chairlift operates seasonally, usually from late spring to early autumn. Hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or local information. Instagram

The Pyrenees National Park itself does not have an entrance fee for general access. Fees are typically associated with specific facilities like parking. TikTok

It's recommended to have some cash on hand, as not all vendors may accept credit cards, especially for smaller fees. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube is considered moderate, taking about an hour. It's accessible for families and children. TikTok

Yes, there are various trails, including a 'waterfall walk' (sentier des cascades) and longer routes for more experienced hikers. Reddit

Yes, the paved path to Pont d'Espagne is suitable for strollers, and the hike to the lake is manageable for older children. Dogs are also allowed. TikTok

Expect dramatic mountain landscapes, lush forests, powerful waterfalls, and the stunning turquoise waters of Lac de Gaube. TikTokInstagram

Cell service can be unreliable in the mountains. It's best to download offline maps and information before you go. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The reflections of the Vignemale massif in the lake are iconic. The waterfall at Pont d'Espagne also offers dramatic shots. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the natural beauty for photos. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help with lake reflections. Instagram

Drone regulations can be strict in national parks. It's essential to check the latest rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying. TikTok

Use a tripod and a slower shutter speed to create a silky smooth effect for the water. Consider shooting from different angles to find the most dramatic perspective. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

This area is fantastic for families! The paved path to Pont d'Espagne is stroller-friendly, and the hike to Lac de Gaube is manageable for children aged 5 and up. TikTok The chairlift is an exciting adventure for kids, offering great views without the strenuous climb. Reddit Dogs are also welcome, so your furry family members can join the fun too! TikTok Pack snacks and water, and be prepared for the possibility of a snowball fight if you visit in winter! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For avid hikers, Pont d'Espagne is a gateway to numerous trails within the Pyrenees National Park. Reddit Beyond the popular route to Lac de Gaube, you can explore longer treks, discover hidden waterfalls, and experience the raw beauty of the mountains. TikTok Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery. TikTok Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before setting out on more challenging routes. TikTok

📸 Photographers

The dramatic landscapes, iconic lake reflections, and powerful waterfalls make this a photographer's paradise. Instagram Capture the Vignemale massif mirrored in Lac de Gaube, or the dynamic flow of the waterfalls at Pont d'Espagne. TikTok Early morning and late afternoon light often yield the most dramatic and beautiful shots. Instagram Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for those sweeping vistas and a tripod for capturing water movement. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Hiking Trails and Routes

The journey from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube is a popular moderate hike, typically taking around one hour each way. The path is well-maintained but can be rocky in places, making sturdy footwear essential. TikTok For those seeking a less strenuous experience, the chairlift offers a quicker ascent, providing stunning aerial views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Reddit Beyond this main route, the area boasts numerous other trails catering to various fitness levels, from gentle 'waterfall walks' to more challenging mountain treks that explore the wider Pyrenees National Park. Reddit

Many visitors use Pont d'Espagne as a base for longer excursions. For instance, routes can lead towards the Cirque de Gavarnie or explore higher alpine meadows. TikTok It's always wise to consult local trail maps and assess your fitness before embarking on longer hikes. The weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so being prepared with appropriate gear and checking forecasts is crucial for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. Instagram

The Chairlift Experience

The chairlift from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube is a highlight for many visitors, offering a unique perspective of the dramatic landscape. TikTok It's a practical way to reach the lake, especially for families or those with limited mobility, cutting down the walking time significantly. Reddit The ride itself is an experience, with panoramic views unfolding as you ascend over the forested valley and towards the majestic Pyrenean peaks. Instagram

While generally a smooth ride, some visitors have noted it can be a bit daunting if you're afraid of heights. Reddit Occasionally, the chairlift may pause to allow for safe boarding or disembarking, particularly when many people are using it. Reddit It's advisable to check its operational status, as it's weather-dependent and may close during adverse conditions. Instagram The cost is reasonable and often considered well worth the convenience and the spectacular views it provides.

Seasonal Beauty and Activities

Pont d'Espagne and Lac de Gaube offer distinct beauty throughout the year. In summer, the landscape is lush and vibrant, perfect for hiking and enjoying the alpine air. TikTok The waterfalls are at their most powerful, and the lake is a serene spot for a picnic. TikTok However, summer can also mean larger crowds, so early mornings are recommended. Reddit

During autumn, the foliage transforms the mountains into a tapestry of reds and golds, offering a quieter, more colorful experience. Instagram Winter brings a magical transformation, with snow blanketing the landscape, turning the area into a winter wonderland. TikTok While hiking might be limited to snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, the serene, snow-covered scenery is breathtaking. TikTok Spring sees the snow melt, revealing the awakening landscape and the return of the vibrant green hues, with waterfalls often at their peak flow. TikTok

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