Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Parking du Puntas at the Pont d'Espagne, above Cauterets, walk up to the old bridge and the waterfalls where two torrents meet. The path climbs south through pine forest beside the Gave de Gaube to Lac de Gaube, at about 1,725 m, where the Hôtellerie du Lac stands on the shore. At the head of the valley rises the Vignemale, the highest summit of the French Pyrenees. Return the same way.
It is 5.3 km there and back with 264 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: a good, well-used forest path with a steady climb.
The lake is in the core of the Parc national des Pyrénées: dogs are not allowed on foot, even on a lead, and swimming in the lakes is banned. The gondola and chairlift that run towards the lake in summer closed on 27 September 2026 and are due to reopen for the winter on 19 December. In winter the site is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the road can close in snow.
The pay car park at the Pont d'Espagne cost 8 euros a car in summer 2026. In summer and winter a shuttle bus runs from Cauterets.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Lac de Gaube, at about 1,725 m, looks south up the valley to the Vignemale, the highest summit of the French Pyrenees
- The path climbs through pine forest from the Pont d'Espagne waterfalls; in summer a gondola and chairlift also run towards the lake
- The lake is in the core of the Parc national des Pyrénées: dogs are not allowed on foot, even on a lead, and swimming in the lakes is banned
- The Parking du Puntas at the Pont d'Espagne cost 8 euros a car in 2026
Getting there
Start: Parking du Puntas. 42.85241, -0.13504
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Pyrenees: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
