The 5 best walks at Lac de Gaube

Take advantage of your stay in the Pyrenees to hike around Lac de Gaube. If you’d like to discover the best routes, follow our guide!

Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, near Cauterets, Lac de Gaube is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Pyrenees! It’s nestled in the midst of steep, verdant peaks. In this mountainous setting, its limpid waters with their turquoise reflections form a peaceful expanse. In the background, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the neighboring peaks…

This little mid-mountain paradise is also very easy to get to. Indeed, the most popular hiking route is suitable for all walkers. But for the more experienced hiker or wilderness enthusiast, there are plenty of side roads too!

Here are 5 hikes near Lac de Gaube that we warmly recommend.

1. Lac de Gaube via the Pont d’Espagne bridge

Photo credit : Alltrails

This trail is undoubtedly the most popular way to discover Lac de Gaube. In fact, it’s very popular in summer! It has the advantage of being very accessible, both in terms of distance and difficulty. And it offers superb scenery, culminating in the lake itself.

The hike starts at the Pont d’Espagne, a small stone bridge spanning a lively torrent. The path you take never strays far from the torrent, allowing you to admire its beautiful waterfalls. You then gradually descend into a beautiful, steep-sided valley.

Finally, you come to the highlight of the show, the lake. Superb in summer, it takes on an air of mystery in winter. The crowds are more discreet and a fine blanket of snow settles over the valley. Although the path is often accessible in winter, don’t forget to ask around to avoid disappointment, and make sure your car is properly equipped!

2. From Pont d’Espagne to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge

Photo credit : Alltrails

This is a longer, and therefore richer, variant of the previous itinerary. Note that it’s a little more athletic and sometimes requires you to venture into more delicate rocky passages. From the Pont d’Espagne, take the same route to the lake as before. But once you’ve reached the lake, you’ll continue on your way, away from the crowds.

You’ll start by skirting the lake to the right, making the most of this magical place. You’ll then continue on to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, in the heart of the splendidly peaceful mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots!

After admiring the Darré Splumouse waterfall, you finally arrive at the refuge, at the foot of a large glacier. Here you can admire the famous Vignemale peak, before turning back.

3. The Gaube, Aratille and Marcadau valleys

Photo credit : Alltrails

This hike will give you a superb overview of the region. However, its length and difference in altitude mean it’s best suited to seasoned hikers and early risers! Unless you choose to spend the night in a refuge at Oulettes de Gaube, or to split the hike into two nights in a bivouac. Up to the refuge, the itinerary corresponds to that of the previous hike we presented.

Then it’s on to the Col des Mulets, the Col d’Arratille and Lac d’Arratille, the Refuge Wallon-Marcadau and the Pont d’Estalounquet. Along the way, of course, you’ll enjoy a multitude of breathtaking mountain panoramas. Some sections, such as the ascent of the Col des Mulets, are quite demanding, but the views more than reward courageous walkers!

Last but not least, it would be no surprise to meet some of the local marmots and isards along the way.

4. Lac d’Ilhéou, Lacs de l’Embarrat, Lac de Gaube, Lac d’Estom

Photo credit : Alltrails

Sports enthusiasts and lake lovers? This is the hike for you! In fact, this trek combines 4 magnificent lakes in various shades of blue around Cauterets. You’ll also pass rivers and waterfalls, which will keep you refreshed if you do this hike under the scorching summer sun!

These hikes vary in length and difficulty, but all have the superb Lac de Gaube in common. So, whatever your level of hiking ability and the time you have available, you’re sure to find something to suit you!

5. Oulettes de Gaube refuge – Estom lake and refuge

Photo credit : Alltrails

However, if you’ve already done the rounds of these hikes, if you know Lac de Gaube inside and out and it holds no secrets for you… We recommend this hike, located near Cauterets, south of Lac de Gaube!

This year-round trail follows a lovely river. Rated as medium-difficulty, it’s more accessible than most of the hikes we’ve presented. Dogs are welcome on a leash!