Pont d'Espagne is a spectacular waterfall confluence in the Hautes-Pyrénées near Cauterets, from which a cable car or 2-hour trail leads to the pristine Lac de Gaube at 1,730 m altitude. The mountain lake reflects the snow-capped peaks of Vignemale (3,298 m), the highest peak in the French Pyrenees, in its mirror-still waters. This is one of the most iconic and accessible mountain landscapes in the entire Pyrenees.
Pont d'Espagne and Lac de Gaube form one of the most iconic mountain landscapes in the French Pyrenees, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of Occitanie within the Parc National des Pyrénées, a short drive from the spa town of Cauterets. Pont d'Espagne — 'the Spanish Bridge' — is a historic stone bridge at 1,500 m altitude spanning a spectacular confluence of glacial torrents in a setting of pine forest and tumbling white water. From here, the cirque landscape opens upward dramatically. A telepherique (cable car) operates from April through October, carrying visitors from the bridge area up to 1,860 m; alternatively, a well-marked 5 km path climbs steadily through high mountain terrain to Lac de Gaube at 1,730 m. The lake is the centrepiece of the experience: its still, deep blue-green water reflects the ice-capped summit of Vignemale (3,298 m), the highest peak in the French Pyrenees, in near-perfect symmetry on calm mornings. The lake shore has a simple mountain refuge-restaurant serving warming dishes. Beyond the lake, more experienced walkers can continue toward the Oulettes de Gaube refuge (2,151 m) for increasingly grand views of the Vignemale glacier. The area is prime Pyrenean wildlife territory: the forests around Pont d'Espagne shelter roe deer and izards (Pyrenean chamois), while golden eagles regularly ride the thermals above the lake. The full round trip from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube takes two to three hours on foot; the cable car reduces this to 90 minutes return.
Good to know
- Hours
- Cable car: 9AM–6PM (July–Sept)
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- hikers, nature lovers, photographers
Location
Pont d'Espagne, 65110 Cauterets, France
42.8556, -0.0889 View on map
Highlights
- Lac de Gaube: high mountain lake perfectly reflecting the Vignemale glacier (3,298 m) on calm mornings
- Pont d'Espagne: spectacular waterfall confluence bridge at 1,500 m in dense Pyrenean forest
- Cable car from Pont d'Espagne to 1,860 m — accessible mountain landscape for all fitness levels
- Pyrenean wildlife: izards, roe deer, and golden eagles throughout the Parc National des Pyrénées
- Continuation to Oulettes de Gaube refuge (2,151 m) for glacier views — for fit walkers
Tips for visiting
- Take the télésiège (chairlift) to skip the first climb, then walk to the lake
- July offers wildflowers and snowmelt cascades at their peak
When to visit
July and early August offer the most spectacular combination of wildflowers, maximum snowmelt waterfalls at Pont d'Espagne, and stable mountain weather for Lac de Gaube reflections. Mornings are essential for the lake reflection before afternoon winds break the surface. September is quieter with golden larch colours.
Accessibility
The Pont d'Espagne bridge and surrounding lower forest trails are accessible on flat ground from the car park. The cable car is wheelchair-accessible and reaches 1,860 m. The path to Lac de Gaube from the cable car upper station is unpaved mountain terrain and not suitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to hike to reach Lac de Gaube?
Not entirely — the cable car (telepherique) from Pont d'Espagne reduces the elevation gain significantly, leaving a 2 km walk to the lake. The full hike from Pont d'Espagne to the lake takes about 90 minutes one way.
When is the cable car at Pont d'Espagne operational?
The telepherique typically operates from late April through October, weather permitting. Exact dates vary by season; checking current operating hours before visiting in shoulder months is advisable.
Is Lac de Gaube suitable for families with children?
Yes — the cable car makes the mountain lake accessible to families with children who are not experienced hikers. The lake shore is flat and the simple restaurant at the lake provides hot food and drinks.