Culture and sightseeing
Villages
35 minutes away :
- The little villages of Val d'Azun including Arrens-Marsous, Aucun and Arcizans-Dessus : pretty villages with an authentic mountain charm of houses built in the local stone.
- Luz Saint-Sauveur : stroll around the little streets that lead to the amazing fortified church in this bustling little thermal spa town.
Churches and abbeys
16 minutes away :
- Saint Savin Abbey : dating from the 12th century, it adds to the charm of Saint Savin, a village with a magnificent panorama over the Argelès-Gazost Valley.
Markets
20 minutes :
- Argelès-Gazost market (Tuesday mornings all year round) : all the specialities of the Pyrenees in this market that takes up all of the pretty upper town of Argelès-Gazost.
Animal shows
20 minutes away :
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Le Donjon des Aigles, Beaucens : for the beautiful setting (the medieval Château de Beaucens) and the amazing show featuring several species of birds of prey. Tél. 05 62 97 19 59 – www.donjon-des-aigles.com
Other Top Tourist Destinations in Occitania / Pyrenees-Mediterranean
35 minutes away :
45 minutes away :
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Le Pic du Midi, at an altitude of 2,877 m : astronomical observatory, museum of astronomy and terraces with panoramic views of the entire Pyrenean mountain range. http://picdumidi.com/
50 minutes away :
Outdoor attractions
Waterfalls
10 minutes away :
- The road between Cauterets and the Pont d'Espagne is full of views of the waterfalls for which the area is famous. They are particularly spectacular in the spring.
Lakes
40 minutes away :
- The Lac de Gaube, 1,725 m : one of the Pyrenees' most famous mountain lakes. Getting there: by chairlift from the Pont d’Espagne site followed by an approximately 15-minute walk along the footpath leading to this crystal-clear lake.
Valleys
12 minutes away :
- The cirque du Lys : a small hanging corrie west of Cauterets surrounded by peaks rising to over 2,000 m. Getting there: from the centre of Cauterets in the Lys gondola lift then the Grand Barbat chairlift.
20 minutes away :
- The Lutour Valley : Alpine meadows, a jumble of huge boulders, the Tourbillons du Gave rapids and banks of bright azaleas in spring all make this valley a miracle of nature. Getting there: ascending towards the Pont d’Espagne from Cauterets, turn off to La Fruitière.
Outdoor activities
Walking
From Cauterets :
- The Sentier des Cascades : starting from the square by the Mairie (town hall) in Cauterets, this walk lasting 4½ hours there and back and suitable for everyone climbs up to the Pont d’Espagne with views of some of the Pyrenees' most beautiful waterfalls along the way.
Via ferrata
5 minutes away :
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Via ferrata des Allias : located just outside Cauterets, this has two routes, one of which is suitable for everyone, including children. It is 250 m long and takes about 1½ hours to complete. Tél. 06 80 96 17 32 -
www.guide-aventure.pro
Fauna and flora spotting
In the area around the Pont d'Espagne:
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Guided trips with Cauterets Bureau des Guides : the perfect way to get close to the wealth of flora and fauna in the Pyrenees National Park. Tél. 06 45 64 57 61 – www.guides-cauterets.com
Skiing and winter sports
Above Cauterets :
- Two ski areas : Cirque du Lys (alpine skiing and snowboarding) and Pont d’Espagne (cross-country skiing and snowshoeing).