Cauterets Valleys and Great Cirques : in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park

Beginning of your stay in Cauterets.  Situated at 950m altitude, Cauterets has an authentic, Pyrenean mountain charm and is well known for its thermal spas. Time to discover and enjoy the town. It is also possible to go hiking.
Le chemin des Cascades
A beautiful hike enlivened by the bubbling waterfalls of the Gave du Jéret, on a pleasant trail that takes you from Cauterets to the Pont d'Espagne. You'll discover 6 magnificent waterfalls along the way. Overnight in Cauterets.
Distance : 7.5km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +750m, descent : -200m 

At 8am short transfer to the Pont d’Espagne. Discover the sumptuous Gaube valley and its mountain lake nestled in the heart of landscapes of great purity. After the Gaube lake, an easy itinerary will lead you to the Oulettes de Gaube site with its guarded refuge, at the foot of the imposing and magnificent north face of Vignemale (3298m). Return by the same itinerary to the Pont d'Espagne. At 5pm, return to Cauterets by public shuttle. Night in Cauterets.

Distance : 16,5km, duration : around 5h45, altitude gain : +700m, descent : -700m

At 8am short transfer to the Pont d’Espagne. Still in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, this hike takes you to the neighbouring Gaube valley : the Marcadau valley. A superb loop itinerary will allow you to discover many beautiful turquoise lakes at an altitude of more than 2400m: Embarrat, Pourtet, Nère lakes... Then you will descend towards the Wallon guarded refuge on the banks of the Gave du Marcadau, which you will have to follow until you reach the Pont d'Espagne through forests and waterfalls. Possibility of an easier round trip in the valley. At 5pm, return to Cauterets by public shuttle. Night in Cauterets.
Distance : 20km, duration : around 7h, altitude gain : +1000m, descent : -1000m OR Distance : 15,5km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +450, descent : -450m (round trip itinerary).

At 8am, transfer from Cauterets to Plateau du Maillet. This day's hike is devoted to crossing the cirque de Troumouse. From the Maillet plateau, you climb up to a large plateau in the heart of this vast and magnificent cirque, with its high walls culminating at over 3000m. Then, along a path above the valley, you descend to the charming hamlet of Heas, before climbing back up to your accommodation. Night in Plateau du Maillet.
Distance : 13.5km, duration : around 5h30, altitude gain : +750m, descent : -750m.

From the cirque de Troumouse, the route first reaches the Lac des Gloriettes. Then, in the heart of high-altitude meadows inhabited by marmots and numerous herds, you'll reach the heights of the cirque d'Estaubé up to the superb Hourquette d'Alans lookout (2430m) with a beautiful view of the Gavarnie cirque, the Vignemale and the Ossoue glacier. The descent to the village of Gavarnie is then made via the Espuguettes refuge, again with superb views of the Gavarnie cirque. In bad weather or at the beginning of the season (if late snow on the route), or simply if you find the main route too difficult, a variant is possible.
Distance : 18.5km, duration : about 7h, altitude gain : +850m, descent : -1300m. OR Distance : 17.5km, duration : about 6h, altitude gain : +500m, descent : -950m (variant)

Discovery of the Gavarnie cirque first of all by the Bellevue plateau, allowing to admire the walls of the cirque in all its mineral immensity, astonishing and impressive natural limestone amphitheater, world famous. You will then reach the heart of the cirque and make a short round trip to the foot of the Gavarnie waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe (423m). From the latter, return quietly to the village by the path of the cirque. Night in Gavarnie.
Distance : 12km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +750m, descent : -750m

End of your stay in Gavarnie, after breakfast. Return to Cauterets or Lourdes train station by bus (see “Practical information” section) or taxi (see extra prices).
Possibility of a final short loop hike to the Tési belvedere, to enjoy your last moments in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Distance : 7km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +450m, descent : -450m