Where to Go in France for Walking? I Followed a Stunning Route in the Pyrenees Near Cauterets
This was my second time hiking in the Pyrenees, but the first from the French side — and it changed everything.
Instead of starting in Spain’s Vielha, I crossed into France and based myself in Cauterets. From there, I picked up a portion of the GR10, a classic Pyrenees trail that winds across the range. I didn’t do the whole thing — just a few segments, but they were unforgettable.
Segment One: Waterfalls and Ferns
The route began from La Raillère, climbing gently toward the Pont d’Espagne. This section is called the chemin de cascade — waterfall path — and it lives up to the name. Dozens of falls rush down mossy walls, some wide and roaring, others just ribbons of white noise in the trees.
It was shaded, cool, and surprisingly quiet. The kind of path where the ground feels soft, the air feels washed, and your mind doesn’t wander far.
Segment Two: The Lake That Stops You
From the Pont d’Espagne, I continued up toward Lac de Gaube. The lake sits at about 1,700m, and when the sun hits it, the water turns that impossible alpine blue that makes people fall silent.
I stayed here for a while — had a snack, listened to boots scraping on stone, let my legs cool off. Everything I needed fit into my 20L hiking backpack — lunch, layers, my camera, and a drybag for shoes. It was one of those moments where the gear disappears and the view takes over.
Segment Three: Climbing Toward the Refuge
Past the lake, the trail climbs again — gradually, but with a shift in tone. The trees thin. The rocks get wilder. You walk through alpine meadows with grass so bright it hurts your eyes. Then stone, then scree, then snow in the distance.
I pushed on toward Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube, a small mountain hut tucked below glacier views. The sky felt thinner. So did my breath. I didn’t stay overnight, but I rested nearby, close enough to feel the cold edge of the snowline.
Why This Route Works
There are wilder trails. There are higher peaks. But this stretch of the French Pyrenees hiking trail felt generous. The landscape shifted every hour. Waterfalls, forests, alpine lakes, snow-touched peaks — it was all there, in one steady climb.
Logistics helped, too. The Cauterets area is easy to reach by bus (line 965 from Lourdes), and there are simple places to stay the night for less than €10. Bathrooms, food, and trailheads are all nearby. You can hike just one section or combine several over a few days. I liked that flexibility.
And with a waterproof backpack for hiking, I didn’t worry about afternoon storms — just walked, stopped, and walked again.
🎒Pack used: 20L Waterproof Hiking Backpack – light, sturdy, ready for climbs and splash zones
