I just came back from another unforgettable weekend in the French Pyrenees, and I’m still dreaming about pine-scented trails, glacier lakes, and those sweeping mountain views that make your whole body slow down.

I am not a hiking pro, but I start having some experience in France and other european countries. 

I can confidently say the Pyréenes offer some of the most spectacular day hiking in Europe—and today I want to share my absolute favorite.

If you’re searching for the best day hikes in the Pyrenees, the Pont d’Espagne to Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube trail should be at the top of your list.

It definitely is on mine.

This full-day hike gives you everything that makes the Pyrenees unforgettable. Waterfalls, glacier lakes, open valleys—and no crowds once you pass the lake. But the best part? It’s all after that.

Most people stop too soon.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth skipping the chairlift and taking the full trail on foot—my answer is 100% yes. 

Here’s everything you need to know about one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Pyrenees.

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Why This is Among the Best Day Hikes in the Pyrenees

When people ask me about hiking the Pyrenees, this trail is always my first recommendation.

It perfectly showcases why the French Pyrenees deserve a spot on every hiker’s bucket list.

This trail shows you two Pyrenees in one: the crowded, accessible beauty of Lac de Gaube—and the serene, wild terrain above it that so few visitors experience.

It’s this contrast that makes it stand out among all the day hikes in the Pyrenees I’ve explored.

The hike starts from Pont d’Espagne, one of the most popular spots in the area, known for its wooden bridges and cascading waterfalls.

While many visitors take the chairlift up to Lac de Gaube, the real beauty begins if you continue past the lake.

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What Makes This Trail Special for Pyrenees Hiking

Finding the perfect balance between accessibility and wilderness is rare.

This hike actually delivers both, which means it can be made if you’re new to hiking the Pyrenees or if you’re a seasoned mountain enthusiast.

The Unique Experience:

• Diverse terrain: Waterfall viewpoints, alpine lakes, glacial valleys, and high-altitude refuge
• Crowd dynamics: Busy at the start, completely peaceful in the upper sections
• Photographic opportunities: Every turn offers postcard-worthy views
• Cultural immersion: Traditional Pyrenean mountain refuge experience
• Flexibility: Optional chairlift allows you to customize difficulty

What sets this apart from other day hikes in the Pyrenees is the dramatic transformation as you climb higher.

You literally hike from tourist destination to wilderness in a single day.

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Who is This Day Hike Best For

This is not a beginner trail—but it’s also not extreme.

If you’re moderately fit, used to walking for several hours, and want to escape the crowds, you’ll love it.

• Best for: Hikers, nature photographers, peace seekers
  
• Not ideal for: Small children, people with limited mobility
  
• Tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks. There are no cafés after Lac de Gaube.

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How to get there

If you don’t stay in the area and don’t drive, there is a tour option from Lourdes town. If you’re travelling the Basque Country without car, there is a private tour starting from Biarritz that can get you here. These tours will give you a glimpse of the area but you will not have time to do the entire hike.

The easiest way to get there is by car. There is a huge parking at the entrance, called Parking du Puntas.

But as much as it’s huge, it fills up extremly fast in summer. Be there by 10 AM if you wish to secure a spot.

The road that leads there is a mountain road, which makes it impossible to park somewhere else if the parking is full.

As a solution for those who are late or those who are not driving, there’s a transfer bus from Cauterets to the starting point of the hike.

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Complete Hike Breakdown: Your Pyrenees Adventure Step-by-Step

Pont d’Espagne – Your Gateway to Pyrenees Hiking

This scenic starting point is known for its gushing waterfalls and picture-perfect bridge over the Gave river. 

What to expect:

• Large parking area (€8/day) – arrive early on weekends and in august as it fills quickly
• There is a café stop (the terrace has a view over the waterfall) and facilities for last-minute supplies
• Well-marked trailheads and information boards
• Spectacular waterfall views right from the start

This is where you will have to decide if you take the chairlift or not.

If you don’t take it, you will have to pass the stone bridge (Pont d’Espagne) and start the hike on the other side.

You can hike up or take the chairlift, which saves you ~1 hour.

We did the full hike up and only took the chairlift down—honestly, the trail is steep and rocky but shaded by pine trees, and the first glimpse of the lake is worth every step.

The Climb to Lac de Gaube

The initial trail climbs steadily through dense pine forests, offering glimpses of the dramatic peaks ahead.

Even this first section will make you remember hiking the Pyrenees, even if it’s not as impressive as the last part of this hike.

The trail is steep and rocky but beautifully shaded by ancient pine trees. It takes around one hour, most of which consist of climbing.

I still consider it to be an easy climb. During our walk we saw a lot of kids doing it.

This part is very crowded, especially during the holiday season, and that’s because it’s pretty easy to make it.

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A stop at Lac de Gaube

After just one hour, you’ll have your first stop: the famous Gaube lake.

Lac de Gaube itself is stunning, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Expect glacier-blue waters backed by the snow-capped Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees.

There’s a small restaurant/snack bar here.

Lac de Gaube highlights:

• Stunning glacier-fed lake with incredible blue-green color (no filter here)
• Dramatic backdrop of Vignemale peak and surrounding glaciers (but we’ll get there too!)
• Small restaurant/snack bar for refreshments (even though I recommend bringing a picnic)
• Usually busy, but magical in early morning light or late afternoon
• Perfect spot for photos and a rest before the real adventure begins

Important note: Most people stop here. But the best part is still ahead.

The lake is stunning, no question about it—but don’t expect peace and quiet.

It’s one of the most visited spots in the area, especially midday.

There’s a small restaurant right by the lake with a terrace and glacier views.

The setting is perfect, but don’t expect warm service—we found the staff a bit cold, even impatient at times. It’s also not cheap: a Coca-Cola was €4 , a beer was around €7-9. You can see the prices in the menu.

Even though we brought sandwiches for a calm picnic, we here stopped twice.

Had smoothies on the way up (I had one with orange, carrot, ginger, and apple that was surprisingly amazing) and drinks on the way back.

A beer and another Coke helped us reset after the long hike.

It’s a convenient stop, especially if you didn’t bring a full picnic.

Just know it gets packed, and getting a table on the terrace isn’t always easy. Try to come early or expect to wait.

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Post-Lake Serenity

Once you pass the lake, the trail gets dramatically quieter.

The crowds disappear almost instantly, and you enter what feels like a secret world.

This is where the hike transforms from “popular day hike” to “hidden gem of Pyrenees hiking.”

 You follow a scenic alpine valley with waterfalls tumbling down all around you.

The air feels different here—cleaner, quieter, more alive.

Expect to cross small wooden bridges, walk along ridges, and stop constantly to admire the view. You will also have a view over the lake from the top, which only makes its color popping up even more.

We passed some people bathing, although I’m not sure this is allowed. I didn’t find anything exact on the subject, so if you have the information, please let me know in the comments.

Either way, the water is ice-cold! I put a hand in, to check it out, and I can not understand how those people dare to go in!

/se

The vignemale glacier – The Reason why you are did this day hike in the first place

After crossing a wide plateau and one last crashing waterfall, you finally reach the view that makes the entire hike worth it.

The Vignemale glacier rises right in front of you—massive, imposing, and unforgettable.

It’s the highest peak on the French side of the Pyrenees, and up close, it feels even more powerful.

You’re completely surrounded by cliffs, and the scale of it all is hard to put into words.

The Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube is right there, simple and practical.

We stopped for a long break, eating, resting, just watching the glacier shift under the clouds.

What makes the refuge special:

• Spectacular glacier views and high-alpine atmosphere
• Opportunity for overnight stays (advance booking recommended)
• Traditional Pyrenean mountain architecture and hospitality
• Perfect picnic spot with unforgettable scenery
• Starting point for more advanced glacier approaches

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Essential Tips for Hiking the Pyrenees Successfully

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Why This Deserves a Spot on Your Pyrenees Hiking List

Is This Hike Worth It? Absolutely.

I’ve done a lot of trails across the mountains, but I consider this one to be within my top 5. 

It has everything—lakes, waterfalls, silence, glacier views.

The kind of hike that reminds you why you love the mountains in the first place.

It’s tough, but not too tough.

Wild, but still doable in a day.

And the reward at the end? Worth every step.

If you only have time for one hike in the Pyrenees, let it be this one.

And if you’re tired on the way down—take the chairlift.

You’ve earned it.

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What to See or Do Around This Hike?

If you’re planning to stay in the area for a bit longer, there’s plenty to see beyond this trail.

You’re right by Cauterets, a charming mountain town with Belle Époque architecture, thermal spas, and some great food spots. 

Close by, you also have Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO-listed natural amphitheater that’s just as impressive as it sounds—especially if you take the quieter trail on the left side of the river.

Lac des Gloriettes is another stunning stop, only a short drive away. It’s quieter, dramatic in altitude, and great for a shorter hike or picnic.

If you’re making a longer trip out of this, I’ve written a full 3-day itinerary in the French Pyrenees that includes all these spots and more.

You can also check out my Toulouse travel guide if you’re coming from there or want to add a city stop to your trip.