The village of Cauterets is a living testament to the Belle Epoque, at the end of the 19th century when all of Paris came to "take the waters"
in the Pyrenees, to admire the romantic beauty of the mountains, but also to be seen in its finest finery!
Because we appreciate a place even more when we know its history, take a few hours to discover the village, its beautiful streets lined with opulent buildings, its large squares inviting you to stroll and live well...
A true architectural gem, it will delight your eyes and your heart. In Cauterets, History is everywhere!

“The place to be” … in the 19th century, the worldly atmosphere of an upmarket spa village,

The thermal virtues of the waters of Cauterets were already renowned in Paris during the First Empire: in the early 1800s, Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland and Queen Hortense came to bathe there.

This renown among a wealthy clientele continued to grow throughout the 19th century; it persisted into the early 20th century while many other seaside resorts declined. For over a century, countless personalities—crowned heads, artists, writers, politicians—stayed there: George Sand, Alfred de Vigny, Chateaubriand, the Duke of Aumale, Victor Hugo, Thiers, Taine, Napoleon III and Eugénie, Gabriel Fauré, Alphonse XIII, Edward VII, Sarah Bernhardt, Maurice Chevalier, Edgar Degas, Léon Blum, Louis Berliot…

The entertainment hub: the Esplanade des Œufs

This large square was the focal point of fashionable Cauterets at the time – the place to see and be seen! Built in 1864, it owes its strange name to the sulfurous smell given off by the thermal waters.

It is from this magnificent esplanade, extended by a charming public garden, that one can best admire the architectural elegance of Cauterets, the contrast between the 19th-century style urbanism and the natural setting of the surrounding peaks.

The surrounding buildings bear witness to the leisure activities that occupied the wealthy clientele of yesteryear: the old Casino (now a cinema) where shows were performed, the bandstand where concerts took place, a magnificent promenade under Eiffel-style arcades whose dome comes from the 1900 Universal Exhibition, and finally a hotel, the very first one built in Cauterets: the Hôtel de Promenade which later became the Hôtel Regina.

Monumental hotels and mansions

The scene of the famous flower festivals in the Pyrenean resorts at the end of the 19th century, Boulevard Latapie Flurin - depicted on this old postcard - is home to the most luxurious and monumental buildings in Cauterets. Their comfort was cutting-edge for the time: hydraulic elevators, running water on all floors, central heating, opulent lounges, smoking rooms, etc.

Starting from the Esplanade des Œufs, the first thing you'll see is the Hôtel d'Angleterre. Opened in 1878, it was one of the largest hotels in the Pyrenees, with 300 rooms, a vast hall beneath sumptuous chandeliers, and a grand dome. Today, it's a private residence. Its Louis XV-style restaurant, built a little later in 1900, now houses the Musée 1900, which displays clothing, utensils, and tableware from that era.

Further along, the Grand Hotel Continental – also immense with over 200 rooms – is an architectural marvel. Inaugurated in 1882, it was designed like an Italian palace with an inner courtyard, a façade adorned with caryatids and sculpted heads – said to represent famous women of the time. It has since been converted into apartments.

Further on, going up Avenue du Mamelon Vert after the blue chalet, you can admire two beautiful houses, called Flurin houses because they were built by this family at the end of the 19th century: the Chalet des Frênes, with its bricks and red woodwork, and Castelgayard, in Angoulême stone, inspired by the Château de Pau. Over several generations, the Flurin family contributed to the economic development of the city by developing thermal medicine in particular. This is still the case today thanks to beekeeping, supported by the Ballot-Flurin house founded in 1976 by Catherine Flurin, and whose shop is located a little further up Avenue du Mamelon Vert. 

An izba in Cauterets: the Chalet Galitzine, or blue chalet

Just near the Esplanade, in the bend that goes up to the Pont d'Espagne, your attention is drawn to a strange blue chalet, of Slavic inspiration, with a crazy charm although strange in a Pyrenean village!

It was in 1840 that the Russian princess Galitzine bought a plot of land on the left bank of the Gave, which was devoid of any buildings. The princess had a group of buildings constructed there, including an izba, extended by another house adorned with an Orthodox chapel and a four-story tower with a pepperpot roof.

The entire complex was connected to the Blue Chalet by walkways, which have since been removed. Legend has it that the princess would receive her lovers on each floor of the tower, who would then reach the villa via these walkways, ensuring they never crossed paths!

The construction of the Hôtel d'Angleterre a few years later, by blocking the view over the valley, finally led the princess to sell her property. She never returned.

The train station: a Norwegian mountain atmosphere

This building, one of the oldest in the city, is very striking due to its atypical mountain appearance reminiscent of a western set.

This is a reproduction of the Norwegian pavilion from the 1889 World's Fair , transferred and built identically in early 1900 – in kit form and in just two months! – a real feat given the size of the building.

The reason was that it was necessary to transport the increasing number of spa-goers to the thermal baths, which were then located near the Pont d'Espagne. This station welcomed the first electric train in France, a rack railway which slowly carried them to their treatments….

This station has retained its beautiful green metal framework and stone porch, and a canopy where there is a clock that has been working ever since it was created.

Closed in 1949, it now houses the offices of the bus station and a theatre. The building has been listed as a Historical Monument since 1981.

Caesar's Baths

We conclude this visit with these historic thermal baths, built in several stages during the 19th century. Their architecture incorporates the marble and column elements of Roman architecture . On the site of the Baths of the Rock, there once stood the baths building dedicated to children, whose original facade has been preserved.

This is an opportunity to look back at the history of thermalism in Cauterets, which began well before this golden age.

From the 12th century onwards, Cauterets was renowned for its hot springs , whose baths were developed by monks. Its waters were famous for treating sciatica, ulcers, gout and even deafness.

It was in the 16th century that this reputation grew, and this - already - thanks to the influence of a personality: Marguerite de Navarre, who stayed there frequently from 1541 to 1549.

In 1605, the King established a general superintendency for the baths and fountains of the kingdom. Several physicians, superintendents of the waters , then succeeded one another, studying the thermal properties of the waters of Cauterets.
It was in 1714 that Jean-François Borie wrote the first work, "The Research of the Mineral Waters of Cauterets with the Method of Using Them."

While the quality of Cauterets' waters is renowned, their supply leaves much to be desired. Work on conveying them via canals began in 1800, but it wasn't until the mid-19th century, thanks to the mastery of spring capture techniques , that their waters finally reached the thermal baths without losing their therapeutic qualities.

Chalet La Source is waiting to help you organize your stay and fully enjoy this magnificent village. Don't hesitate to get in touch!

As you explore, come and appreciate the magnificent natural sites and charming villages of the Gavarnie valleys. Often perched on breathtaking viewpoints, they will allow you to savor the beauty of nature even more, while discovering a rich history spanning several centuries. Don't leave without visiting them!

1 - The legacy of Saint-Savin, patron saint of the Lavedan valley

The starting point for numerous walks and hikes, the village of Saint-Savin, 13 km from Cauterets, is a major site of Pyrenean heritage. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of the Lavedan, it offers an incomparable view over the Gave de Pau valley. The village square alone is worth a visit, with its famous fountain and half-timbered houses .

The 12th century church, in the shape of a Latin cross, in Romanesque style, bears witness to its monastic past, notably through the tomb of Saint Savin (high altar), the magnificent organ, one of the oldest in France, or the statues of the Virgin kept in its Museum-Treasury.

Set apart from the village on a rocky promontory stands the chapel of Notre-Dame de Piétat , erected on the site where, in the 5th century, the hermit Savin , a Catalan monk whose only dwelling was a hole carved into the rock, lived. Saint Savin evangelized the Lavedan valley, where he performed several miracles and became the patron saint of the valley.

Built and then transformed between the 11th and 17th centuries, the chapel served as the headquarters of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Piety until the French Revolution. Having fallen into ruin, it was finally restored in the 19th century. Along with Lamarque-Pontacq and Barbazan-Debat, it is one of the three Notre-Dame-de-Piétat chapels in the Hautes-Pyrénées.

And if you wish to end your visit to Saint Savin on a gastronomic note, book a table at the Viscos hotel-restaurant, a more than century old establishment where the Saint-Martin family welcomes you, for refined cuisine made with local produce.

2 - Our Lady of Pouey-Laün, golden chapel guardian of the Val d'Azun

This large chapel with its domed bell tower overlooks the village of Arrens-Marsous, at the foot of the Col de Soulor. The Mont de La Source on which it is built, at an altitude of 930m, was the site of an oppidum, an ancient fortified Roman village.

In contrast to the rustic nature of Saint Savin, the Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün chapel is all about ornamentation: sculpted reliefs, fine gold gilding, a starry blue vault, a baroque altarpiece…

Adjoining the chapel, a hospice welcomed pilgrims on their way to the Spanish shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, or to Santiago de Compostela. Today, only the door lintel with the Solomon's knot and the year 1590 remains, which can also be found in the wall surrounding the church of Arrens.

As you walk up the path to Pouey-Laün, you will pass the small chapel of Saint-Roch , named after the patron saint, protector and healer of contagious diseases. It has a lintel dated 1753.

The village of Arrens-Marsous , once a center for flax and hemp cultivation, has remained remarkably authentic, with its old houses, wash houses and fountains, and ancient stone bridges. Don't miss the fortified church of Saint-Pierre d'Arrens, with its crenellated walls and quadrangular bell tower (a listed historical monument).

Also visit the Valley and National Park House , which hosts a permanent exhibition on the fauna and flora of the National Park, as well as on the economic activities of these mountain territories, and works by artists and craftsmen from the region.

A little wink: in front of the Maison du Val d'Azun stands a large marble bear from Arudy, which will remind you of our mascot from Chalet La Source, the little bear Jean ... And for good reason, it was sculpted by the same artist, Jean-Jacques Abdallah , just like the Saint Martin of Gaillagos, the ram and bull of Arras-en-Lavedan, or the eagle of Cauterets.

3 - Gavarnie: Meeting the Knights of Malta and the Pyrenean Mountaineers

The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction: a unique site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural landscapes, a glacial cirque reaching an altitude of 3000 meters.

At its heart lies one of the highest waterfalls in Europe , and the famous "Breach of Roland" towards Spain. Legend says it was created by the knight Roland when he tried to break his sword there…

Less spectacular but steeped in history, the Notre-Dame du Bon Port church in the village of Gavarnie is a must-see.

Located on one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela, this church was, in the 12th century, a hospice for the Knights Templar or Knights of St. John of Jerusalem , intended to assist pilgrims and travelers passing through the port of Boucharo. Enlarged in the 14th century, it then took the name Notre-Dame du Bon Port (Our Lady of the Good Port). It houses 15th-century furniture, remarkable statues, and vestiges from the medieval period. As a reminder of its origins, in a display case at the back of the church, near the confessional, are exhibited the skulls of 12 Knights of Malta, or "Templars"...

Famous Pyrenean mountaineers are buried or honored with commemorative plaques in the cemetery next to the church. Writers, guides, illustrious climbers...
Pyreneism was coined by the writer Henri Beraldi in 1898: "The ideal of the Pyrenean mountaineer is to know how to climb, write, and feel. If he writes without climbing, he can do nothing. If he climbs without writing, he leaves nothing. If, upon climbing, he reports dryly, he leaves nothing but a document, which may, admittedly, be of great interest. If—rare indeed—he climbs, writes, and feels, if, in short, he is the painter of a special nature, the painter of the mountain, he leaves a true, admirable book."

A philosophy of the mountains later magnified by great names such as Russell, de Carbonnières, Musset, Maupassant, Baudelaire, and Hugo.
Witness Victor Hugo's famous poem "Dieu" about the Cirque de Gavarnie: "It is a mountain and a wall all at once; it is the most mysterious edifice of the most mysterious of architects; it is the Colosseum of nature; it is Gavarnie."

4 - Nature and simplicity: the Saint Justin chapel in Sers

Here is another magnificent hiking site , with a stunning view (30 km from Cauterets): the promontory overlooking Sers and Barèges, where the Saint Justin nature reserve is located, at an altitude of 1300m, on the GR10 long-distance hiking trail. At the top of a path that alternates between shade and sun, an exceptional panoramic view unfolds – orientation tables provide all the necessary information – towards Barèges and the Col du Tourmalet, and towards Sers and the Luz valley, and towards the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.

It was on this site that the hermitage of Saint Justin, the first evangelizer of the Bigorre valley in the 4th century, was located. A priory with its chapel had been built there… only the holy water font remains, which is now in the church of Barèges.

The oratory was built in 1990 in homage to Justin by mountain dwellers from the valley. A statue of Saint Justin is installed there, as well as a cross and an altar for celebrating mass outdoors.

After this walk, make a short stop at the Saint Justin Farm at the summit, where you can admire this panorama while enjoying a delicious crepe!

5 - Medieval atmosphere: the Château Sainte-Marie in Esterre
and the Templar Church of Luz-Saint-Sauveur

Perched at an altitude of 630 meters, 25 km from Cauterets, overlooking the villages of Luz Saint-Sauveur, Esquièze-Sère and Esterre, the Château Sainte-Marie is a true vestige of the Middle Ages.

Formerly a priory in Barèges dedicated to Saint Mary, this castle was built in the 11th century by the Count of Montblanc, Lord of Bigorre, to consolidate his authority over the people of Barèges and to serve as a refuge in case of brigand attack. Only two enormous defensive towers remain: a round tower and a square keep, linked by a curtain wall. Its history, which spans the Hundred Years' War, is marked by numerous sieges and battles during which it was burned and partially destroyed.

From this spot, there's a stunning panoramic view of the Gave de Pau and Bastan valleys. It's freely accessible on foot from the villages of Esquièze-Sère or Esterre.
Since 2019, a very popular event has taken place here every year in early August: the Medieval Festival of Esterre . The program includes knights' tournaments and sword fights, dancers, fire-eaters, musicians and troubadours, a tavern and banquet, a market, and medieval workshops… a truly lively atmosphere!

The church of Luz Saint Sauveur is one of the oldest in the region, built in the 11th century by a wealthy family, the Saint Andrés. The fortifications were added 300 years later by the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem, to whom the descendants of the Saint Andrés gave the church to establish a hostelry-hospice.

As at Notre-Dame du Bon Port in Gavarnie, and at Notre-Dame d'Héas, this confraternity welcomed pilgrims on the way to Saint James of Compostela , an activity that lasted until the revolution of 1789. It is also wrong that today it tends to be called "Church of the Templars", a name which has been entrenched for years.

These Hospitallers, who later became Knights of Malta , surrounded the church with thick walls adorned with crenellations and machicolations, reminiscent of the church of Saint-Pierre d'Arrens. The nave and apse were raised to allow for the construction of a parapet walk. A large moat with a drawbridge even encircled the walls. The aim was to protect against Aragonese bandits, the "Miquelets."
Within the ramparts, one can see the Chapel of Our Lady of Pity, built around 1650 to pray to God to end a Black Death epidemic that ravaged the Pays Toy region.

It is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the region, a unique feature that has attracted many illustrious visitors – from the heiress of Louis XVI to Victor Hugo, via Napoleon III and Princess Eugénie – as evidenced by the adjoining museum.

From Luz-Saint-Sauveur, a magnificent walk among sites steeped in history leads to the Château Sainte-Marie, visible from the village , by following the GR10 on an easy loop (2.5 hours).
A longer walk (4.5 hours) for lovers of old stones, the "church walk," will take you past the churches of Esquièze, Saint-Julien de Sazos, Saint Jean Baptiste d'Esquièze-Sère, Saint Nicolas à Esquièze-Sère, Saint Michel de Vizos, and finally Saints Pierre et Paul de Saligos, all built between the 11th and 13th centuries.

6 - In Napoleon's footsteps, in Luz-Saint-Sauveur

Napoleon III and his wife Princess Eugénie spent a month in Luz-Saint-Sauveur in the summer of 1859, in order to take the waters – the princess being weakened since the birth of Louis Napoleon three years earlier.

It was also a demonstration of power in this territory far from Paris, where the emperor launched important projects and even held a Council of Ministers, at the Gradet-Poque house, now the town hall.

Napoleon first ordered the construction of the baths , whose layout with columns and galleries serving the cabins still exists today.

 However short it may have been, this stay brought about an incredible architectural and economic boom in the Luz region, thanks to the prestige, the financial resources deployed and the influx of travelers that followed.

The story goes that the spa treatment was beneficial to the Empress and that it was in gratitude that Napoleon III decided on a vast program of works. The list is long: the chapel known as the Imperial Chapel – in Saint Sauveur, the Solferino chapel on the ruins of an old hermitage – named after the victory over the Prussians a few months earlier, which prompted Henry Dunant to found the Red Cross – but also numerous medical establishments, the Lourdes-Pierrefitte-Nestalas railway, and finally the most spectacular: the Napoleon Bridge, inaugurated in 1861.

The Emperor himself is said to have designated the location of the bridge that bears his name. This bridge, which opened up the spa town and established a road link with Gavarnie, was a gigantic undertaking: a 68-meter-long deck and a 4-meter-wide roadway 63 meters above the Gave River!
In gratitude to their benefactor, the inhabitants of Luz erected a column of Lourdes stone topped with a marble eagle at the end of the Pont Napoléon.

The Napoleon Bridge is now the place to be for thrill-seekers : bungee jumping, via ferrata and huge zip lines… a real attraction center for those with a strong heart!

To relive this incredible period through the historical sites around Luz, follow the marked "Napoleon and Eugénie" trail. The walk begins at the town hall, at the Maison Gradet-Poque which housed Napoleon's Council of Ministers, passes through the Saint-Sauveur spa district, then the Napoleon bridge and finally the Solférino chapel on the promontory overlooking the town of Luz.

7 - Argeles-Gazost: from medieval castles to beautiful thermal villas

In Lavedan, at the confluence of the Gave de Pau and Gave d'Azun rivers, Argelès is an ancient village, as evidenced by its medieval remains and narrow streets. Like Cauterets and Barèges, Argelès also greatly benefited from the rise of thermal spas at the end of the 19th century, thanks to the construction of an aqueduct to bring water from Gazost – hence the merger into a single name.

Famous figures frequented this place , including Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and the Empress of Austria. François Mauriac even used it as the setting for his novel "The River of Fire".

Besides the magnificent thermal establishments, the town was enriched at that time with many beautiful manor houses , which today complement the old castles, and make Argelès-Gazost an architectural treasure where it is pleasant to stroll from the "large terrace" with its magnificent panorama.

Near Argeles, be sure to visit and read the history of some picturesque sites, such as the Château d'Ourout, the Tour de Vieuzac, the Tour de Vidalos , not forgetting the Donjon des Aigles (Beaucens) and its incomparable birds of prey show.

8 - A little closer to the stars… the Pic du Midi

You cannot stay in the region without visiting this legendary site, classified as a Grand Site of Occitanie!

Located 45 km east of Cauterets, hidden by the eastern slope of the valley, the Pic-du-Midi-de-Bigorre rises to 2877m, surpassed only by the Vignemale (3298 m) and the Aneto on the Spanish side (3404 m), located about twenty kilometers further south.

Why this name? According to Alpine tradition, peaks located south of their main observation point are named "Midi" (Midday). And since there is another Pic du Midi (d'Ossau), it was necessary to distinguish between the two…

A mythical place since antiquity—a kind of gigantic natural pantheon, forming, with Gavarnie, the tomb of Pyrene—this peak has been best known since the 18th century as a site for astronomical and atmospheric studies . Construction of the observatory began in 1870 under the direction of General Charles du Bois de Nansouty and the engineer Célestin-Xavier Vaussenat. A first telescope was installed in 1907: relatively small (50 cm in diameter), it was nevertheless one of the largest of its time and, notably, in 1909, it helped to disprove the existence of canals on Mars. From then on, this observatory gained international renown and has been continually expanded and improved.

The site, made accessible by the installation of a cable car in 1952, remained for a long time reserved for scientists only. It wasn't until 2000 that a new cable car was opened to the public. Since then, the tourist offerings have expanded, with numerous activities and historical explanations, a planetarium, and a museum .

The most incredible thing is the famous "Pontoon of the Sky", a footbridge suspended above the void offering a 360° view of the Pyrenean peaks and their firmament, immersed in the Milky Way.

Since 2013, the site has even been designated (since 2013) the First International Dark Sky Reserve!

You can reach it on foot via the famous Pic du Midi porters' trail, which starts at the Tourmalet pass just past the hamlet of Artigues, in the commune of Campan. Allow 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach the summit – much less than in the early days of the site, when it took at least 7 hours!
But the easiest way, of course, is the cable car from La Mongie (altitude 1785 m), from where you can reach the observatory in 15 minutes. Between sky and earth, the ascent is truly spectacular, in two stages with a stop and a change of cabins at 2341 m at the summit of Taoulet.
Please note that the cable car is not recommended for people sensitive to altitude, especially children under 3 years old whose eardrums could be affected by the rapid ascent over such a steep climb (more than 1000 m). Also bring sunscreen and sunglasses, up there the radiation is three times greater than at sea level!

As you ascend, you'll enjoy numerous remarkable sights such as the Col du Tourmalet, the Cirque de Gavarnie, and Lac d'Oncet. Up there, a 600m² terrace awaits, offering breathtaking panoramic views stretching to the foothills of the Massif Central. A truly magical experience!

Don't hesitate to contact Chalet La Source to organize your stay, and take the time to enjoy all these wonders!

Chalet La Source is all about water: the nearby stream gives it its invigorating atmosphere, and the small spring at the foot of the chalet is a refreshing spot… here, water is everywhere. Here's a brief overview of the discoveries that await you just steps from the chalet.

The invigorating water of waterfalls and lakes

The Gavarnie valleys boast a multitude of magnificent waterfalls, including the Cirque de Gavarnie waterfall, one of the highest in Europe at over 420 meters! In winter, it's also the most famous ice climbing spot in the Pyrenees. More than forty routes are spread across the stunning frozen waterfalls of the Cirque de Gavarnie… Numerous lakes also dot the landscape, revealing themselves along hiking trails: Lac de Gaube, Lac d'Ilhéou, Lac du Tech, Lac des Espécières, Lac Suyen, Lac d'Estaing, Lac Isaby…

The waterfall trail

Very close to the chalet, a concentration of exceptional natural sites awaits you, including the famous "waterfall trail". From the center of Cauterets or from La Raillère, this GR10 trail will take you to the Pont d'Espagne along the Gave du Val de Jéret, punctuated by thundering waterfalls. You can extend this trail to the magical Lac de Gaube for a good half-day hike.

You will particularly appreciate this walk in spring, when the snow melts and the flow of the waterfalls is strongest, or in summer for its coolness – you will be misted by the spray!

In summer, it's recommended to leave early to enjoy these magical places without the crowds. It also requires a certain level of fitness and good shoes, as it's quite a climb!

From Cauterets or La Raillère, the trail ascends through the woods, close to the stream. Allow two hours for the 5 km hike with 500m of elevation gain (with the option of returning by bus). In winter, this section may be closed due to excessive slipperiness. No fewer than six stunning waterfalls cascade down the slope: Mauhourat, Escane-Gat, Cerisey with its enormous balancing rock at the top of the falls, Pouey Bacou, Pas de l'Ours, Boussès… Passing through La Raillère, you'll need to make a slight detour to admire the Lutour waterfall.

With a short detour, you'll see the remains of the old thermal baths (Bains du Bois, Grotte de Mauhourat) where the sulfurous smell of the water is still quite noticeable. After Pouey Bacou, the stream pauses briefly, creating a small island between its two branches, a verdant oasis where Sarah Bernhardt is said to have come to relax… On this section of the walk, keep a close eye on your feet: in this ecosystem, you might encounter frogs and salamanders!

Finally, you reach the thundering Pont d'Espagne waterfall, where the Gave de Gaube and Gave du Marcadau rivers meet. Here, the power of the torrent is breathtaking!

Enjoy the view for a moment by taking a break on the terrace of the Hostellerie du Pont d'Espagne, right next door.

Next, continue towards Lake Gaube (an additional 1.5 hours). The trail climbs again through the forest, and when it emerges into the sunshine, Lake Gaube comes into view. Magnificent with its emerald green waters reflecting the Vignemale peak, the legendary highest summit in the French Pyrenees at 3,298 meters. You can just make out its small tributaries cascading down the surrounding mountains (the peaks of Gaube, Paloumères, and Mayouret).

The beneficial waters of the thermal baths and spas

The commune benefits from several natural springs - notably the Mauhourat spring and the Raillère, which gush forth at temperatures between 37 and 60°C.

These sulphurous waters – whose unpleasant odor earned the main square of Cauterets the name Esplanade des Œufs – are sodium-rich, rich in silica, trace elements, but also in barégine, micro-plankton specific to thermal waters, with healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Renowned for treating respiratory and rheumatological conditions, these waters enabled Cauterets – but also Barèges, Bagnères de Bigorre, Argelès-Gazost… – to become an important thermal spa, frequented by the world's elite during the 19th century's golden age.

Two major establishments operate these properties: the Caesar's Baths and the Griffons Baths. Beyond spa treatments, more wellness-oriented care packages have been developed for a holistic approach to health, body and mind, in a natural setting that combines calm and serenity.

For more occasional visits outside of any treatment or wellness package, the Les Bains du Rocher spa caters to people seeking relaxation and aquatic fitness: bubble beds, swan neck fountains, indoor and outdoor pools, hammam, sauna, aquagym, aquabike... or the benefits of thermal water in all its forms, in a refined mineral setting.

After a hike or a day of skiing, experience the unforgettable sight of the mountain peaks from your 33° bubble bed… Even more magical if snowflakes are falling around you!

Welcome to Chalet La Source !