Chalet La Source, in harmony with the rhythm of waterfalls and well-being

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 !