Rando: The Cascades Chemin

No less than 8 magnificent waterfalls on this Cauterets hike at the Pont d'Espagne.

A great experience, which will be very different depending on the time of the year:

Quiet at the end of the summer, where the photographers will feast as close as possible to the water rides.

Very invigorating on the contrary in the spring, the melting of the snow, with roaring rumbles and a good crush guaranteed!

 What are you going to see during this hike?

As its name suggests, this route is punctuated by magnificent waterfalls, each as beautiful as the last, the first on the Gave de Lutour and all the others on the Gave de Jéret.  This torrent is formed by the confluence, at the Pont d'Espagne, of the Gave de Gaube and the Gave du Marcadau. Four kilometers downstream, it joins the Gave de Lutour at La Raillère, forming the Gave de Cauterets. Keeping track of the names of the rivers is always a bit tricky :)...

Going up from Cauterets you will see the following waterfalls:

The Lutour waterfall (intro photo): a high, steep waterfall, which can be seen very well from the bridge that crosses this stream, a little further downstream.

The Mauhourat waterfall (photo on the right): above the Griffons thermal baths in La Raillère, this is a beautiful waterfall cascading over a very flat rock. The sulfurous smell is quite noticeable.
Before going any further, take a few minutes to visit the Mauhourat cave, on the other side of the river. From the imposing and curiously carved gate, you can clearly see the old "thermal drinking fountain" where the sulfurous spring used to flow.

The Escane Gat waterfall, where the torrent comes out at full speed from a constriction in the rock (Escane-Gat means Strangle Cat!) then makes a few bounces after a large pool.

The Ceriset or Cerisey waterfall (left photo), with its impressive flow, and its enormous rock balanced at the top.

The Pouey Bacou waterfall : one of the few waterfalls that you can get very close to, allowing for beautiful photos.

The small waterfall of Pas de l'Ours, famous for its "potholes", large round holes in the rock - which have given rise to various legends as they resemble the footprint of a giant bear!

The Boussès waterfall, once again very lively because it is very enclosed; you will be refreshed by the spray!

And finally the greatCascade du Pont d'Espagne (on the right), where the Gave de Gaube and Gave du Marcadau rivers meet.

The Gave de Jéret river originates here, bubbling with foam. In spring, the torrent's power is absolutely breathtaking! However, if the water flow is low, you can reach the base of the falls by going upstream on the right and crossing the river.

Upon arriving at the Pont d'Espagne, you can take a break at the excellent restaurant l'Hotellerie du Pont d'Espagne, whose large terrace is located just opposite the magnificent waterfall.

Just before the Spanish bridge, near the road, the torrent pauses briefly and creates a small island between its two branches. This green oasis has been named Sarah Bernhardt Island.

Indeed, the star who had his quarters in Cauterets, would have got into the habit of coming to rest on this island and walk there his pet panther (!), Leaving his luxurious Dion Bouton car on the side of the road ...

The entire route is magnificent, winding through the undergrowth, in the shade of large mossy trees and enormous granite boulders. Look carefully at your feet: in this cool and damp ecosystem, you might encounter frogs and salamanders !

Access

The hike can start from Cauterets (altitude 950m) on the right bank of the Jéret, from the path of the fathers, on the eastern slope of Cauterets (Peyrehaute mountain) and thus reach the Raillère (1033m).

You can also start directly from La Raillère, accessible by shuttle or car; parking is free but often crowded. The access point is below the Griffons thermal baths; a sign indicates "Chemin des Cascades" (Cascade Path).

Itinerary

From Cauterets: behind the Caesar's Baths, ascend the Queen Hortense path. After the old Pauze Vieux baths, take the staircase that joins the Fathers' Path and follow the signs for "La Fruitière". Leave the Fathers' Path towards La Raillère. Cross the Gave du Lutour on a small bridge downstream from the waterfall.

At La Raillère: take the path that runs alongside the Gave de Jéret river. The route follows the GR10, well-marked (red and white) in the forest on the left bank of the river. After the Ceriset waterfall, leave the footbridge on your left and continue straight ahead.

To return from Pont d'Espagne: descend via the same path back to La Raillère. To descend to Cauterets, take the Chemin Demontzey, behind the old thermal baths of La Raillère.

Duration and difficulty

Allow two good hours for 5 km and 550m of elevation gain from Cauterets (950m) to Pont d'Espagne (1500m).

This hike requires a good level of fitness and sturdy shoes, as it involves steep climbs and high steps. Be aware that the trail can be very slippery and is sometimes even closed in winter.
In summer, it's a particularly pleasant hike as it's well shaded. However, it's recommended to start earlyto enjoy it without the crowds.

Possibility of going back down by bus.

Variants for large walkers

Extending the hike to Lake Gaube adds 1 hour 15 minutes of climbing and 265m of elevation gain… and other magnificent waterfalls!

Don't hesitate to come and stay at Chalet La Source to enjoy these wonders!