The chalet La Source, to the rhythm of waterfalls and well-being

The chalet The source is placed under the sign of water, the neighboring stream which gives it its invigorating atmosphere, the small source at the foot of the chalet in which we come to refresh ... Here, the water is omnipresent. Small summary of the discoveries that await you a stone's throw from the chalet.

Invigorating water from waterfalls and lakes

The Gavarnie valleys have a large number of sumptuous waterfalls, including the Gavarnie circus cascade, one of the highest Europe with more than 420 meters! It is also in winter, the most famous spot of ice waterfalls in the Pyrenees. More than forty ways are spread over the superb icy waterfalls of the Gavarnie circus ... The lakes are also numerous and discover themselves at the bend of hikes: lakes of Gaube, Iléou, Tech, Espécières, Suyen, Estaing, Isaby …

The Cascades Trail

Very close to the chalet, a concentrate of exceptional natural sites presents itself to you, with the famous "Chemin des Cascades". From the center of Cauterets or from La Railère, this GR10 trail will lead you to the Spanish bridge along the Gave du Val de Jéret punctuated with deafening waterfalls, a path that you can extend to the magical Lac de Gaube For a good half day of hiking.

You will appreciate this walk, particularly in the spring, at the melting of the snow, when the flow of the waterfalls is the strongest or the summer for its freshness - you will be fogged with the spray!

In summer, it is recommended to leave early to enjoy these magical places without too many people. It also requires a certain physical condition and good shoes, because it climbs!

From Cauterets or La Raillère, we go up through wood, very close to the torrent. Count two good hours for 5 km and 500m elevation (with the possibility of going down by bus). In winter, this part can be closed because too slippery. No less than 6 superb waterfalls follow one another: Mauhourat, Escane-Gat, Cerisey and its huge stone in balance at the top of the fall, Pouey Bacou, no bear, Boussès ... By the way, you will have to make a light detour to admire the Lutour waterfall.

You will see by making a small detour, the vestiges of the old thermal baths (wooden baths, Mauhourat cave) where the sulfur smell of water is very noticeable. After Pouey Bacou, the torrent gives itself a small respite and develops a small island between its two arms, oasis of greenery where it is said that Sarah Bernhardt came to rest ... On this portion of the ride, look well at your feet: in this ecosystem You can meet frogs and salamanders!

Finally, you reach the deafening waterfall of the Pont d'Espagne which brings together the Gaves de Gaube and the Marcadau. Here, the power of the torrent is dizzying!

Take advantage of the view for a moment by taking a break on the terrace of the Hostellerie du Pont d'Espagne, right next to it.

Then continue to Lake Gaube (an additional 1:30). This climbs again in the forest, and when the path goes out in the sun, Lake Gaube turns out to be. Sumptuous with its emerald green water in which the vignemale is reflected from the top of its 3,298 meters above sea level, mythical and higher peak of the French Pyrenees. We can guess his little tributaries which descend the surrounding mountains (the peaks of Gaube, the flashes and Mayouret).

Beneficial water of thermal baths and baths

The municipality benefits from several natural sources - notably the Mauhourat and La Raillère source, which spring up at temperatures between 37 and 60 ° C.

These sulfurized waters-whose unfarming smell has earned the names of egg esplanade in the main place of Cauterets-sodiums, rich in silica, trace elements but also in barégine, micro-plaster specific to thermal waters, healing and anti-inflammatory virtues.

Renowned in the care of respiratory and rheumatological conditions, these waters have enabled Cauterets - but also Barèges, Bagnères de Bigorre, Argelès -Gazost ... - to become an importance thermal site, frequented by the largest in this world during the Golden age 19th century.

Two large establishments use these properties: the Caesar thermal baths and the Griffons thermal baths. Beyond cures, more well-being care formulas have been developed for a global health approach, body and mind, in a natural setting combining calm and serenity.

For more punctual attendance apart from any cure or care formula, the Les Bains du Rocher spa is aimed at people looking for relaxation and aquatic fitness: bubble beds, swan collars, interior and exterior basins, Hammam, sauna, aquagym, aquabike ... or the benefits of thermal water in all its forms, in a refined mineral setting.

On the return from a hike or a day of skiing, experience the unforgettable experience of contemplating the peaks from your bubble bed at 33 ° ... even more magical, if the flakes fall around you!

Welcome to the La Source chalet !