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 circuit is punctuated by magnificent waterfalls, all as beautiful as each other, the first on the Gave de Lutour and all the others on the Gave de Jéret. This torrent is the result of Reunion, on the site of the Pont d'Espagne, Gave de Gaube and Gave du Marcadau. 4 km below, he confused with the Gave de Lutour à la Raillare, forming with him the Gave de Cauterets. Following the names of the Gaves, it's always a bit complicated:) ...

Going up from Cauterets you will see the following waterfalls:

The Lutour waterfall (intro photo): high steep waterfall, which is observed very well from the bridge that crosses this Gave, a little further downstream.

The Mauhourat waterfall (right-wing photo): above the thermal baths of the Griffons à la Raillare, it is a beautiful waterfall on a very flat rock. The sulfur odor is very noticeable.
Before climbing further, take a few minutes to visit the Mauhourat cave, on the other bank of the Gave. From the imposing and curious worked grid, we can clearly see the old "thermal refreshment bar" where the sulfur source arrived.

The Escane Gat waterfall, where the torrent comes out at full speed of a strangulation in the rock (Escane-Gat means a cat Four!) Then made a few rebounds after a large basin.

The ceriset or cerisey waterfall (left -wing photo), with impressive flow, with its huge rock balance at the top.

The Pouey Bacou waterfall : one of the rare waterfalls which can be approached very close, allowing beautiful photos.

The little cascade of Pas de l'Ours, famous for its "pots", large round holes in the rock - also arousing various legends as they look like a giant bear imprint!

The Boussès waterfall , again very lively because they are very conceded; You will be refreshed there by the spray!

And finally the large C ascade of the Pont d'Espagne (right), where the Gaves de Gaube and the Marcadau meet.

Here is born the Gave de Jéret, in a scum bubble. In the spring, the power of the torrent is absolutely dizzying! On the other hand, if the water flow is low, you can access the foot of this fall by going up the watercourse by the right and crossing the Gave.

Arrived 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 gives itself a small respite and develops a small island between its two arms. This greenery oasis was baptized Ile Sarah Bernhardt .

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 whole route is magnificent , in the undergrowth, in the shade of large mossy trees and huge blocks of granite. Look at your feet well: in this fresh and humid ecosystem, you could meet frogs and salamanders !

Access

The hike can start from Cauterets (altitude 950m) on the right bank of the jéret, from Chemin des Fères, on the eastern slope of Cauterets (Pyrehaute mountain) and thus join the Raillère (1033m).

You can also go directly from the mockery , accessible by shuttle or by car; The parking lot is free but often there are people. Access is below the thermal baths of the Griffons, a panel indicates "path of the waterfalls".

Itinerary

From Cauterets: Behind the thermal baths of Caesar, climb on the path of Queen Hortense. After the old thermal baths of Pauze Vieux, take the staircase which joins the Chemin des Fiers and follow the direction "La Fruitière". Leave the Fathers path towards La Raillère. We cross the Gave du Lutour on a small bridge downstream of the waterfall.

At the level of the Raillère: Take the path that runs along the Gave de Jéret. The route is carried out on the GR10, well marked (red and white) in the forest on the left bank of the Gave. After the ceriset waterfall, we leave the bridge on the left and continue straight.

For the return from the Spanish bridge: descend by the same path to the rail. To descend to Cauterets, take Chemin Demontzey, behind the old thermal baths in La Raillère.

Duration and difficulty

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

This hike requires good physical condition and good shoes , because it climbs and there are high steps. Please note, the path can be very slippery, it is even sometimes closed in winter.
In summer, it is a particularly pleasant hike because it is well shaded . It is however recommended to leave in Tô t to enjoy it without too many people.

Possibility of going back down by bus.

Variants for large walkers

Extend the hike to Lake Gaube: we add 1h15 climb and 265m of elevation gain… and other magnificent waterfalls!

Do not hesitate to come and stay at the Chalet La Source to enjoy these wonders!