The 5 most beautiful hikes to do at Gaube Lake

Enjoy your stay in the Pyrenees to hike around Gaube Lake. If you want to discover the best routes, follow our guide!

Located in the Upper Pyrenees, close to Cauterets, Gaube Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Pyrenees ! Indeed, it is nestled in the hollow of beautiful summits both steep and green. In this mountainous setting, its clear waters with turquoise reflections form a peaceful expanse. In the background, we see the snow-capped peak of the neighboring summits...

This small mountain paradise also has the interest of being very easy to access. Indeed, the most frequented hiking route is suitable for all walkers. But for the most trained or wild nature lovers, the corner is also full of paths!

Here are 5 hikes near Gaube Lake that we recommend you warmly.

1. Lake Gaube by the bridge of Spain

This trail is undoubtedly the most popular route to discover Gaube Lake. He is also very busy in the summer! It must be said that it presents the interest of being very accessible, in terms of distance and difficulty. And this, while offering superb landscapes with the lake itself.

The hike starts with the bridge of Spain, a small stone bridge that spans a vivid stream. The path you will take will never get far away from that torrent and allows you to admire its pretty cascades. You will then gradually sink into a beautiful valley.

Finally, you'll get to the rock of the show, the lake. Superb in the summer, this one looks mystery in the winter. The crowd then gets more discreet and a fine snow coat takes place in the valley. If the path is often accessible in winter, do not forget to ask you to avoid the disappointments; but also provide adequate equipment for your car!

2. From the bridge of Spain to the refuge of the Oulettes of Gaube

Here is a longer and therefore richer variant of the previous route. Note that it is a little more sporty and sometimes requires to venture into more delicate rocky passages. At the departure of the bridge of Spain, you will take the same path to the lake as before. But once you arrive, you will continue your way by leaving the crowd.

You will start by going along the lake by the right, enjoying the maximum of this magical place . You will then continue to the refuge of the Oulettes of Gaube, in the heart of the mountains as splendid and peaceful. Open your eyes and you may see marmots!

After admiring the Darré Splumouse waterfall, you will finally reach the refuge at the foot of a large glacier. There you can admire the famous Vignemale peak, before turning around.

3. The valleys of Gaube, Aratille and Marcadau

This hike will give you a wonderful view of the region. However, its length and denial destined it to the seasoned hikers and early rise! Unless you choose the option of a night in a refuge at Gaube’s Oulettes or bivouac to split it into two. Until the refuge, the route corresponds to that of the previous hike we presented to you.

But we then continue with a beautiful loop by the pass of the Mulets, the pass and the lake of Arratille, the Wallon-Marcadau refuge and the bridge of Estalounquet. By the way, of course, you will enjoy a multitude of mountainous landscapes more breathtaking than others . Some passages, such as the ascent of the Col des Mulets, are quite painful, but the view largely rewards the brave walkers!

Finally, it wouldn't be surprising that you're getting acquainted on the way with some marmots and isards around the corner.

4. Lac d’Ilhéou, Lacs de l’Embarrat, Lac de Gaube, Lac d’Estom

Sports and lake fans? This hike is made for you! Indeed, this trek combines 4 beautiful lakes the shades of various blues around Cauterets. You will also follow rivers and waterfalls, which will refresh you if you hike under the burning sun of summer!

These hikes differ by their duration and difficulty, but all have in common to pass through the beautiful Gaube Lake. So, whatever your level of hiking and the time you have, you will find shoe at your foot!

5. Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube – Lac et Refuge d’Estom

However, if you have already made the tour of these hikes, you know Gaube Lake long, wide and across and that it has no secret for you... We recommend this hike, located near Cauterets, south of Gaube Lake!

This trail, which is accessible throughout the year, runs along a pretty river. Its difficulty is assessed on average, so this hike is more accessible than the majority of the hikes we presented to you. It is also noted that dogs are welcome to leave!