What to do in Cauterets

Discover what to do in Cauterets! An ancient spa town, Cauterets offers a wide range of activities that will delight young and old alike in the Pyrenees!

Well known for its hot springs, Cauterets became a popular spa town in the 18th century. Heir to a rich past, the town situated at an altitude of 900m benefited from the golden age of thermalism. Great names such as Victor Hugo, Georges Sand and even Napoleon III passed through Cauterets.

It was not until the 20th century that the small spa town turned to winter tourism. In 1907, the first ski club in Cauterets was founded and only 3 years later, the resort hosted the French ski championships! It was not until 50 years later that the first ski lifts arrived, and today the Cauterets ski area has 16 ski lifts for 36 km of runs.

In the heart of the town, the many buildings with 19th century architecture and its egg esplanade make Cauterets a town as prestigious as it is beautiful. Even today, the region's hot springs are renowned. In Cauterets, the César thermal baths and the Griffons thermal baths continue to perpetuate the local history by offering you the chance to relax in waters between 55 and 60°C.

On the border between France and Spain, Cauterets is a town in the Pyrenees surrounded by the Cirque du Lys and the Vignemale. Thanks to the magnificent setting offered by the Lavedan province and the Lutor valley, a real bath of natural fresh air will welcome you on the spot.

Now, find out what to do in Cauterets! As a winter as well as a summer destination, the resort has adapted to the seasons.

Once the Pyrenees are covered in snow, put on your skis and set off down the 36 km of pistes offered by the ski area! Perfect for learning in optimal conditions, the family resort will make you and your children real skiers. There are also sledging runs for maximum fun for the little ones!

What better way to discover the region than by snowshoeing in the forests of the Pyrenees? So put on your warmest clothes and set off to discover the Gaube lake or the famous Pont d'Espagne on snowshoes. After a day on skis or an exhausting hike, head to one of the thermal baths in Cauterets! A must during your stay!

The summer also offers many activities for the whole family! Enjoy the trails and canyons of the region in all sorts of exciting activities.

First, discover the valleys and mountains around Cauterets on hiking, trekking and mountain biking tours. The most beautiful landscapes of the Pyrenees will be on offer, so get your cameras ready. For the more adventurous, head to the region's rivers for some sensational rafting or canyoning! Have fun at full speed alone or with others on a raft in an incredible setting. Finally, for climbing enthusiasts, climb the mountain sides on a via ferrata above Cauterets. Of course, you must try the town's thermal springs in the evening to recover from your day full of activities!

Now that you know what to do in Cauterets, pack your bags and come and enjoy all kinds of activities that will appeal to young and old alike!