CAUTERETS
SUMMER
WINTER
The summer season in Cauterets brings together beautiful scenery with equally impressive weather. Offering the weather and temperature which has become synonymous with the phrase 'South of France,' the climate is perfect for everything outdoors. Hiking, climbing, or simply going on a long walk around the village or along the river, there's plenty of ways to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
The gondolas runs up to the Cirque-du-Lys throughout the summer season, providing access to endless views of the mountain tops, and breathtaking viewpoints of the valleys below. Most notably though, the gondolas offer access to the hidden wonders left behind when the snow melts away in winter: the bike trails.
Cauterets offers riders by far the most varied and extreme downhill
mountain biking experience in the pyrenees. With the gondolas to provide a speedy service back up to the top, as well as top class instructors on hand to help riders of all abilities develop their skills, Cauterets is the stomping ground of some of the most progressive riders in the Pyrenees.
For those wishing to enjoy the weather
at a more relaxing pace, why not take a picnic to the Lac de Gaube, situated at the Pont d'Espagne? A leisurely walk through the Pyrénées National Park, the beautiful lake is the perfect escape from the rest of the world.
Of course, at the end of the day, whether spent hiking, biking, or even doing absolutely nothing, there's plenty of ways to wind down in the village. Be it a trip to the Billot for drinks and tapas in their friendly bar, or even a more filling meal in their fantastic restaurant; a pizza at Giovani's or a trip to the cinema and arcades on the grand place, there's plenty of ways to relax and unwind in the relaxed and
friendly vibes of the mountain community.
The local bars are open all year round, and just like in winter there is a great selection of places to go for a drink, for those looking for a quiet drink, and equally for those looking to immerse themselves in the local scene, and live music from local bands.
For those travelling from afar, all the equipment you may need is available in the various shops around the village, either for rent or to buy. Shops such as Hors Piste offer a wide selection of clothing and equipment, as well as a first class service with the perfect small family business attitude. There is also a wide selection of local produce and specialities on offer in the shops around the village, from cheese and wine through to confectionary, meat and more.
1850m to 2415m at the top of the 'Crêtes.' This altitude, along with the natural fall lines of the pistes, creates the perfect recipe for varied pistes with huge off-piste potential for every level of snow sports enthusiast.
Not only can Cauterets offer families the thrill of snowsports, but the 'miniclub' creche on the slopes, ESF and ESi ski schools, and the softplay centre in the village offer parents the essential respite they deserve, either to enjoy the thrills of the mountain, or perhaps to escape to the beautiful thermal spas for a slow relaxing massage.
Winter in Cauterets means one thing to the locals. Snow, and lots of it! With the established reputation as the most snow-sure resort in the Pyrenees, there is never a shortage of the white fluff we all wish for on a winter escape. Despite the village sitting at just 850m in the valley, Cauterets' pistes sit on the Cirque-du-Lys, a pituresque bowl where the pistes climb from the base station at
For those who seek the most extreme lines on the mountain, Cauterets offers the Oakley Freestyle Park, with features ranging from mini-kickers and ride on boxes, through to 40 foot bangers, huge wall rides and gap jumps to test even the best of freestyle riders. Combine this with the natural drops and jumps found around the resort, and Cauterets becomes the ideal resort for progressing
as a rider no matter how much experience you have, and no matter the style you want to master.
​Of course, the bustling village has plenty to offer throughout the long winter season. Stretching from early December through till late April, Cauterets offers one of the longest seasons in France. Through all this time, the town offers a multitude of shops, activities and restaurants to complement the mountain atmosphere. After spending the entire day on the pistes, there is the option of a warming house hot chocolate from the local chocolatiers, 'Refuge des Senses.' Alternatively, there is a great selection of local produce available in the indoor town market, as well as several shops offering local cheese, meat, confectionary and other produce.
For those looking for night time entertainment, some of the highlights include the local rock music bar/venue of 'Le Royalte,' or 'Le Commerce' which boasts an excellent selection of Belgian beers, along with other local speciality microbrews.
THERMAL SPAS
Whether it's an apres-ski escape, a muscle relaxing remedy after a full day climbing, or an entire holiday of being pampered in the beautiful mountain surroundings, the 'Thermes' of Cauterets are the ideal place to unwind. With indoor and outdoor facilities to cater to everyones desires, the thermal spas offer a variety of treatments which combine the natural health benefits of the hot spring mineral water with the classic spa luxuries of massages, saunas and plenty of other theraputic treatments.
Whislt during the regular hours the spas offer a retreat and escape away from the world, the high seasons bring a not-too-well-kept secret to the spa during afterhours: the pool parties. With a ticket offering access to all the pools, jacuzzis, saunas, and of course featuring live DJs and a bar or two, the snowpool and summerpool parties are an event not to be missed by anyone looking to let loose and enjoy a wild night of partying in the most upmarket venue around!
Not only do the thermes add to any holiday experiences, but if partying isn't quite the attraction you seek, Cauterets has a reputation as a brilliant destination for the 'curistes.' Essentially an indulgent week of spa treatments, pampering and natural heath therapies, 'the cure' has become an annual speciality of the Cauterets spas. Ask us about our special rates for accomodation during the 'periode curiste,' to maximise the benefits of combining luxury treatments with luxury accomodation.