Cauterets, Ski resort and spa commune in Hautes-Pyrénées, France
Cauterets is a mountain resort town with two separate ski areas and a historic thermal bath center located in the main valley. The layout connects these zones through cable cars and hiking trails, making it accessible year-round for different activities.
People lived here since prehistoric times, leaving behind stone rings and burial mounds, and later the Romans bathed in the thermal springs. From the 18th century onward, the site became known as a spa destination and grew rapidly as a retreat for the wealthy.
The spa town attracted writers and composers during the 1800s who came to experience the healing waters and mountain views. Walking through the Belle-Époque buildings in the center, you can still sense this artistic past that shaped the place.
The town is easiest to reach through the nearby city of Argelès-Gazost, and parking is available for those arriving by car. The thermal baths are open year-round, while the ski slopes vary with snow conditions and operate seasonally.
The waterfalls at Pont d'Espagne come alive in summer when snowmelt from higher elevations feeds them with force and volume. Many visitors overlook this feature and focus only on the ski slopes or thermal baths.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
