Lac de Gaube is a region situated in the French Pyrenees, within the Hautes-Pyrénées department of the Occitanie region. Nestled at an elevation of 1725 meters in the Pyrenees National Park, the area is characterized by its clear waters and the dramatic backdrop of the Vignemale massif, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. The terrain offers a mix of forest paths, rocky trails, and high alpine plateaus, providing varied environments for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountaineering, mountain biking, and more.
The Lac de Gaube region offers 1 routes for outdoor enthusiasts, catering to various interests and skill levels. More than 120,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars for the routes available. Hiking is a prominent activity, with trails ranging from the popular path from Pont d'Espagne to the lake, which is part of the GR10, to more challenging mountain hikes towards the Vignemale massif. For those seeking less strenuous options, easy hikes around Lac de Gaube are available. Jogging is also possible on the well-maintained paths, offering scenic runs. Mountaineering opportunities exist for experienced individuals, with the Vignemale massif serving as a gateway to significant challenges. While mountain biking is restricted in some areas of the Vallee de Gaube, broader cycling opportunities are available in the Hautes-Pyrénées region. Explore specific activities further with guides such as Hiking around Lac de Gaube, Running Trails around Lac de Gaube, and MTB Trails around Lac de Gaube.
58
Routes
4.6
(1015)
Average rating
12848
People visited

4.8
(138)
1,792
hikers
16.5km
05:20
690m
690m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(91)
664
hikers
9.67km
03:04
400m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(61)
960
hikers
15.7km
05:06
530m
530m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(239)
1,847
hikers
7.43km
02:21
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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92
runners
25.5km
04:20
1,390m
1,390m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

153
runners
9.62km
01:13
250m
250m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
80
runners
31.2km
05:35
1,780m
1,790m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

78
runners
7.24km
01:00
290m
290m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(9)
72
riders
38.5km
03:03
630m
630m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
39
riders
16.3km
01:29
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
33
riders
18.4km
01:38
470m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
9
riders
7.91km
01:00
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(2)
75
riders
23.3km
01:53
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
13.5km
01:41
710m
700m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
3.93km
00:18
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(7)
18
hikers
6.58km
02:08
290m
290m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(4)
14
hikers
14.7km
04:52
700m
700m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
15
hikers
9.78km
03:34
630m
630m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(5)
12
hikers
8.03km
02:15
160m
160m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lac de Gaube offers a range of outdoor activities including Hiking, Jogging, and Mountaineering. The region also provides opportunities for Mountain Biking and Touring Cycling. Over 120,000 visitors have explored routes in the area, which have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
The most popular hike is from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube. This trail typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours one way and is considered moderately easy. It is also part of the long-distance GR10 trail.
Yes, shorter, easier paths are available around Lac de Gaube itself. A cable car and chairlift offer a less strenuous ascent to within a short walk of the lake. For more options, explore the Family-friendly hikes around Lac de Gaube guide.
Key natural features include the pristine turquoise waters of Lac de Gaube and the dramatic backdrop of the Vignemale Massif, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. Pont d'Espagne, known for its torrents and waterfalls, serves as a primary access point. Numerous waterfalls can be admired along the hiking trails.
The region around Lac de Gaube serves as a gateway to mountaineering challenges. The Vignemale Massif is a significant draw for experienced mountaineers. Its ascent requires specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and ropes due to its glaciers.
The well-maintained paths suitable for hiking, especially the easier, wider trails, can also be utilized for jogging. These offer scenic runs through forests and along the lake's shores. More information is available in the Running Trails around Lac de Gaube guide.
The Pyrenees National Park has strict regulations to protect its natural environment, and mountain biking is generally not allowed within the Vallee de Gaube itself. However, some broader areas within the Hautes-Pyrénées region offer cycling opportunities. Consult the MTB Trails around Lac de Gaube guide for permitted routes.
Lac de Gaube is typically accessed from Pont d'Espagne. Visitors can hike to the lake, or use a cable car and chairlift for a less strenuous ascent. The lake is situated at an elevation of 5,659 feet (1725 meters).
Komoot offers several guides for Lac de Gaube, including Hiking around Lac de Gaube, Family-friendly hikes, and Running Trails. Guides for Mountain Hikes, MTB Trails, and Cycling are also available.
An official website for Lac de Gaube is available at lacdegaube.fr. This website provides information on access, walks, hikes, and photos of the lake.
There is a restaurant located at the lake, Hôtellerie Lac De Gaube. For broader tourist information, the Cauterets Tourist Office can provide assistance.

