Cauterets is a ski center and spa town famous for its hot mineral springs. The surrounding Pyrenees town is also a great place for mountain hiking.
The town is located on the edge of the Pyrenees National Park, but outside its territory. Its surroundings are very well developed for tourists. There are many hiking trails, leading, among others, to to Pic de Péguère or Lake Gaube.
Sulfur hot springs in the area were known already in Roman times. There was a small settlement here with a thermal pool and baths, traces of which were discovered during excavations. The springs in Cauterets were rediscovered in the 16th century. Representatives of the aristocracy and the ruling family came here to heal their ailments. The golden age of the spa came in the 19th century. At that time, elegant hotels, guesthouses and bathhouses were built. Today, the local hot water is used in the large Cesare Thermal Baths and in numerous hotels and resorts offering spa treatments.
In winter, the area around Cauterets is a great area for skiing tourism. In the local Cauterets-Le Lys ski area, there are approximately 40 km of slopes of various difficulty levels. Cross-country skiing is also possible in the valley, there is a snow park and ski schools. The accommodation, dining and entertainment facilities are also very well organized.
