Special Recommendation: Pyrenees National Park, France
After two weeks, I returned to the Pyrenees, but this time I switched from Vielha in Spain to Cauteret on the French side. I hiked a section of the GR10, a classic route traversing the Pyrenees. As the altitude increased, the scenery kept changing—from waterfalls to alpine lakes, barren landscapes, and snow-capped mountains. Every segment was stunning, and I absolutely fell in love with this place.
The first segment was from La Raillère to Pont d'Espagne, with an elevation gain from 1,000 to 1,500 meters. This section is called "Chemin de Cascade" (Waterfall Trail), where you can see numerous powerful waterfalls along the way. The trail is shaded by trees, making it a cool and pleasant hike.
The second segment was from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube, with the elevation rising to about 1,700 meters. Here, you'll find a beautiful alpine lake. Up close, the water is crystal clear, and from a distance, it looks like a sapphire.
The third segment continued upward from the lake. As the altitude increased, the scenery became more barren yet expansive. The trail passes through rocky terrain and meadows, leading to a mountain hut called Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube. From here, you can get very close to the snow-capped mountains. You can continue exploring further, but I chose to return the same way.
I highly recommend this route for several reasons:
1. The scenery is diverse and beautiful, with each segment offering its own unique charm.
2. It's friendly for those with less stamina. The first segment has a shuttle bus option, and the second segment has a cable car. You can tackle one segment at a time and complete the route over several days.
3. Supplies are easily accessible. There’s a restaurant at Pont d'Espagne, and a bit further towards the parking lot, there are free restrooms and water.
4. Transportation is relatively convenient. The nearest train station is in Lourdes, and from Lourdes to Cauteret, there’s the 965 bus line, which costs only 2 euros and takes just over an hour. You can stock up on basic supplies at a supermarket and start your hike. While accommodation in Cauteret is expensive, hotels in Lourdes are much cheaper. For around 400 RMB per night, you can stay in a three-star hotel.
Lastly, I’ve attached the route map and bus schedule.