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Pont d'Espagne – Marcadau Plateau loop from Pont d'Espagne

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Hiking trails & Routes

Pont d'Espagne – Marcadau Plateau loop from Pont d'Espagne

Moderate

4.9

(47)

413

hikers

Pont d'Espagne – Marcadau Plateau loop from Pont d'Espagne

03:43

13.1km

280m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parc national des Pyrénées (cœur)

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

11 m

Hiking map

Highlight • Other

map with fares for the cable car and chairlift to Lac de Gaube.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

252 m

Pont d'Espagne

Highlight • Rest Area

Bridge at the start of the cross-border mountain path. There is an old-building with bar & restaurant (there are 2 more bars afterwards). It is also possible to sleep there.

Tip by

365 m

View of the Pont d'Espagne waterfalls

Highlight • Waterfall

The Pont d'Espagne, beyond the construction, is an exceptional natural site where waterfalls follow one another. It is the starting point for many hikes and walks which lead to Lac de Gaube and to the Oulettes glacier. Others take you to the Marcadau valley or to the banks of Lake Ilhéou, where you can spend the night in a refuge. From Cauterets, the site which is located in the heart of the Pyrenees national park is accessible by transport (choose the bus rather than your car), by chairlift but also on foot via the GR10.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3.63 km

Marcadau Plateau

Highlight • River

The Marcadau plateau is very easy to access from the Pont d'Espagne parking lot. First stage of the Marcadau valley, it is crossed by the Gave of the same name. This green setting is appreciated by hikers but also by fly fishermen. Climbing it offers a pleasant and easy immersion in the mountains.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.13 km

Pont de la Pourtère

Highlight • Other

Nice bridge to cross to reach the Wallon refuge

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5.90 km

Gave du Marcadau Valley

Highlight • River

Invite for a picnic

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.51 km

Macardau Valley Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Above the waterfall lie the beautiful lakes of l'embarrat.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

10.7 km

Paradise Lake

Highlight • Other

If you are lucky, you can see chamois here

Translated by Google •

Tip by

13.1 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.40 km

4.02 km

1.69 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.26 km

3.56 km

1.75 km

1.45 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

25°C

13°C

22 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

August 15, 2022,Pont d'Espagne Runde von Cauterets

After the tourist madness at the "Pont d'Espagne" you are almost alone after only 2 km. Which then continues on the path along the "Gave du Macardau".

Showing Translation

September 11, 2024,🇫🇷 Vallée du Marcadau

Yesterday we stopped at the Spanish Bridge, today we're starting there.
Then we went gently uphill into the Mercadau Valley. A beautiful plateau, with beautiful views of the mountains and the idyllic Mercadau stream. In contrast to yesterday, we only met a few people and were able to enjoy the peace and quiet 😍

Showing Translation

November 19, 2023,Refuge de Wallon

Magnificent hike, quite easy, no difficulty and a splendid path

Showing Translation

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Pont d'Espagne – Marcadau Plateau loop from Pont d'Espagne

Hiking map

Pont d'Espagne

View of the Pont d'Espagne waterfalls

Marcadau Plateau

Pont de la Pourtère

Gave du Marcadau Valley

Macardau Valley Waterfall

Paradise Lake

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