Gaube Lake
Lake Mountain lake in the Pyrenees near Cauterets
High‑mountain lake in the French Pyrenees reached by marked trails; hikers visit for alpine walking routes and close views of peaks such as Vignemale.
Lac de Gaube (Gaube Lake) is a mountain lake in the French Pyrenees near the town of Cauterets, known for its alpine setting and views to the Vignemale massif.
Trails and footpaths around the lake offer close-up views of the surrounding peaks and steep valley walls, making it a popular short-hike destination for walkers in the Parc National des Pyrénées.
The lake is of glacial origin and sits in a high mountain cirque, giving it clear water and steep rocky shores.
Gaube Lake is located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of Occitanie, within the Pyrenees national park area and close to the Pont d’Espagne valley approach.
- Elevation: Lies at high altitude in the Pyrenees, around 1,725 metres above sea level.
- Access: Access is commonly made from the Pont d'Espagne trailhead near the spa town of Cauterets on marked mountain paths.
How to Get to Gaube Lake #
Gaube Lake is in the Pyrenees (Occitania region). Access is typically by trailheads reached from nearby mountain towns; the nearest road access and parking vary by approach route - consult local trail maps and transport services for exact directions.
Tips for Visiting Gaube Lake #
- Start early for the hike - mountain weather changes quickly and mornings are often clearer for views.
- Bring a rain jacket even in summer - Pyrenean weather can turn in an hour.
- Look for local signage about alpine flora and protected zones; some paths cross sensitive habitats.
Best Time to Visit Gaube Lake #
Summer is the best season for hiking and lake access; shoulder seasons offer lower crowds but variable conditions.
Weather & Climate near Gaube Lake #
Gaube Lake's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1201 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (125 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).
