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.
Gaube Lake at a Glance#
About Gaube Lake#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - -1° | -10° | 110 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -6° - 1° | -9° | 100 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -5° - 4° | -6° | 86 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - 6° | -3° | 105 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 11° | 2° | 125 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 16° | 8° | 99 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 63 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 21° | 14° | 74 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 17° | 11° | 85 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 1° - 10° | 3° | 110 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 4° | -4° | 124 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -6° - 1° | -8° | 120 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
