Page 202 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

200 BACK ROADS FRANCE

y Cirque de Gavarnie
Hautes-Pyrénées, Midi-Pyrénées; 65120
This glaciated cirque (spectacular
natural rock amphitheatre) is one of
the most visited spots in the Pyrenees.
It is reached by an easy hour’s walk
from Gavarnie village. Alternatively,
visitors can get there by donkey or
on horseback. The curving wall of
rock, nearly 1,500 m (4,900 ft) high, is
punc tuated by the highest waterfall
in France, the Grande Cascade de
Gavarnie (422 m/1,384 ft). Above the
cirque are high peaks and the Brèche
de Roland, an unnatural-looking gap
Above Azure waters of the stunningly in the cliffs on the border with Spain.
beautiful Lac de Gaube with Vignemale in t Pont Napoléon The gap is at an alti tude of 2,804 m
the distance Below Ruined castle of Luz- Hautes-Pyrénées, Midi-Pyrénées; 65120 (9, 200 ft) and is 100 m (328 ft) high
St-Sauveur perched high on a hilltop This high stone bridge across a and 40 m (131 ft) wide.
wooded gorge is named in honour ª Return to Luz-St-Sauveur and turn
of Napoleon III. He ordered its con - left on the D921 towards Lourdes. At
struction in 1859 while he and the the roundabout where the valley
Empress Eugénie were staying at opens up, go straight for Soulom, still
the spa of Luz-St-Sauveur. The on the D921. In the middle of Soulom,
emperor himself chose the site of the turn left onto the D920 for Cauterets.
bridge, which is 68 m (223 ft) long Drive through Cauterets, passing
and 63 m (207 ft) above the river. the superb waterfalls of Cascade du
ª Continue up the D921 to Cirque Lutour and Cascade de Cerisey, until
de Gavarnie. the Pont d’Espagne car park barrier.
VISITING PONT D’ESPAGNE
Tourist Information u Pont d’Espagne
Place Foch, Cauterets, 65110;
05 62 92 50 50; www.cauterets.com Hautes-Pyrénées, Midi-Pyrénées; 65110
The impressive Pont d’Espagne has always been one of the most
Parking
There is a paid car park a short popular places to visit in the Pyrenees because it offers easy access
distance before the Pont d’Espagne to the high mountains. This classic short excursion to a beautiful lake
from where a trail leads to the bridge.
yields clear air and great views for relatively little effort. It makes use
of a chairlift, which operates between May and September.
WHERE TO STAY
A three-hour walking tour itself. The “Bridge of Spain” does not
PONT D’ESPAGNE
From the top of the car park, follow stand on or anywhere near the
Hôtellerie du Pont d’Espagne
inexpensive the path to the Pont d’Espagne 1 present-day frontier but its name
A modest hotel of ten bedrooms in
an incomparable setting right next
to the Pont d’Espagne, this has a
terrace for drinks and meals over-
looking the waterfalls.
Quartier Pont d’Espagne, Cauterets,
65110; 05 62 92 54 10; www.hotel-
du-pont-despagne.fr; closed
mid-Oct–mid-Dec
AROUND PONT D’ESPAGNE
Lion d’Or moderate
Located in Cauterets, about 8 km
(5 miles) north of the bridge, this hotel
aims to re-create the atmosphere of
a 19th-century hotel while providing
modern comforts.
12 rue Richelieu, Cauterets, 65110;
05 62 92 52 87; www.liondor.eu; closed
mid-Apr–early May, mid-Oct–Nov
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €70; moderate, €70–€150; expensive, over €150