The history of Cauterets is summarized in its Bigourdan name -Caoutares- which means hot springs... The springs were first used by the Romans but Cauterets only became really popular after the visit of Marguerite de Navarre in 1539.

In the XIX^th century, all the aristocrats came to nurture their Romanticism in the palace along Boulevard Latapie-Flurin, the chalet of Princess Galitzine or the Vignemale caves discovered by Henry Russell. This French-Irish aristocrat admired the Vignemale -highest peak in the French Pyrenees- so much that he rented it for 99 years...

Today, thermalism has been given fresh impetus with a new rheumatology centre. Since the national park was opened, the valley has successfully fostered tourism: here you can ski, walk, cycle or paraglide in a well-preserved environment much appreciated by nature lovers.