CAUTERETS

cauterets, a watering-place of south-western france in the department of hautes-pyrenees, 20 m. s. by w. of lourdes by rail. pop. (1906) 1030. it lies in the beautiful valley of the gave de cauterets, and is well known for its copious thermal springs. they are chiefly characterized by the presence of sulphur and silicate of soda, and are used in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory organs, rheumatism, skin diseases and many other maladies. their temperature varies between 75 deg. and 137 deg. f. the springs number twenty-four, and there are nine bathing establishments. cauterets is a centre for excursions, the monne (8935 ft.), the cabaliros (7655 ft.), the pic de chabarrou (9550 ft.), the vignemale (10,820 ft.), and other summits being in its neighbourhood.