Cabane de Benaquès
The place
Stone pastoral cabin set at 1659 m in the Montagne de Bénaquès area (Bigorre, Hautes-Pyrénées), commune of Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Site made up of two buildings: the old cabin, restored and in very good condition, open access all year round, and a new cabin built solely for the shepherdess and locked when she is not present. Remarkable panoramic position offering a stunning view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877 m), emblem of the western Pyrenean range. A testament to the traditional summer pastoralism of Bigorre. Classic access from Chiroulet in the Vallée de Lesponne — the cairned path climbs steeply through the Bois de Peyras (mixed broadleaf and pine forest), often combined in a loop with the Courtaou de la Lit (cabin at 1500 m, also pastoral). Mineral and forested setting of the high Bigorre valleys, emblematic wildlife of the isard, marmot, chamois and bearded vulture. A popular stop for hikers on winter outings (snowshoeing/skiing) as well as in summer.
Getting there
From Chiroulet (Vallée de Lesponne) via a cairned path through the Bois de Peyras. Loop possible with Courtaou de la Lit (1500 m). Old cabin open access, new one locked when the shepherdess is absent.
The setting
Montagne de Bénaquès (Bigorre), view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877 m).
