Refuge Georges Pons (Cabane du Port d'Orle)
The place
Sleeping capacity: 8 Places on mattresses: 8 Interior fittings of the 2 twin sections: - 1 small table - 4 iron beds with mattresses (very good condition) - 1 blanket (don't forget your sleeping bag...), it was more than chilly on June 18, 2020. The beds and mattresses were replaced in July 2017. Spring catchment near the hut. Mobile signal available heading toward the valley if needed, through the rocks (northward). Open refuge located 180 m below the Port d'Orle, in the Orle valley, hidden behind a large rock outcrop, on the right as you climb toward the pass, after the bend where the trail passes the Fontaine de la Montagnette (2,120 m). Shortly after the bend at the fountain, you reach a grassy flat area; the pass trail continues straight ahead, but a small grassy path can be seen heading northeast — follow this path to a second grassy flat area (suitable for bivouac), then enter a zone of rock debris with a large, noticeable boulder (if there's fog, keep going and the boulder will appear) — the refuge is behind this boulder. Continuing the climb, you can see the refuge behind you, a bit higher at the next bend, unless you're in the fog... Association Refuge Georges Pons. 23 Chemin des Barres, 09800 Cescau. Email: regine.pons@orange.fr
Getting there
Le refuge se trouve environ 180 mètres en contrebas du col du Port d'Orle, dissimulé derrière un gros rocher au fond de la vallée d'Orle ; on y accède par un petit sentier herbeux repérable après avoir dépassé la fontaine de la Montagnette.
The setting
L'abri est niché dans le massif du Couserans, en Ariège, encaissé dans un vallon rocheux typique des Pyrénées ariégeoises, à l'écart des sentiers les plus fréquentés.
A word from the warden
Ce refuge non gardé est entretenu par une association dédiée, l'Association Refuge Georges Pons, dont un contact est joignable par courriel pour toute question relative au bâtiment.
