Refuge Russel

The place

Unguarded refuge at 1980 m in the municipality of Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées), managed by the CAF de Tarbes. Named after Henry Russell, the famed 19th-century explorer and Pyrenean mountaineer known for his many ascents and his celebrated fitted-out caves on the Vignemale. Capacity 16 places. Three rooms: an entrance with a fireplace for daytime use and wood storage, and a main room with 3 tables, 4 benches, a working fireplace, shelving, kitchen utensils (pots, pans, plastic cups), a stock of provisions (coffee, pasta, salt, pepper), 2 books, and a guestbook. All the necessary comforts: solar lighting, mattresses, blankets; excellent condition. Suggested donation of €5 per night. Access from Cauterets via the Pont d'Espagne road then the Raillère road to the final parking lot at the Hôtellerie de la Fruitière (1371 m); an easy, pleasant forest walk of about 2 hours.