At the bend of a hiking trail or isolated off the beaten track, the huts, pastoral shelters or refuges are part of the mountain landscape. These small open constructions echo the history of the Pyrenees, pastoralism and Pyreneanism.
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Dry stone shelters
The toues are carefully arranged dry stone constructions that have served as a refuge for shepherds and hikers for generations.
These cabins are built with natural resources, sometimes in areas that are difficult to access, on slopes and at high altitude. Robust, they follow the relief of the mountains to offer shelter against the harshness of the Pyrenean climate.
Their particularity? Stand under a block of stone, which acts as a roof. Dry stone walls are built around stone.
Many toues have been restored and preserved, not only for their historical and cultural value, but also for their usefulness as places of shelter for hikers and nature lovers. In the mountains, you can easily observe toues along the paths of our valleys!
Tristan Buchot
Shepherds' huts
LIVING PLACE OF SHEPHERDS IN THE SUMMER
Characteristic of the Pyrenees, shepherds' huts embody the essence of pastoral life and mountain tradition. These dry stone constructions, hand-crafted with local materials, were once used as seasonal shelters by the shepherds and breeders livestock as they move from valley to valley.
These cabins were cleverly designed to meet the basic needs of breeders during the long summer periods spent at altitude. They provided shelter from bad weather, protecting the shepherds from winds and sudden weather variations. The interior was often divided into spaces for meal preparation, rest, and storage of tools and provisions.
Symbols of a harmonious relationship between man and nature, they reflect the need to live in harmony with the elements to survive in a mountain environment demanding.
The unguarded refuges of the Pyrenees are simple and rustic shelters scattered throughout the mountains, intended for hikers and adventurers. These refuges provide shelter from the natural elements during a hiking orroaming.
Unlike guarded shelters, which are generally equipped with staff and services, unguarded shelters are simpler in terms of amenities. Some shelters have a part unguarded which will be accessible in all seasons. Basic spaces, they allow hikers to spend the night in safety.
In unguarded shelters, visitors are invited to leave the clean shelter and in good condition. Hikers bring their own sleeping, cooking and supply equipment. The use of these unguarded shelters therefore requires a certain preparation and awareness of thefragile environment and potentially difficult mountain conditions.
THE HIGHEST REFUGE IN THE PYRENEES
Zoom on … The Tuquerouye Refuge
Le Tuquerouye refuge, also known as Refuge Lourde-Rocheblave, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the majestic Pyrenees mountains. Built at an altitude of 2 meters, this refuge is the highest in the Pyrenees, located on the path leading from Gavarnie at Mont-Perdu.
Pierre Meyer
It offers adventurers a rustic retreat in the middle of a spectacular landscape facing the icy lake and the imposing north face of Monte Perdido. Built in 1890, the refuge is anchored to the wall, in a steep and rocky corridor. It remains an essential stopover along the famous hiking route of the Haute Route Pyrenees.
