Lunch at L' Abri du Benques

Lunch on the Lutour Waterfalls

July 30, 2026

Just two kilometers south of Cauterets sits the small village of Raillere. It is an incredible area that is a starting point for several waterfall hikes that go south to Pont d'Espagne and east to the La Fruitiere valley. Nestled along the Cascade du Lutour is a wonderful restaurant, L'Abri du Benques. As with all the restaurants located in Raillere they are only open for lunch. This restaurant is a must try.

While there are many seats both indoor and outdoor, we were lucky enough to get a table as the place was full within fifteen minutes after we sat down. The menu is extensive and covers all the bases from a light snack to a full three course lunch if you desire.

With a cool day and a day off from hiking we decided on sharing the tomato bisque to start. The tomato flavoring was deep and the portion was perfect for sharing.

The Perfect Tomato Bisque

For entrees we decided on the crispy shrimp with avacado guacamole and beef chimichurri with vegetables, potatoes and polenta. The shrimp was light and airy with a tangy guacamole. The medium rare beef was cooked as ordered and the chimichurri was perfect; not overpowering but a tasteful accompaniment.

L' Abri du Benques is a testament to traditional French dining with the opportunity to make lunch your main meal of the day if you so choose. We needed a "la sieste" after having such a fantastic, filling lunch.

L'Abri du Benques is located in the nieghborhoold of La Raillere a bit south of Cauterets town center and is open for lunch from February through November every day except Tuesday from 10am until 7pm.