Lunch at the Rioumajou hospice | Saint-Lary Tourisme

You want to give her a moment she’ll remember for years to come. To rekindle that little flame that so deliciously spices up a couple’s daily life? Instead of promising her the moon, surprise her by inviting her to a gourmet dinner at l’Hospice du Rioumajou.

Ten kilometers to change the world

I know, at first sight, the prospect of walking for an hour to have dinner in a mountain refuge doesn’t sound very exciting. But then again. By the time you pull into the Frédancon parking lot, some ten kilometers from Saint-Lary Soulan, you’ll have transported him into another world. One where the beauty of nature stings your eyes. If that isn’t a small victory for happiness, I don’t know about that.

If the climb to the Hospice du Rioumajou is going to take you a short hour, tell yourself that the path presents no difficulties. The first part is shaded and the second is illuminated by the valley floor.

Take the time to enjoy a romantic pose at the small waterfall. A selfie is in order. Then feed off the words of your companion as she raves about the beauty of the landscape. If not, start thinking seriously about changing women.

Then comes “THE MOMENT”, “EL MOMENTO”, the “TRUC DE OUF”: the panoramic view of the valley floor. This is where you find out if you’re going to be able to spend the rest of your life with the one you’re with. Okay, I’m exaggerating a little. But think of the look of love, gratitude and even promise she’ll be giving you for making her live through this moment.

©dinner at the hospice-©ACARASSUS-New terrace Hospice du rioumajou (H)

©dinner at lhospice-bboubin-Cascade Rioumajou

Menu Made In Pyrenees

As soon as you arrive at the Hospice, give it a timely reminder that, for centuries, pilgrims have trodden this path on their way to Santiago de Compostela. A little history never hurts. Next, take a seat on the terrace of “this gourmet restaurant located at an altitude of 1567 meters”.

You might think I’m being a bit over the top, but I’m willing to take the gamble. Tasting local produce, Stéphane and his team will take you on a journey through the Pyrenees. To whet your appetite, tell your other half that the chef makes a point of concocting only dishes made with products from the region. So get ready to treat your taste buds to a “Made in Pyrenees” version.

Menu made in the Pyrenees

©diner at lhospice-bboubin-Oeuf morilles

For the menu, personally, I’d tend to recommend: “Soft-boiled egg with morel mushrooms and green asparagus”, “Lamb confit with full-bodied jus accompanied by textured carrots” and “Poached apple, caramel and hazelnuts”.

Whichever you choose, don’t forget to enjoy the view of Ourdissetou harbor.

But I’d understand if you were tempted by the “Foie gras tonka cerises”, “Truite d’Ôo nacrée, marinière accompagnée de son riz de Camargue et de poivrons” and “Panacotta estragon fraise” options.

©diner at lhospice-bboubin-Poached apple

Each dish is garnished with aromatic herbs grown in the small gardens near the Hospice.

©dinner at lhospice-bboubin-Hospice terrace view

Well, if you were thinking of proposing, now’s the time. Just so you know, the Hospice can also put you up for the night … ain’t life grand!

Singles, large families and hikers are reminded that the Hospice du Rioumajou is also open to them. From mid-June to the end of September between 7.30am and 9pm. We recommend enjoying a cool drink after the climb. Reservations are strongly recommended for lunch and essential for dinner. Various menus are available.

If you don’t want to walk to the Hospice, you can do so by car, but please note that traffic is restricted: no vehicular traffic from Frédancon to the Hospice between 12pm and 4pm in July and August. For further information, you can visit the Hospice’s Facebook page, its Instagram account, send a quick email to the team (hospicedurioumajou@gmail.com) or contact them on 09 74 04 12 01.

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