Ventajou

Ventajou is a small, unmanaged backcountry refuge in the Montagne Noire area near Félines-Minervois, used by hikers moving through the marble-country trails. It’s open all the time on a first-come, first-served basis (no booking system required).

The refuge is a renovated stone shelter with basic sleeping space (metal spring beds) and an interior set-up that includes a fireplace/cheminée, plus a dining area on the ground floor (tables and benches). A separate building provides dry toilets. There is no water nearby, so plan to carry what you’ll need.

A common approach is via the Circuit du Marbre (Marble Circuit) from Notre-Dame du Cros, with Ventajou reached as a waypoint about partway through the loop; the refuge is positioned for a picnic-style stop during the traverse.