Benque combines views of the entire Pyrenean range with a specific village history: today’s Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Tourette stands on the site of the former parish church. There is also a traditional festive hike and religious customs that give the village further cultural points of interest. This offers several themes to consider when planning a trip: scenery, local history, and a stay centred around the Fête de Benque.

Pyrenees Panorama in Benque

From Benque’s Table d’orientation, you can take in the entire Pyrenean range. Nearby, there is a small rest area that also offers lovely views of the Pyrenees. Both the view across the whole range and a second, nearby panoramic viewpoint are therefore part of Benque’s landscape. If you want to make scenic views a focus, there are two specific places to visit: the Table d’orientation and the rest area.

Chapel, Local History, and Religious Customs

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Tourette stands on the site of Benque’s former parish church. This is where the present-day chapel and the history of the former parish church meet. In 2022, an open-air Mass was held at the small chapel. The annual celebration of Notre-Dame de la Tourette also includes a religious custom: bread donated by the municipality is blessed and then distributed to the faithful. Benque’s cultural character thus encompasses both a specific former church site and religious traditions.

Hikes for the Festival and Pilgrimage

During a 2017 pilgrimage, a hike from Saint-Pé d’Arès to Notre-Dame-de-Saint-Bernard continued as far as the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Tourette in Benque. After stopping there, the group continued via Notre-Dame-de-Saint-Bernard along paths that were uneven in places. The chapel was therefore a stopping point on a religious route; the walk did not end at the stop in Benque.

The annual Fête de Benque traditionally begins with a hike. In 2025, the route covered nine kilometres and passed through Vieuxas, Montoulieu-Saint-Bernard, Boussan, and le Garros; the return was via la Vierge. The village festival also includes an entrecôte meal, accompanied by the French entertainment music group Lyra. More than 240 people had signed up for the meal in 2025. The Fête hike is a traditional start to the festivities, while the route via the chapel was part of a pilgrimage. If you want to plan your trip around the Fête, check the dates for the relevant year. The nine-kilometre distance gives you a specific point of reference for planning your day.

Find a Hotel Based on Your Reason for Travelling

If you want to travel around the Fête, time your search to coincide with the date in the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Aspet, Lherm, Puymaurin, Issus, Noé, Poucharramet, Calmont, Deyme

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Garonne.