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Thursday 28 March updated on 03-28-2024 at 8:06

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Watching the sun set over the mountains, admiring the host of stars in the sky, gazing at the first light of dawn … If you’ve ever dreamt of spending the night in a refuge, come and try a unique experience far from the madding crowd and the beaten track.

Robert Blanc Refuge, 2750m

A Mecca of hiking and a significant location for Les Arcs-Bourg Saint Maurice, the Robert Blanc refuge stands at the foot of the Aiguille des Glaciers. The refuge is built in a high-mountain setting where you can enjoy an outstanding view and the wildlife. Allow 3 hours walking from the Ville des Glaciers, footpath recommended for experienced walkers.

Open in July and August.
Information : http://refugerobertblanc.fr/

 

Mont-Pourri Refuge, 2374m

The Mont-Pourri Refuge is certainly one of the easiest refuges to get to from Les Arcs. It is ideally situated for admiring the Mont-Pourri glacier and the La Plagne  lake which can be seen at the end of the valley. Experiencing a night in this refuge is to discover the Vanoise National Park and its exceptional wildlife: mountain ibex, chamois, marmots. Allow 1 ½ hours to reach this little corner of paradise from the Col de la Chal at the top of Arc 2000.

Open from mid-June to mid-September.
Information : http://refuge-mont-pourri.fr/

Martin (2154m) and Turia (2428m) Refuges

On the first part of the walk towards the Turia refuge, a magnificent panoramic view over Mont Blanc opens up. The next part of the trail to reach the Martin refuge offers an uninterrupted view over the Upper Tarentaise Valley and the Grande Sassière glaciers. On this trail amongst glaciers and waterfalls, forests and Alpine pastures, you can watch the wildlife and enjoy the proximity of the glaciers on Mont-Pourri and the Aiguille Rouge. From Arc 2000, allow 2 hours to reach the first refuge and 3 ½ hours for the second.

Open from mid-June to mid-September.
Information : http://refuge-lamartin.vanoise.com/

 

 

Presset Refuge, 2514m

Opposite the Pierra Menta and overhanging a mountain lake, the Presset refuge is to be found amongst scenery of exceptional splendour. Mountain ibex, chamois, marmots… You can admire this wonderful world along the walking trail that takes you all the way to the lake. Allow 2 ½ hours walking to reach the refuge.

Open from June to September.
Information : https://refugedepresset.ffcam.fr/home.html

 

Rosuel Refuge, 1560m

For those who would like to try the experience of a night in a refuge without having to walk for several hours, the RosuelRefuge enables you to do just that! Nestling at the end of the Rosuel Valley in a splendid setting, you can easily get to the refuge by car or on foot from Peisey-Vallandry. From the refuge you can also pick up several  foot paths towards the Vanoise National Park.

Open from June to September.
Information : http://refuge-rosuel.vanoise.com/

 

And,

The Balme Refuge located on the path to the Presset lake.

The Col de la Croix du Bonhomme Refuge (2443m), on the Tour of Mont-Blanc.

On the col de la Seigne path, you will find the les Mottetsrefuge on the French side (les Chapieux Valley) and the ElisabethaRefuge on the Italian side.

Refuge Entre le Lac (2145m), on the bank of the La Plagne lake, a 2 ½ hour walk from the Rosuel Refuge.

 

Our advice

In winter, there are no caretakers in the refuges. However, some refuges can be reached by ski-tourers. Visitors should be aware that the water is generally turned off to avoid freezing as is the gas. Contact the refuges for further details.

In summer, we recommend that you book your nights in advance. Capacity varies from refuge to refuge. You can sleep and eat in the refuges, but you must book so that the caretakers can lay in the necessary stores.