10 mountain huts and chalets to discover

In the heart of the mountains, relaxation guaranteed

Mountain huts close to resorts

A mountain refuge is a shelter, generally located at high altitude, designed to offer temporary shelter to hikers, mountaineers and other adventurers in the great outdoors. A refuge may be run by an association, an alpine club or private individuals who act as refuge wardens. They often offer dormitories or bedrooms, sanitary facilities and food and cooking facilities.

Here are 5 of them, hidden away in the heart of the French mountains.

Alps

The Pointe Percée refuge

Located near the resort of La Clusaz in Haute-Savoie, this refuge is perched close to the Pointe Percée, the highest peak in the Aravis Massif.

It can be reached from La Clusaz by following a hiking trail. Depending on your pace, the walk takes around 3 to 4 hours. The Refuge de la Pointe Percée is a high mountain refuge offering comfortable accommodation, nutritious meals and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and their sunsets, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Pyrenees

The Wallon-Marcadau refuge

Situated in the Pyrenees National Park, this refuge offers panoramic views of the high peaks of the Pyrenees, including the Pic du Vignemale (pictured above). Surrounded by glacial lakes and unspoilt countryside, it’s an ideal place for hikers and other nature lovers.

Situated at an altitude of 1865m, close to the resort of Cauterets, the Refuge Wallon-Marcadau underwent a complete renovation in 2022, to offer walkers comfortable facilities while retaining its warm mountain refuge atmosphere.

Jura Mountains

The Refuge de la Loge

A charming refuge in the Jura mountains, the Refuge de la Loge is located as close as possible to the ski slopes, providing quick access for skiers in winter and hikers in summer. In a very friendly atmosphere, it offers dormitories and traditional meals so you can relax before setting off again to explore!

Looked after in winter and summer alike, Cathy and Franck, the owners, will welcome you for a stay of one or more nights, or simply for a meal break.

Vosges

Le Refuge du Sotré

Close to Gérardmer and located at the top of the La Bresse Hohneck resort, this refuge offers direct access to the slopes and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy a warm atmosphere after a day of outdoor adventure!

The Refuge du Sotré welcomes young and old alike, with 11 rooms available and a restaurant offering comforting dishes made with local produce. A permanent team from the Sotrés association will be on hand to advise you on the surrounding countryside, for a successful experience in the Vosges massif.

Massif Central

The Banne Refuge

Situated near the Puy de Dôme in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne, the Refuge de la Banne has many roles to play. As a stopover lodge, but also a place to stay, a bar and a restaurant, this refuge offers Massif Central explorers a friendly place to relax after a day’s summer hiking.

Offering magnificent views of the region’s volcanic landscapes and high plateaux, it is also the ideal starting point for walks around the Auvergne volcanoes, passing through the region’s high-altitude lakes and dense forests.

Authentic mountain comfort

Chalets close to resorts

A mountain chalet is a private residence located in or around a resort, at a higher altitude. Chalets are more spacious and comfortable, offering all the facilities you need to spend a warm night or stay in a dream setting.

For a weekend or a week, chalets can be rented from individuals or estate agents in the resorts.

Here are 5 chalets that are sure to immerse you in a warm, mountain atmosphere.

Alps

Le Chalet du Rassel

Comprising 3 different types of accommodation, the Chalet du Rassel is a charming mountain chalet in Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise. Nestling in the heart of magnificent Alpine scenery, it offers comfortable, top-of-the-range accommodation, with typical Alpine decor combining wood and stone.

Ideally located close to the resort’s ski slopes, it is an ideal base, either in winter to get to the slopes, or in summer for easy access to the hiking trails.

Pyrenees

Chalet l’Évidence

Located close to the resort of Font-Romeu, Chalet l’Évidence is the modern, luxurious mountain chalet par excellence. Whether you’re staying with family or friends, you’ll enjoy traditional mountain décor and modern comforts such as a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious living room, fireplace and panoramic views from the terrace.

Ideally located, staying in this chalet gives you easy access to a wide range of activities, including hiking, climbing, paragliding and caving!

Jura Mountains

Chalets Cœur de Lac

Modern, high-quality accommodation, the Chalets Cœur de Lac are located in the Doubs département (Jura mountains), close to the Lac de Saint-Point. The meticulous, typically mountain-style decoration of these chalets will immerse you in a warm atmosphere, while enjoying a view of incredible sunsets.

Located close to a lively area, you can enjoy the lake and its beach, bars and restaurants, not forgetting the many walks and hikes nearby!

Vosges

Chalet Le Panoramique

Located close to the Gérardmer ski resort, Chalet Le Panoramique is a detached chalet available to rent, so you can enjoy the Vosges mountains in winter and summer alike.

Whether you prefer walks, sporting activities or simply contemplation, everything is nearby, including the Lac de Longemer, just a few minutes away. Like the Gérardmer resort, it has been awarded the Famille Plus label, and has all the facilities needed to cater for families with children.

Massif Central

Chalet Les Écureuils

Less than 3 kilometres from the resort of Le Mont-Dore, Chalet Les Écureuils offers the ultimate chalet atmosphere, with authentic decor and comfortable, modern facilities.

You can also take advantage of the many nearby activities, including hiking, an adventure park, golf and the village spa, just a few minutes away. With its large, fully enclosed grounds, you’re sure to enjoy a stay in a natural environment with exceptional mountain views, while being close to all the amenities offered by the resort of Le Mont-Dore.

So, should you opt for a refuge or a chalet? If you want to spend a holiday in the mountains, there’s no shortage of typical accommodation in the resorts, so you can be sure of a change of scenery, in winter and summer alike!