Bergerie de Chabrière
2.0About
Bergerie de Chabrière sits at 2,340m in the Écrins massif, accessible from the Vallouise valley. The approach takes 2–3 hours on foot from Ailefroide or the Plan de l'Alpe trailhead, following steep terrain through open pasture and alpine meadow. This is a working shepherd's refuge as much as a mountaineer's shelter, so the route and conditions vary with the season and grazing patterns. Bring a map and compass; waymarking is minimal.
The bergerie operates as a basic refuge with 4 beds in simple dormitory style. There is no running water—you melt snow or collect from sources nearby. Meals are not provided; bring a stove and food. The hut has a stone shelter with a fireplace and basic cooking implements. It opens July to September depending on snow melt and shepherd occupation. This is self-catering mountaineering accommodation, not a staffed alpine hut. Toilet facilities are minimal.
Contact the Vallouise town hall or the Parc National des Écrins visitor centre in Oisans for current access details and shepherd presence. There is no telephone or booking system. Arrive early in the day to secure shelter. The hut is used by mountaineers crossing between valleys and by trekkers exploring the Écrins high routes. July and August are busy; you may need to camp nearby if the refuge is full.
The bergerie operates as a basic refuge with 4 beds in simple dormitory style. There is no running water—you melt snow or collect from sources nearby. Meals are not provided; bring a stove and food. The hut has a stone shelter with a fireplace and basic cooking implements. It opens July to September depending on snow melt and shepherd occupation. This is self-catering mountaineering accommodation, not a staffed alpine hut. Toilet facilities are minimal.
Contact the Vallouise town hall or the Parc National des Écrins visitor centre in Oisans for current access details and shepherd presence. There is no telephone or booking system. Arrive early in the day to secure shelter. The hut is used by mountaineers crossing between valleys and by trekkers exploring the Écrins high routes. July and August are busy; you may need to camp nearby if the refuge is full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the bergerie directly at least 2–3 weeks ahead, especially in July and August; it's small (4 beds) and operates on a flexible schedule tied to shepherding activities.
The bergerie is staffed seasonally, typically June to September, but dates vary with shepherd presence—confirm availability before heading out.
Approach from Ailefroide or Plan de l'Alpe trailhead in the Vallouise valley; the hike takes 2–3 hours on steep terrain through pasture and alpine meadow with minimal waymarking.
It's a basic mountain shelter with 4 beds, simple cooking facilities, and water; expect no showers and bring a sleeping bag and pad.
No—the 2–3 hour approach is steep, navigation is poor, and it's primarily a working shepherd's refuge, not a staffed hut; go only if you're comfortable with basic conditions and route-finding.
Location
44.5929, 6.9019
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