Cabin du Berger de Chillol

Cabane du Berger de Chillol sits at 2,641m in the Parc National des Écrins, on the eastern flank of Pic de Chillol. The hut occupies a high pasture above the Vallée du Drac Blanc, commanding views across the upper Hautes-Alpes. Approach from Puy-Saint-Vincent village (1,650m) via the GR54 long-distance trail: allow 4 to 5 hours for the 14km hike. The route climbs steadily through larch forest and alpine meadow, gaining 1,000m elevation. In winter, snow closes the upper approach completely. Summer is the only viable season.
This is a small, traditional refuge operated by FFCAM. It sleeps around 15 people in basic dormitory rooms with shared washing facilities and no running water. Evening meals are provided (book ahead), and you can buy lunch supplies. The cabin sits at the junction of several long-distance routes, making it a transit point for GR54 walkers and those attempting Pic de Chillol (2,814m, 1–2 hours from the hut) or continuing toward Col du Lautaret. Conditions are spartan: generator power, wood stove, and gas cooker. The hut opens mid-June through mid-September, depending on snow conditions.
Book through FFCAM directly or contact the refuge manager by post (French address required). July and August fill quickly; aim to book by late April for summer weekends. The hut prefers advance notice for dinner, as supplies arrive by foot. Solo walkers and small groups find space more readily than large parties. Arrive early in the day—dusk comes fast at this elevation.