Cabanes de la Bonne Fontaine
3.6About
Cabanes de la Bonne Fontaine sits at 2,435m in the high pasture country of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, deep in the Parc National des Écrins. Access is via the Vallée de la Durance approach; most parties reach it in 4–5 hours from the nearest roadhead at Puy-Saint-Vincent or similar entry points to the north. The terrain is open alpine meadow and scree, straightforward navigation in good weather but exposed in storms.
This is a small refuge—just 3 beds across two stone cabanes. Expect basic shelter, a mattress, and a stove for cooking. There are no guardian or paid meals; you bring food and fuel. Water comes from the source nearby (fontaine). The hut operates year-round in principle but is genuinely exposed; winter access requires serious mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness. Summer (July–September) is the practical season for most parties.
Contact the Parc National des Écrins office or local FFCAM sections based in Gap or Embrun for current access information and any seasonal restrictions. There is no telephone or booking system; treat this as a first-come shelter. Arrive early in the day and be prepared to camp nearby if the cabanes are occupied. Stock water and fuel before departing the valley floor.
This is a small refuge—just 3 beds across two stone cabanes. Expect basic shelter, a mattress, and a stove for cooking. There are no guardian or paid meals; you bring food and fuel. Water comes from the source nearby (fontaine). The hut operates year-round in principle but is genuinely exposed; winter access requires serious mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness. Summer (July–September) is the practical season for most parties.
Contact the Parc National des Écrins office or local FFCAM sections based in Gap or Embrun for current access information and any seasonal restrictions. There is no telephone or booking system; treat this as a first-come shelter. Arrive early in the day and be prepared to camp nearby if the cabanes are occupied. Stock water and fuel before departing the valley floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; this hut fills quickly due to its 3-bed capacity.
Open mid-June to mid-September, staffed by a guardian during that period.
Approach via Vallée de la Durance from Puy-Saint-Vincent or nearby roadheads; allow 4–5 hours hiking to reach 2,435m.
Expect basic shelter, a stove, and water from the spring; meals and hot drinks depend on the guardian, so bring a stove and food as backup.
No—the exposed alpine terrain, small capacity, and minimal facilities make it suited to experienced hikers and mountaineers only.
Location
44.4424, 6.5700
Plan your visit
Get directionsNeed a hotel nearby?
Staying in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in Alpes-de-Haute-ProvenceBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
3.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
- Total
- 3
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.