Easy
About
Gîte des 3 Cols sits at 1477m in the foothills above the Verdon region. Access is via the village of Castellane, roughly 2.5 hours on foot from the roadhead near Pra-Loup. The hiking approach traverses open terrain with steady elevation gain through mixed forest and meadow. This is a working base for exploring the three col passes that give the gîte its name: Col des Lèques, Col de Valserme, and Col de la Cayolle. Each offers onward routes into higher Alpine terrain and connects to broader GR trail networks.
The gîte operates as a simple mountain refuge with 40 beds across shared dormitory rooms. Evening meals and breakfast are available, though self-catering is possible with advance notice. Water comes from a spring source. The refuge is managed by local hiking guides and supports year-round use, though conditions from November to March require winter experience and proper kit. Summer months (June to September) see regular foot traffic on the approach routes.
Book directly with the refuge by phone or email. July and August fill quickly; reserve at least 6–8 weeks ahead for weekend slots. Off-season visits outside the main hiking window are quieter but confirm opening dates before traveling. Bring your own sleeping bag and towel. The gîte lies within easy reach of Parc National des Écrins territory and connects well to multi-day traverses across the southern Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
The gîte operates as a simple mountain refuge with 40 beds across shared dormitory rooms. Evening meals and breakfast are available, though self-catering is possible with advance notice. Water comes from a spring source. The refuge is managed by local hiking guides and supports year-round use, though conditions from November to March require winter experience and proper kit. Summer months (June to September) see regular foot traffic on the approach routes.
Book directly with the refuge by phone or email. July and August fill quickly; reserve at least 6–8 weeks ahead for weekend slots. Off-season visits outside the main hiking window are quieter but confirm opening dates before traveling. Bring your own sleeping bag and towel. The gîte lies within easy reach of Parc National des Écrins territory and connects well to multi-day traverses across the southern Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; weekdays can often be arranged with shorter notice.
Open year-round, though staffing and services are most reliable June to September.
Start from the roadhead near Pra-Loup village and allow 2.5 hours of hiking via steady forest and meadow terrain to reach the gîte at 1477m.
Dinner and breakfast are served; beds are dormitory-style with 40 total capacity, and there are basic washroom facilities.
Yes, the 2.5-hour approach is steady but not technical; it's ideal for hikers building endurance rather than those needing scrambling or scrambling skills.
Location
44.6160, 6.3326
HutLists Score
3.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- private
- Total
- 40
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://gitedes3cols.fr/
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