La Cabin du Lac
1.4La Cabane du Lac
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
About
La Cabane du Lac sits at 2,127m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, serving walkers exploring the Parc National des Écrins. Reach it on foot from Ancelle (1,340m) in roughly 4 hours, ascending steadily through alpine meadow and larch forest before breaking onto open ridge. The final approach crosses rocky terrain with marked cairns. In summer, a rough 4WD track reduces this to 2 hours from the roadhead, though most hikers prefer the full walk. Snow blocks the upper route typically from November through May.
The hut is a simple refuge run by FFCAM volunteers. It sleeps 20 in dormitory bunks and has a small kitchen where you can prepare your own meals or buy basic supplies (tinned food, pasta, chocolate, tea). There's no hot shower or running water inside; meltwater flows near the building. A solar panel provides limited electricity for charging. The caretaker lives on-site from late June through September. Outside these months the hut is unheated and unmanaged—useful as shelter but bring everything you need.
Book through FFCAM's online system or contact the club directly. July and August fill quickly; aim to reserve 4–6 weeks ahead for summer weekends. The hut is quiet in shoulder seasons (June, September) and often has space without advance notice. Expect €18–25 per person per night. Bring a sleeping bag regardless of season.
The hut is a simple refuge run by FFCAM volunteers. It sleeps 20 in dormitory bunks and has a small kitchen where you can prepare your own meals or buy basic supplies (tinned food, pasta, chocolate, tea). There's no hot shower or running water inside; meltwater flows near the building. A solar panel provides limited electricity for charging. The caretaker lives on-site from late June through September. Outside these months the hut is unheated and unmanaged—useful as shelter but bring everything you need.
Book through FFCAM's online system or contact the club directly. July and August fill quickly; aim to reserve 4–6 weeks ahead for summer weekends. The hut is quiet in shoulder seasons (June, September) and often has space without advance notice. Expect €18–25 per person per night. Bring a sleeping bag regardless of season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; other months can usually be arranged with 2–4 weeks' notice.
La Cabane du Lac is staffed from June to October, weather permitting; snow typically closes the upper route from November onwards.
Hike from Ancelle (1,340m) in 4 hours via alpine meadow and larch forest to 2,127m, or use the summer 4WD track from the roadhead in 2 hours.
Expect basic mountain hut accommodation with bunk beds, meals provided by the guardian, and limited washing facilities; bring a sleeping bag liner.
The 4-hour approach is steady but non-technical; beginners in reasonable fitness can manage it, though the final rocky section requires sure footing and the summer 4WD option is easier for less experienced walkers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
- Season
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- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website