Le Clot des Ordes

Refuge Le Clot des Ordes sits at 2,430m in the upper Bachelard Valley, south of Mont-Pelvat in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Access is a 2–2.5 hour hike from the Pré-de-la-Mine car park near Allos, following the GR5 trail. The final approach climbs steadily through alpine pasture with few shelter options, so start early. In winter, access is often blocked by snow and requires mountaineering skills. The hut lies on the border of Parc National du Mercantour and works well as a base for peaks in the southern Ecrins massif or as a waypoint on longer GR5 treks.
The refuge is small—capacity around 20 beds—and operates as a basic shelter. The guardian provides meals if you book ahead; bring a sleeping bag and expect simple blankets. Water comes from the spring nearby but must be treated. There are no showers or generators. The hut opens mid-June to mid-September, depending on snow. Winter ascents are possible but the hut offers no heated facilities then.
Book 2–4 weeks ahead during July and August. Contact the hut directly; it has no website but the FFCAM directory lists phone numbers. July–August weekends fill quickly. Arrive by late afternoon to secure beds. The guardians close the hut if snow blocks the trail, so confirm conditions before the day of departure. Bring cash for meals; no payment systems operate at this elevation.