Refuge D'Art Vieil Esclangon
4.2About
Refuge d'Art Vieil Esclangon sits at 1,060m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, deep in the Parc National des Écrins. Access is on foot from the Vallée de la Durance; most approaches take 3–4 hours depending on your starting point. The hut serves as a base for mid-altitude hiking and scrambling in the southern Écrins, with routes to peaks and alpine passes that attract experienced walkers and mountaineers.
This is a small, intimate refuge with just 5 beds. It operates seasonally (typically late May to September, depending on snow conditions and weather). Meals are available if booked in advance—expect traditional mountain food rather than choice menus. Water comes from the nearby spring. Basic dormitory accommodation; bring your own sleeping bag. Facilities are simple but functional for a mountain hut at this elevation.
Book by email or phone well ahead, especially for July and August when even small huts fill quickly. Confirm opening dates before travel, as spring snow or autumn storms can force early closure. The hut is managed by volunteers, so response times may be slower than larger FFCAM refuges—allow 7–10 days for a reply. Check access conditions directly: winter approaches are often impossible without proper winter mountaineering skills and equipment.
This is a small, intimate refuge with just 5 beds. It operates seasonally (typically late May to September, depending on snow conditions and weather). Meals are available if booked in advance—expect traditional mountain food rather than choice menus. Water comes from the nearby spring. Basic dormitory accommodation; bring your own sleeping bag. Facilities are simple but functional for a mountain hut at this elevation.
Book by email or phone well ahead, especially for July and August when even small huts fill quickly. Confirm opening dates before travel, as spring snow or autumn storms can force early closure. The hut is managed by volunteers, so response times may be slower than larger FFCAM refuges—allow 7–10 days for a reply. Check access conditions directly: winter approaches are often impossible without proper winter mountaineering skills and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the refuge by email or phone as soon as you know your dates—with only 5 beds, availability fills quickly even in shoulder season.
The refuge is open seasonally from late May through September; confirm exact dates with the guardian before planning your trip.
Access is on foot from the Vallée de la Durance; most approaches take 3–4 hours depending on your starting point.
With only 5 beds total, this is a minimal-facilities hut—bring a sleeping bag, expect basic meals if available, and assume no shower.
No; the 3–4 hour approach and location in the remote southern Écrins suit experienced hikers and mountaineers only.
Location
44.2098, 6.2816
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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
4.2
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
- Total
- 5
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 92 31 45 29
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.