Refuge de Basse Rua
4.3About
Refuge de Basse Rua sits at 1,750m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, serving hikers exploring the southern reaches of Parc National des Écrins. The hut is accessed via the Ubaye valley. Most parties approach from the village of Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, a 3-hour hike climbing steadily through mixed forest and alpine meadow. The route gains roughly 700m elevation and follows a well-marked path suitable for fit walkers with basic mountain experience.
The hut holds 24 beds split across shared dormitories. Meals are available: half-board and full-board options include dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches on request. Water comes from a spring near the building. The refuge operates year-round but gets heaviest use June through September. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and equipment; contact ahead to confirm staffing. Toilets are basic and outdoor. The hut is managed by FFCAM and serves as a base for day walks into the Ubaye massif and as a staging point for multi-day traverse routes.
Book directly by email or phone at least one month ahead for July and August. Weekend dates fill faster than weekdays. The hut prefers group booking contact by phone. Arrive by mid-afternoon to secure a warm welcome and hot meals. Solo hikers are welcome but rare enough that notifying the guardian in advance helps with meal planning.
The hut holds 24 beds split across shared dormitories. Meals are available: half-board and full-board options include dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches on request. Water comes from a spring near the building. The refuge operates year-round but gets heaviest use June through September. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and equipment; contact ahead to confirm staffing. Toilets are basic and outdoor. The hut is managed by FFCAM and serves as a base for day walks into the Ubaye massif and as a staging point for multi-day traverse routes.
Book directly by email or phone at least one month ahead for July and August. Weekend dates fill faster than weekdays. The hut prefers group booking contact by phone. Arrive by mid-afternoon to secure a warm welcome and hot meals. Solo hikers are welcome but rare enough that notifying the guardian in advance helps with meal planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the refuge by email or phone at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for July and August weekends when the 24 beds fill quickly.
Refuge de Basse Rua is typically staffed from June to September; confirm exact dates when you book as opening depends on snow conditions.
Hike 3 hours from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye village, gaining 700m elevation on a well-marked path through forest and meadow—suitable for fit walkers with basic mountain experience.
24 beds in shared dormitories, cooked meals provided (half-board typical), and basic water/toilet facilities; confirm hot shower availability when booking.
It's suitable for fit beginners or families with hill-walking experience, but the 3-hour approach and steady 700m gain demand reasonable fitness and acclimatization.
Location
44.6237, 6.7180
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
- Total
- 24
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 6 22 66 58 21
- Website
- http://www.refuge-basserua.fr/
Activities
Featured In
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