Refuge de Gigord

2.0
1,301m Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Easy

About

Refuge de Gigord sits at 1,301m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, on the edge of the Parc National des Écrins. Reach it from the Vallouise valley via the hamlet of Dormillouse, following the GR54 trail. The approach takes roughly 2.5 hours on foot and gains 400m steadily through larch forest before opening into alpine meadow. Access is foot-only; there is no road to the hut.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 16 people in simple dormitory rooms. The guardian (gardien) provides hot meals and hot drinks—book dinner ahead when you book beds. Kitchen facilities are basic but functional. Water comes from a spring nearby. The building has no heating beyond the kitchen stove, so expect cold nights outside summer. Winter access depends on snow conditions and is not guaranteed; contact ahead before visiting November through March.
Book beds directly with the hut by phone or email well ahead for July and August—at 16 beds, it fills quickly. Spring and autumn are quieter but still require advance reservation. The hut is run by FFCAM volunteers and operates on a caretaker basis, so communication may be slow during winter months. Confirm your arrival date and dinner requirements when booking. This is a working base for climbers heading to nearby peaks in the Écrins massif as much as a destination for valley walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; the hut has only 16 beds and fills quickly. Contact the gardien directly by phone or email to reserve.
Open year-round with a resident gardien, though winter access is on foot only and conditions are severe.
Start from Dormillouse in the Vallouise valley and follow the GR54; it's a 2.5-hour hike gaining 400m through larch forest to the hut at 1,301m.
The gardien provides hot evening meals and breakfast; beds are in simple dormitory rooms with basic mountain refuge amenities and no shower.
Yes for fit hikers on a straightforward 2.5-hour approach, but the tiny capacity and remote location mean it's best for those comfortable with basic facilities and self-sufficiency.

Quick Facts

Managing club
PNF
Season
Total
16
Dormitory
Emergency
Private rooms

Facilities

Meals served

Contact & Booking

Email
Phone
Website