Asile Arnaldi

Asile Arnaldi sits at 2,700m in the Alpes-Maritimes, serving hikers on the GR5 and those ascending Mont Bégo or the Vallée des Merveilles. Reach it in 4–5 hours from the Lac de Mesches trailhead near Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende. The hut is also accessible from the Vallée de la Roya side. Ground underfoot is rocky and exposed in places; bring a map and navigate carefully on arrival, especially in poor visibility.
The refuge is small and austere, capacity 20–25 places. You share dormitory beds and basic toilet facilities. No hot showers. Meals are simple dinner and breakfast, or bring your own food. The hut is open July through September only. The guardian is present and supplies drinking water. This is working hut in a genuinely remote setting, not a comfortable refuge. Expect to be self-sufficient and flexible about conditions.
Book direct with the FFCAM section that manages the refuge, or phone ahead in July and August. Weekends and mid-July to mid-August get busy; aim for May onwards if you want a guaranteed bed then. Arrive early if you're not pre-booked, as the small size fills quickly. Bring a sleeping bag and mat even if you have a bed reserved.