Demanding
About
Cabane de Chabaud sits at 1,935m in the Alpes-Maritimes, deep in the backcountry south of the Parc National du Mercantour. Access is on foot only. From the village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, hike 4–5 hours northeast via the Vallon de Chabaud to reach the cabin. The final approach gains 900m steadily through alpine meadow and scree. In winter, this hut is inaccessible without mountaineering skills and winter equipment.
The cabin is a small, unmanned refuge run by local volunteers and the community. It has 3 beds in a single room, a basic kitchen with a wood stove for heating, and a water source nearby. There is no electricity. Bring a sleeping bag, food, water treatment, and all supplies—nothing is available for purchase. The cabin is open June through September, weather permitting. Winter visits require serious mountain experience and avalanche awareness.
Book ahead by contacting the Parc National du Mercantour or the municipality of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage directly. This hut fills quickly during July and August; contact in late spring to secure a date. Since the cabin is unstaffed, confirm access conditions with local park rangers before departure. You'll need to self-manage keys and leave payment as instructed.
The cabin is a small, unmanned refuge run by local volunteers and the community. It has 3 beds in a single room, a basic kitchen with a wood stove for heating, and a water source nearby. There is no electricity. Bring a sleeping bag, food, water treatment, and all supplies—nothing is available for purchase. The cabin is open June through September, weather permitting. Winter visits require serious mountain experience and avalanche awareness.
Book ahead by contacting the Parc National du Mercantour or the municipality of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage directly. This hut fills quickly during July and August; contact in late spring to secure a date. Since the cabin is unstaffed, confirm access conditions with local park rangers before departure. You'll need to self-manage keys and leave payment as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the refuge directly well ahead—it's a tiny 3-bed cabin and fills quickly in summer; email or phone at least 2–3 months before your planned visit.
Open roughly June to September; winter access requires mountaineering skills and equipment. Confirm dates with the refuge before planning.
Hike 4–5 hours from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage via Vallon de Chabaud, gaining 900m through alpine meadow and scree; foot access only.
It's a basic unmanned cabin with 3 beds; bring a sleeping bag and expect no meals, water, or heating—plan accordingly.
No—the long, steep approach, remote location, and lack of facilities make it suited only to experienced hikers comfortable with self-sufficiency.
Location
44.1951, 6.5563
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