Cabin de Sausses

Cabane de Sausses sits at 1917m in the Alpes-Maritimes, in the southern French Alps near the Mercantour massif. Reach it from the village of Belvédère by hiking the GR5 trail northeastward through forest and open pasture. The walk takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. The cabin stands at the junction of several valley routes, making it a natural stop on longer traverses across the southern Alps.
This is a basic mountain shelter, not a staffed refuge. It offers sleeping space for around 8–10 people on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no warden, no meals provided, and no running water—you carry in what you need and carry out your waste. The cabin has a wood stove for heating. It functions year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and your own winter mountaineering skills. Cell reception is unreliable.
Plan to arrive with water, food, and a sleeping bag. Check conditions locally before the approach, especially in winter or after heavy rain. In summer, the route can be busy on weekends, particularly July and August. The cabin fills quickly on popular hiking weekends, so aim for a midweek visit if possible. Respect the shelter's basic facilities and leave it clean for the next user.