Cabin du Carton

Cabane du Carton sits at 2,290m in the Alpes-Maritimes, deep in the backcountry south of Barcelonnette. This is a true shelter hut, not a staffed refuge—you'll need to be self-sufficient. Access is via the Vallée de l'Ubaye, typically approached from Pra-Loup or Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye. The walk in takes 4-5 hours depending on your route and fitness. The hut serves hikers working the high ridges between Pic de Caramantran and Mont Mezzalama, and climbers tackling the limestone rock scattered across this region.
The cabin provides basic shelter with 4 beds and a wood stove. There's no guardian, no meals, no running water. You carry everything in: food, fuel, water for drinking (there are seasonal springs nearby but verify before you go). The hut is open year-round in theory, but winter access is serious mountaineering—avalanche risk and deep snow make it a spring-through-autumn proposition for most people. Summer crowds are minimal because of the remote location and spartan conditions.
Book space by contacting the Parc National des Écrins or the relevant local FFCAM section—the hut operates under backcountry access rules rather than standard refuge booking. Check current access conditions and water availability with local mountaineering guides or the Barcelonnette visitor office before heading up. Go in summer; this is not a winter destination unless you're equipped and experienced in alpine rescue.