Cabin Pastorale de l'Encombrette

2.9

Cabane Pastorale de l'Encombrette

2,315m Alpes-Maritimes, France Write a review
Moderate

About

Cabane Pastorale de l'Encombrette sits at 2,315m in the Alpes-Maritimes, deep in the southern Alps near the Italian border. Reach it from the Vallée de la Vésubie, hiking 4–5 hours from either Belvédère or Saint-Martin-Vésubie. The final approach climbs steeply through alpine pasture. The hut serves as a basecamp for routes into the Massif de Gialorgues and approaches to peaks above 2,700m.
The cabin is small and spartan—2 beds total, catering to climbers and hikers who self-cater or bring their own meals. There is no guardian service and no supplies available on-site. Water comes from a nearby spring. The season runs roughly June to September, weather-dependent. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness. This is a refuge for self-sufficient alpine users, not a staffed hut with restaurant service.
Book directly by contacting FFCAM Côte d'Azur or the Vallée de la Vésubie tourist office. Confirm water availability and access conditions before arriving. The cabin sees light use compared to popular FFCAM refuges; July and August are busiest but overcrowding is not an issue. Bring a headtorch, cooking equipment, and a stove—there are no facilities beyond shelter and a fireplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the hut directly well ahead—capacity is only 2 beds, so availability is extremely limited and fills quickly during summer.
The hut is staffed seasonally from June to September; check ahead as a small mountain pasture shelter may have irregular hours.
Hike 4–5 hours from Saint-Martin-Vésubie or Belvédère in the Vallée de la Vésubie; the final section climbs steeply through alpine pasture to 2,315m.
It's a small, spartan cabin with 2 beds; you'll need to self-cater or bring food, and there's no water or heating—bring a sleeping bag and stove.
No—the 4–5 hour approach with steep final climbing and harsh conditions suit only experienced mountain hikers and climbers.

Location

44.2164, 6.6980
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Don't forget to book

This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.

We can't watch this hut's availability — it books direct. Give us your arrival date and we'll email you when it's time to get in touch, with the hut's phone and email.

Independent of the hut and its alpine club. We never book or hold beds — the reminder just tells you when to get in touch, with the hut's own contact details.

HutLists Score

2.9
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Quick Facts

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2

Facilities

Meals served

Activities

Hiking Mountaineering

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