Le Chastellard
2.5
Alpes-Maritimes, France
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About
Le Chastellard sits at 2,140m in the Alpes-Maritimes, on the approach to the Mercantour massif. The hut lies 4–5 hours from the village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage via the Vallée de la Tinée. Walkers typically start from the Pont de Guerche and follow the marked path through forest and alpine pasture. The terrain is steep in sections but straightforward. In winter, snow can block the access road and make the final approach technical—check conditions ahead.
Le Chastellard is a simple CAF-managed refuge with about 30 beds in dormitory format. Meals are available on a half-board basis. The kitchen serves hearty cooking suited to mountain appetites. The hut has no electricity and uses gas heating, so bring warm layers even in summer. Water comes from a spring nearby. Toilet facilities are basic mountain style. The hut is open from June through September, with weekends and July–August peak season requiring advance notice.
Book direct through the FFCAM or contact the local section. Summer weekends fill 2–3 months ahead. July is busiest. If you're climbing peaks in the Mercantour—Pélat, Caire de la Bonette—or linking to other refuges in the Tinée drainage, book 6–8 weeks in advance for any dates between mid-July and August.
Le Chastellard is a simple CAF-managed refuge with about 30 beds in dormitory format. Meals are available on a half-board basis. The kitchen serves hearty cooking suited to mountain appetites. The hut has no electricity and uses gas heating, so bring warm layers even in summer. Water comes from a spring nearby. Toilet facilities are basic mountain style. The hut is open from June through September, with weekends and July–August peak season requiring advance notice.
Book direct through the FFCAM or contact the local section. Summer weekends fill 2–3 months ahead. July is busiest. If you're climbing peaks in the Mercantour—Pélat, Caire de la Bonette—or linking to other refuges in the Tinée drainage, book 6–8 weeks in advance for any dates between mid-July and August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier dates are usually available with less notice.
Open June to September, staffed daily during this period; winter access is unreliable due to snow.
Start from Pont de Guerche near Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage and follow the marked path for 4–5 hours; the route climbs steeply in sections through forest and alpine pasture to 2,140m.
The hut provides dinner, breakfast, and dormitory beds; bring a sleeping bag or rent bedding.
It suits hikers with basic fitness; the terrain is straightforward but steep in places, so it's not ideal for complete beginners or young children.
Location
44.0778, 6.6565
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2.5
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
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