Plan de Ténibre
2.5
Alpes-Maritimes, France
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About
Plan de Ténibre sits at 2,082m in the Alpes-Maritimes, deep in the Parc National du Mercantour. The hut serves as a base for traverses across the southern Alps and climbs toward Cime du Gélas (3,143m). Reach it from the Vallée de la Vésubie via the hamlet of Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Most hikers approach from the Refuge de Vacherie (roughly 4–5 hours), though longer approaches from the Madone de Fenestre also exist. The final stretch is steep and rough, especially in wet conditions.
The refuge is a simple affair, run seasonally by FFCAM. Expect 40 beds in shared dorms. The kitchen serves hearty set meals at dinner and breakfast; bring your own lunch or buy supplies in Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Water comes from a spring nearby. Toilets are basic. The hut runs from roughly June to September, weather permitting; snow can block access into July. Few amenities beyond a small kitchen and sleeping space—this is a working mountaineer's refuge, not a hotel.
Book ahead during July and August, especially weekends. Contact FFCAM directly or the local club managing the refuge. The hut fills quickly for peaks like Cime du Gélas and the Passo Scarason crossing. Expect the facility to close by mid-September. Note that cell signal is unreliable; confirm your booking well before arrival.
The refuge is a simple affair, run seasonally by FFCAM. Expect 40 beds in shared dorms. The kitchen serves hearty set meals at dinner and breakfast; bring your own lunch or buy supplies in Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Water comes from a spring nearby. Toilets are basic. The hut runs from roughly June to September, weather permitting; snow can block access into July. Few amenities beyond a small kitchen and sleeping space—this is a working mountaineer's refuge, not a hotel.
Book ahead during July and August, especially weekends. Contact FFCAM directly or the local club managing the refuge. The hut fills quickly for peaks like Cime du Gélas and the Passo Scarason crossing. Expect the facility to close by mid-September. Note that cell signal is unreliable; confirm your booking well before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier if you're planning a specific multi-day traverse in peak season.
Plan de Ténibre is staffed from June to September, though access depends on snow conditions at this altitude.
Approach from Refuge de Vacherie (4–5 hours), accessed via Saint-Martin-Vésubie in the Vallée de la Vésubie; the final stretch is steep and rough, especially in wet conditions.
The refuge provides basic accommodation and meals; bring a headlamp and expect minimal amenities at this remote, high-altitude location.
No—this is a mountaineering hut for experienced hikers comfortable with steep terrain and exposed sections; use it as a base for alpine climbs, not a casual overnight.
Location
44.2812, 6.9505
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HutLists Score
2.5
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
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