Refuge de la Cantonnière
3.6About
Refuge de la Cantonnière sits at 1,850m in the Alpes-Maritimes, on the border between the Parc National du Mercantour and accessible high country. The hut anchors the Vallée de la Vésubie, serving hikers on routes toward Pic de la Colmiane and traverses toward the Parc de la Vanoise. Access from Roquebillière village takes 4–5 hours on foot via the valley trail, a steady ascent through beech and spruce forest. Most parties approach from the north, linking it into circuits across the eastern French Alps.
The refuge operates year-round and holds 36 beds across multiple rooms. Meals are available—book dinner and breakfast when you reserve your bed. Water comes from the spring. The hut has no electricity, heating is wood-fired, and you'll need a headtorch. Mobile signal is weak to non-existent; come prepared for isolation. The warden maintains the place alone during off-peak seasons, so expect basic but functional accommodation suited to walkers, not climbers seeking luxuries.
Book directly by email or phone well ahead for July and August; June and September fill quickly too. The hut closes briefly in November and again briefly in April. Confirm opening dates when you contact them, as weather and staffing sometimes shift the schedule. Payment is typically by card or cash on arrival.
The refuge operates year-round and holds 36 beds across multiple rooms. Meals are available—book dinner and breakfast when you reserve your bed. Water comes from the spring. The hut has no electricity, heating is wood-fired, and you'll need a headtorch. Mobile signal is weak to non-existent; come prepared for isolation. The warden maintains the place alone during off-peak seasons, so expect basic but functional accommodation suited to walkers, not climbers seeking luxuries.
Book directly by email or phone well ahead for July and August; June and September fill quickly too. The hut closes briefly in November and again briefly in April. Confirm opening dates when you contact them, as weather and staffing sometimes shift the schedule. Payment is typically by card or cash on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; email or call ahead as soon as you have dates, especially for July and August when the 36 beds fill quickly.
The refuge operates June to September; confirm exact opening and closing dates by email or phone before planning your trip.
The main approach is 4–5 hours on foot from Roquebillière village via the Vallée de la Vésubie trail, a steady ascent through forest to 1,850m.
The refuge serves dinner and breakfast; expect dorm beds and basic facilities typical of mountain huts at this elevation.
Yes—the approach is a well-marked valley hike without technical scrambling, making it accessible for fit hikers without Alpine experience.
Location
44.2431, 6.7552
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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.
HutLists Score
3.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
- Total
- 36
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 93 05 51 36
- Website
- https://lacantonniere.wixsite.com/refugelacantonniere
Activities
Featured In
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