Refuge de la Cayolle

Refuge de la Cayolle sits at 2262m in the Alpes-Maritimes, on the border between the Parc National du Mercantour and the high pastures of the Ubaye valley. The main approach is from the Cayolle car park (1850m), a 3–4 hour hike north via the Col de la Cayolle. You can also reach it in 4–5 hours from the Lac d'Allos side or from Jausiers via the Pas de la Cayolle. The hut sits on a key crossing route between the Vallée de l'Ubaye and the Mediterranean side of the Alps, making it a natural stopping point for multi-day traverses.
The refuge has 32 beds across multiple rooms and offers half-board (dinner and breakfast). The kitchen provides adequate meals focused on refuelling after mountain days rather than culinary surprises. Water comes from a natural source; toilets are basic but functional. The hut operates from mid-June to mid-September, depending on snow conditions and staffing. It's staffed by a guardian who can provide route advice for onward journeys into the Mercantour.
Book well ahead for July and August—the hut fills regularly with trekkers tackling multi-day routes like the GR52. Contact the refuge directly by email or phone to check availability and confirm your arrival time. Spring and autumn visits outside the main season require advance coordination with the park authorities, as the hut may operate on reduced hours or close without notice.