Refuge de la Cougourde
4.3About
Refuge de la Cougourde sits at 2,100m in the Alpes-Maritimes, deep in the Mercantour massif. The standard approach is from the Vallée de la Roya. Most hikers start from Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende and follow the GR52 long-distance trail, which takes roughly 5-6 hours depending on your fitness and exact trailhead. Winter access is weather-dependent; contact the refuge before planning a cold-season visit.
The refuge is small and straightforward. It has 40 beds across mixed dormitories. Half-board (dinner, bed, breakfast) is standard and covers hearty mountain food. The kitchen serves one sitting, so meal times are fixed. Water is from the spring nearby. The refuge operates year-round but staff presence varies sharply outside July-August; confirm opening dates before you go. Basic supplies are available but don't count on them—bring what you need.
Book directly by phone. The refuge fills quickly in July and August; aim to call 6-8 weeks ahead for those months. Outside peak season you have more flexibility but still phone rather than show up unannounced. This is FFCAM/CAF territory, so CAF members get priority booking. The refuge has no email or online system—a phone call is the only reliable method.
The refuge is small and straightforward. It has 40 beds across mixed dormitories. Half-board (dinner, bed, breakfast) is standard and covers hearty mountain food. The kitchen serves one sitting, so meal times are fixed. Water is from the spring nearby. The refuge operates year-round but staff presence varies sharply outside July-August; confirm opening dates before you go. Basic supplies are available but don't count on them—bring what you need.
Book directly by phone. The refuge fills quickly in July and August; aim to call 6-8 weeks ahead for those months. Outside peak season you have more flexibility but still phone rather than show up unannounced. This is FFCAM/CAF territory, so CAF members get priority booking. The refuge has no email or online system—a phone call is the only reliable method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; shoulder season (June, September) requires less advance notice. Contact by phone to check availability and confirm dates.
Open June to September; winter access is weather-dependent, so contact ahead if you're planning outside summer months.
Start from Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende and follow the GR52; the hike to the refuge takes 5–6 hours depending on fitness and exact trailhead.
Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is available; beds are in mixed dormitories across 40 total beds. Shower facilities are basic mountain standards.
The 5–6 hour approach and 2,100m elevation make it moderate; it's fine for fit beginners comfortable with mountain hiking, but not ideal for those new to Alpine terrain.
Location
44.1263, 7.3308
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM Club Alpin Français
- Total
- 40
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 9 78 23 31 59
- Website
- https://refugelacougourde.ffcam.fr/
Activities
Featured In
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