Refuge de Rabuons
3.6About
Refuge de Rabuons sits at 2,523m in the Alpes-Maritimes, deep in the Mercantour massif. The standard approach from the Vallée de la Vésubie takes 3–4 hours on foot. Starting from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (1,400m), the GR5 climbs steadily through forest before opening onto high pasture and scree. The final section steepens but remains straightforward. Most hikers approach from the south via the Lac de Rabuons trail, which gains the ridge in 2.5–3 hours from lower elevations. Winter access is unreliable above 2,000m.
The refuge holds 36 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board meals are standard and reasonable; the kitchen handles vegetarian requests if notified ahead. There's no shower, though meltwater and a basic washroom are available. The hut stays open late June through September, weather permitting. This is a working refuge, not a social hub—expect functional comfort and early closing times. Phone reception is poor; WiFi is not available.
Book by email or phone at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August. Weekend slots fill quickly year-round. Contact the FFCAM club directly for current rates and opening dates; management can adjust these seasonally. Arrive before 17:00 to secure a place and eat with the main group. Cash payment is preferred; confirm payment methods when booking.
The refuge holds 36 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board meals are standard and reasonable; the kitchen handles vegetarian requests if notified ahead. There's no shower, though meltwater and a basic washroom are available. The hut stays open late June through September, weather permitting. This is a working refuge, not a social hub—expect functional comfort and early closing times. Phone reception is poor; WiFi is not available.
Book by email or phone at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August. Weekend slots fill quickly year-round. Contact the FFCAM club directly for current rates and opening dates; management can adjust these seasonally. Arrive before 17:00 to secure a place and eat with the main group. Cash payment is preferred; confirm payment methods when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for July and August; contact the refuge by email or phone to confirm availability and arrange your stay.
Refuge de Rabuons is staffed June to September; outside these months, access is unreliable and the hut may not be open.
From Saint-Martin-Vésubie (1,400m), follow the GR5 for 3–4 hours; alternatively, approach from the south via Lac de Rabuons trail in 2.5–3 hours—both routes gain roughly 1,100m elevation.
The refuge has 36 beds in shared dormitories; half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard, and packed lunches can usually be arranged the evening before.
Yes—the approach is steady and non-technical, though 3–4 hours at altitude with 1,100m gain requires reasonable fitness; families with hill-walking experience will manage it comfortably.
Location
44.2684, 6.9781
Need a hotel nearby?
Staying in Alpes-Maritimes before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in Alpes-MaritimesBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
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
- FFCAM Club Alpin Français
- Total
- 36
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 93 23 04 11
- Website
- https://refugederabuons.ffcam.fr/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.