Refuge des Lacs de Vens
3.6About
Refuge des Lacs de Vens sits at 2,380m in the Écrins massif, accessible from the Valgaudemar valley. The standard approach takes 3–4 hours from Gîte de Champoléon, following a well-marked trail through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The hut serves as a base for day walks around the lakes plateau and as a waypoint on longer traverses through the Parc National des Écrins. Snow can block the approach until late June in heavy years.
The refuge offers 45 beds in mixed dormitories. Full board is available: dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches reduce logistics on multi-day trips. Water comes from natural sources; the hut has basic shower facilities. The season runs late June through September, weather dependent. FFCAM manages the hut to standard Alpine refuge standards—expect communal dining and shared sleeping quarters rather than private rooms. The warden opens mid-week even outside peak season if groups book ahead.
Book directly by email or phone at least two weeks in advance for July and August, longer during French school holidays (mid-July to late August can fill by June). Off-season trips in June or September need 10 days' notice to ensure the warden is present. Contact details and current rates are on the FFCAM website and alpine-huts.com directory.
The refuge offers 45 beds in mixed dormitories. Full board is available: dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches reduce logistics on multi-day trips. Water comes from natural sources; the hut has basic shower facilities. The season runs late June through September, weather dependent. FFCAM manages the hut to standard Alpine refuge standards—expect communal dining and shared sleeping quarters rather than private rooms. The warden opens mid-week even outside peak season if groups book ahead.
Book directly by email or phone at least two weeks in advance for July and August, longer during French school holidays (mid-July to late August can fill by June). Off-season trips in June or September need 10 days' notice to ensure the warden is present. Contact details and current rates are on the FFCAM website and alpine-huts.com directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 3–4 months ahead for July and August; email or call directly to confirm availability and arrange your stay.
The refuge is typically staffed from late June to mid-September, though snow can block access until late June in heavy years.
The standard approach takes 3–4 hours from Gîte de Champoléon via a well-marked trail through alpine meadows and rocky terrain.
Full board is available; the refuge has 45 beds in mixed dormitories and basic Alpine hut facilities.
Yes—the 3–4 hour approach is moderate and well-marked, making it accessible for hikers with basic fitness and Alpine experience.
Location
44.3167, 6.9419
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
- 45
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 6 37 67 91 74
- Website
- https://refugedevens.ffcam.fr/
Activities
Featured In
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