Refuge Stéphane Mayen

Refuge Stéphane Mayen sits at 2,437m in the Alpes-Maritimes, serving climbers and hikers working the ridges and peaks around the Vallée de la Tinée. The hut lies roughly 5 hours' walk from the Pra d'Alplan trailhead via the Baisse de Rabuons pass. Most routes in approach from the south—you climb steadily through alpine meadow and scree to reach the refuge. The hut is small and positioned to work as a base for ascents of Cime du Diable and summits along the Parc National du Mercantour frontier.
The refuge holds 15 beds across simple dormitory rooms. The guardian provides evening meals and packed lunches; bring your own breakfast supplies or ask ahead. Water comes from a stream near the hut. There are no showers. The hut operates year-round but is genuinely remote—winter access requires solid snow skills and the building is barely staffed. Spring through autumn, the hut functions as a working mountaineering base with regular footfall from guided groups.
Ring ahead before visiting, especially outside July and August. The hut management operates through the local hiking community networks—ask your guide service or check with CAF/FFCAM clubs in the Alpes-Maritimes for current contact details and conditions. Winter visits need coordination well in advance. The refuge fills during July and August on weekends; book at least 3–4 weeks ahead for summer.