Rifugio Morelli Buzzi

Rifugio Morelli Buzzi sits at 2,351m in the Alpes-Maritimes, on the border between France and Italy. Reach it from the Vallée de la Roya, typically via the Lac de Gelas area. The approach takes 3–4 hours of steady hiking through alpine terrain. The refuge sits on established routes heading toward peaks in the Mercantour massif, making it a natural stop for walkers crossing the Franco-Italian frontier.
The refuge has 40 beds across shared dormitories. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast; bring a packed lunch or eat light at the bar. There's a wood stove for warmth and a basic shower. The refuge opens from June through September, weather permitting. No WiFi—expect to disconnect. Managed jointly by CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) and CAI Cuneo, it operates on Italian mountain hut standards and culture.
Book by email or phone at least 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August. September quiets down noticeably. The hut can fill with Italian climbers on weekends. Contact details are listed on the CAI Cuneo website. Arrive by mid-afternoon; the hut may not accommodate very late arrivals. Payment is usually cash only, so bring euros.