Vastière de Valmasque

Vastière de Valmasque sits at 1980m in the Alpes-Maritimes, deep in the Mercantour massif. Reach it from the Boréon valley near Saint-Martin-Vésubie. The approach takes 3–4 hours on foot from the valley floor, following marked trails through alpine pasture and rocky terrain. The hut stands isolated, making it ideal for climbers tackling peaks in the Mercantour or hikers crossing high ridges between the Méditerranée and the upper valleys.
The refuge is tiny—just 2 beds—and operates as a self-catering shelter rather than a staffed hut. You'll find basic sleeping platforms and a roof, but bring your own food, fuel, and sleeping bag. There's no electricity or running water. The hut belongs to FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) and remains open roughly June to September, though conditions dictate the exact season. Check before you go; snow can block access into July in cold years.
Reserve well ahead through FFCAM or contact the Saint-Martin-Vésubie section directly. The hut fills quickly for July and August weekends. Bring everything you need—no warden is present, and the nearest resupply is hours away. This is a shelter for self-sufficient mountaineers, not casual hikers.