Cabin de la Rèche

Cabane de la Rèche sits at 2,377m on the eastern edge of Parc National des Écrins, in the Hautes-Alpes. The hut serves as a staging point for ascents of Pic de la Rèche (2,680m) and approaches to the higher peaks of the Massif des Écrins. Reach it from the village of Ancelle via the Vallée du Drac—a 4–5 hour hike gaining roughly 900m through larch forest and alpine pasture. The path is well-marked and non-technical. Winter access becomes unreliable above 2,000m; the hut operates summer season only.
The cabin is a refuge de montagne operated by FFCAM. It sleeps around 30 people in mixed dormitory rooms. Meals are provided: evening dinner and breakfast are included with your bed. Water comes from a spring; facilities are basic but functional. The hut has no shower, limited electricity, and no mobile signal. This is a working climber's shelter, not a hostel with amenities. The season runs mid-June to late September, depending on snow melt. Check ahead if visiting in early summer.
Book through FFCAM or contact the guardian directly before arriving. July and August weekends fill quickly—reserve at least 4–6 weeks ahead for these dates. June and September have more availability. The hut can usually take walk-ins on weekdays outside peak season, but don't rely on this. Phone ahead to confirm the hut is staffed if you're arriving outside peak weeks.