Cabin des Pics Noirs

Cabane des Pics Noirs sits at 2,360m on the eastern flank of Mont-Blanc massif in Haute-Savoie, deep in the Parc National de la Vanoise approach zone. Reach it from Chamonix valley via the Vallée de Montjoie trailhead near Saint-Gervais. The approach takes 4–5 hours from the road end, climbing steadily through forest then alpine meadow to the cabin's rocky perch. The trail is well-marked but steep in sections; scrambling experience helps on the final approach. Winter access is unreliable; visit June through September.
The cabin is a simple stone refuge run by FFCAM. It sleeps around 20 people in dormitory rooms and has basic but adequate mattresses and blankets. Meals are served communally—expect hearty mountain food rather than restaurant fare. Water comes from snowmelt and a spring; the cabin has no shower facilities. There are pit toilets outside. The location makes it an excellent base for climbs to Pic de la Tournette (2,351m) and peaks across the Vallée de Montjoie, or as a waypoint on longer traverses toward Mont-Blanc routes.
Book directly with FFCAM Chamonix section or through the national FFCAM booking system. July and August fill fast; aim to reserve by May for summer weekends. The cabin operates on an honour system during shoulder seasons when the guardian is absent. Check current status before arriving in winter—the cabin may be closed or available only for self-catering groups.