Ferme du Danay
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Ferme du Danay

2.4
Haute-Savoie, France Write a review

About

Ferme du Danay sits at 1,650m in the Chaîne de la Tournette, in Haute-Savoie's limestone country between Annecy and Albertville. You reach it from the village of Thônes (1,050m), a 2.5-hour walk via the Nant Noir valley. The approach is steady rather than steep, following a stream through pasture and light forest. Most hikers use this hut as a base for day walks into the surrounding ridges, or as a stopping point on multi-day traverses of the region.
Ferme du Danay is a working mountain farm offering basic refuge accommodation and meals. Capacity is small—around 20 places—so it fills quickly during summer months. The hut provides dinner and breakfast; packed lunches available on request. Facilities are simple: dormitory beds, running water, and a wood-fired dining space. The season runs year-round, though winter visits require advance notice as staffing is minimal. The farm's isolation and pastoral setting appeal more to hikers seeking quiet and working knowledge of the area than to those chasing trail hype.
Book direct by calling ahead or arranging with the family who runs the farm. Contact details should be confirmed through the FFCAM directory or local information offices in Thônes, as opening hours vary with farm activities and weather. July and August require booking 4–6 weeks in advance. June and September are quieter but still secure a bed by booking two weeks ahead. Winter access depends entirely on snow conditions and farmer availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; weekdays are usually available with shorter notice.
Open year-round as a working farm, but reliably staffed June to September for hikers; contact ahead outside these months.
Start from Thônes village (1,050m) and walk 2.5 hours via the Nant Noir valley—steady gradient through pasture and forest to 1,650m.
Basic mountain farm accommodation with simple meals; bring a sleeping bag and expect shared dormitory-style bunks.
Yes—the approach from Thônes is steady and not technical, making it ideal for walkers new to mountain huts.

Location

45.9226, 6.4420

HutLists Score

2.4
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Quick Facts

Managing club
private

Facilities

Meals served

Contact & Booking

Website
https://www.aravis-haute-savoie.fr/annonceurs_mini_site/saint_jean_de_sixt/restaurant_ferme_danay_saint_jean_sixt.html

Activities

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