Ferme du Danay

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.