La Peule

Refuge de la Peule sits at 2,071m in the Chaîne de la Vanoise, on the border between Savoie and Haute-Savoie. The hut serves as a key waypoint on routes crossing from the Tarentaise valley to Pralognan-la-Vanoise or south toward the Parc National de la Vanoise. Most hikers reach it in 3–4 hours from Montairaz (1,470m), following a steady trail through spruce forest and alpine meadow. The final approach crosses terrain that becomes rocky and exposed—good boots matter. The hut is also accessible from the north via Bozel, a longer but less steep approach taking 4–5 hours.
The refuge operates as a simple mountain shelter with basic dormitory accommodation and capacity for around 20 people. Meals focus on hearty mountain fare: hot dinners and packed lunches are available with advance notice. Water comes from a natural source; showers are not available, though a washing station with cold water exists. The hut is staffed from late June through September, coinciding with the main hiking season. Outside these months it functions as an unstaffed refuge where you must be entirely self-sufficient.
Book directly by email 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. July and August see steady traffic from walkers on the Tour de la Vanoise and other multi-day itineraries. Mid-June and September offer quieter conditions with reliable weather for high-altitude extensions toward Pointe de la Peule (2,599m) or traverses into the national park.