Le Petit Tétras

Le Petit Tétras sits at 1,968m on the Plateau de Assy, between Mont-Blanc and the Aravis peaks. The hut lies on the GR5 long-distance trail and marks a key junction for walkers linking the Chaîne du Mont-Blanc with routes toward Annecy and the northern Préalpes. From the car park at Col de la Loze (1,628m), walk northeast for 1.5 hours through subalpine meadows and scattered larch stands. The approach is straightforward—no scrambling, though paths can be muddy in wet weather.

This is a mountain refuge managed by the FFCAM, offering 60 beds across two dormitory buildings. Half-board is standard: simple dinners (soup, main course, cheese, dessert) and hearty breakfasts fuel the next day's walking. The hut operates June through September only. Water comes from a reliable spring; toilets are basic but functional. Phone reception is patchy. The location works well as a base for day walks across the Plateau de Assy toward Pointe Percée (2,750m) or as a stopping point on longer traverses through the Prealps and Chaîne de la Sixt.

Book from May onward for July and August weekends. The FFCAM manages reservations directly through their website or by phone. Solo walkers and small groups usually find beds on weekdays even in peak season, but groups of eight or more should confirm availability weeks ahead. June and September see fewer visitors and lighter booking pressure.