Refuge du Plan de l'Aar

Refuge du Plan de l'Aar sits at 1735m in the Chaîne des Aravis, above the village of Thônes in Haute-Savoie. From Thônes, the main approach takes 2.5 hours of steady climbing through pasture and forest. Most hikers start early from the carpark at Le Praz or La Forclaz de Montmin. The refuge sits on a working alpine meadow with views north toward the Mont-Blanc massif and south across the Parc Natural Regional des Aravis. The setting is pastoral rather than dramatic—you're in genuine farming country where cattle graze around the hut through summer.
The refuge operates year-round and can sleep 50 people across mixed and private rooms. Meals are served at set times; half-board typically works out cheaper than paying separately. The kitchen serves straightforward mountain food using local Reblochon and other Savoyard produce. Water comes from a spring on the property. Showers are available. The hut attracts weekend walkers from Annecy as much as through-hikers, so expect a mixed crowd in summer. Winter access is possible but conditions on the approach slopes can turn quickly—check ahead.
Book by phone or email at least 3 weeks ahead for weekends between June and September. The hut fills on clear-weather Sundays year-round. Mid-week visits in July and August usually have space. The refuge is managed by FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne). Payment is cash or bank transfer only—no card facilities on-site.