Refuge la Vouivre

Refuge la Vouivre sits at 1,903m in the Chaîne de Reposoir, east of the Massif du Mont-Blanc. The hut anchors the Plateau d'Assy, a high moorland crossed by marked trails linking the Vallée de l'Arve to the Parc National des Écrins access routes. Access from the north via Passy or Servoz takes 3–4 hours on foot. From the south, the approach from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is longer but less steep. A rough track allows vehicle access to nearby parking, cutting the final approach to 30–45 minutes if needed.
The hut holds 50 beds in simple dormitories and a few private rooms. Meals are hearty and compulsory: half-board is standard, with a set dinner and breakfast included in the nightly rate. Water comes from the plateau itself; the kitchen is basic but functional. The refuge operates year-round but staffing and meal service are seasonal—confirm opening status for winter stays. Phone ahead if you arrive outside posted hours.
Book through the refuge directly. Contact them by email or phone at least 2–3 weeks ahead for July–August weekends; May, June and September are quieter and often have space. The hut closes for variable periods in spring and autumn depending on caretaker availability, so verify dates before planning. Pay by cash or bank transfer; card payments may not be possible on-site.