About
Cabane de Belle Côte sits at 2,197m in the Écrins massif, accessed via the Vallée de la Gyronde from Vallouise. The standard approach takes 3.5 hours from the parking at Les Clots—a steady climb through larch forest then alpine meadow, gaining 900m. The hut also serves as a base for ascending Pic de la Cabre (2,862m) and accessing the Glacier Blanc plateau. The location puts you on the threshold between valley hiking and serious mountaineering terrain.
The cabane is small and simple, run by FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne). It offers around 30 places in dormitory bunks, with half-board available if pre-booked. Meals are basic mountain fare—soup, pasta, local cheese, chocolate. A caretaker is present from mid-June to mid-September; outside these months the hut is unmanned and you'll need a key code (arrange with FFCAM beforehand). Water comes from a nearby spring. There are no showers. The hut closes during winter and spring snowmelt.
Book directly with the FFCAM Vallouise section or through alpine-huts.com. July and August fill quickly—book by mid-June for guaranteed summer beds. Outside July-August you can usually turn up, but phone ahead to confirm the caretaker is present. Bring a sleeping bag and towel. The hut has no phone signal; plan to arrive before dark.
The cabane is small and simple, run by FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne). It offers around 30 places in dormitory bunks, with half-board available if pre-booked. Meals are basic mountain fare—soup, pasta, local cheese, chocolate. A caretaker is present from mid-June to mid-September; outside these months the hut is unmanned and you'll need a key code (arrange with FFCAM beforehand). Water comes from a nearby spring. There are no showers. The hut closes during winter and spring snowmelt.
Book directly with the FFCAM Vallouise section or through alpine-huts.com. July and August fill quickly—book by mid-June for guaranteed summer beds. Outside July-August you can usually turn up, but phone ahead to confirm the caretaker is present. Bring a sleeping bag and towel. The hut has no phone signal; plan to arrive before dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 3–4 months ahead for July and August; the hut is small and fills quickly. Contact the FFCA directly or use their online booking system.
The cabane is staffed from June to September, depending on snow conditions; confirm opening dates with the FFCA before planning.
Start from the Les Clots parking area near Vallouise and follow the Vallée de la Gyronde trail; the hike takes 3.5 hours and gains 900m through larch forest and alpine meadow.
Expect basic dormitory beds and simple meals prepared by the warden; there is no shower, so bring a wash kit.
The approach hike is manageable for anyone with hill fitness, but the cabane's main value is as a base for mountaineers tackling Pic de la Cabre and Glacier Blanc—not ideal for casual day-hikers.
Location
45.0089, 6.0505
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2.6
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