About
Cabane du Louvet sits at 2,450m on the eastern flank of Pic de Cabarotte in the Hautes-Alpes, deep in the Parc National des Écrins. Access is via the Vallouise valley near Pelvoux. The standard approach takes 3–4 hours from Ailefroide, following the Glacier Blanc trail then branching southeast. The hut serves as a base for ascents of Cabarotte (2,797m) and traverses toward the Ecrins massif. Winter access requires mountaineering experience and rope skills.
The cabin is a small, unmanned refuge managed by the FFCAM. It sleeps 8–10 in dormitory style and provides basic shelter with no guardian, running water, or heating beyond a wood stove. Bring your own sleeping bag, food, and stove fuel. The hut opens June through September, though July and August see heavy use. There are no meals provided; plan self-catering entirely. Winter mountaineers sometimes use it but must be entirely self-sufficient and experienced in alpine winter conditions.
Book your visit directly with the FFCAM section managing the hut or inquire through the Pelvoux tourist office. Space fills quickly from mid-July through August, especially on weekends. Arrive early in the day to guarantee a bed during peak season. The key and current conditions are available through the FFCAM contact system.
The cabin is a small, unmanned refuge managed by the FFCAM. It sleeps 8–10 in dormitory style and provides basic shelter with no guardian, running water, or heating beyond a wood stove. Bring your own sleeping bag, food, and stove fuel. The hut opens June through September, though July and August see heavy use. There are no meals provided; plan self-catering entirely. Winter mountaineers sometimes use it but must be entirely self-sufficient and experienced in alpine winter conditions.
Book your visit directly with the FFCAM section managing the hut or inquire through the Pelvoux tourist office. Space fills quickly from mid-July through August, especially on weekends. Arrive early in the day to guarantee a bed during peak season. The key and current conditions are available through the FFCAM contact system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; the hut is small and fills quickly. Contact the Vallouise valley tourist office or check the Parc National des Écrins website for current booking procedures.
Cabane du Louvet is open June to September; it is unmanned, so you must be self-sufficient year-round if attempting winter access.
From Ailefroide in the Vallouise valley, follow the Glacier Blanc trail then branch southeast; the approach takes 3–4 hours and gains roughly 800m.
As an unmanned refuge, Cabane du Louvet provides basic shelter and sleeping space but no meals, water, or supplies—bring everything you need.
No; the 3–4 hour approach and high altitude (2,450m) suit experienced hikers, and winter or off-season access requires mountaineering skills and rope work.
Location
45.0336, 5.8691
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