Gite D'étape le Riou Vert

Gîte d'étape le Riou Vert sits at 1,450m in the Hautes-Alpes, in the southern reaches of the Parc National des Écrins. Access is from the village of Saint-Firmin, about 12km north. The approach takes roughly 2–2.5 hours on foot, following marked trails through mixed forest and meadow. You can also arrive by vehicle if needed, though the final access road is narrow. The location makes it a useful base for day walks into the Écrins massif or as a stop on longer traverses heading south toward the Drac valley.
The gîte is a simple refuge with 30 beds spread across shared dormitories. Meals are served in the dining room, with half-board (demi-pension) the standard arrangement. The kitchen provides hearty evening meals and substantial breakfasts. Basic facilities include running water and toilets; showers are available but may involve heating water on request. The gîte operates year-round, though winter demand is lower and some services may be scaled back outside the main season (June to September).
Book direct by phone to check availability, especially for July and August weekends when beds fill quickly. The gîte operates on a simple, informal basis typical of smaller FFCAM-affiliated refuges in this area—expect straightforward hospitality rather than frills. Confirm your arrival time when you call, particularly if you plan to eat dinner on the night you arrive.