Refuge Cezanne
4.3About
Refuge Cezanne sits at 1877m in the Hautes-Alpes, accessed via the village of Ancelle. The approach takes 2.5 hours on foot from the nearest road access. This is a small, quiet hut suited to hikers wanting to avoid crowds. The route climbs steadily through mixed forest and alpine pasture, gaining roughly 400m elevation. Winter snow closes the access road, making spring and autumn the realistic approach seasons for most parties.
The refuge has 12 beds arranged in shared dormitory rooms. Meals are provided on a half-board basis: dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays. The hut runs water from a spring and relies on wood heating. There is no electricity or mobile signal. The season typically runs June through September, though this depends on snow melt and weather. The FFCAM manages the hut and maintains it as a working base for hikers exploring the surrounding ridges and summits in the Écrins region.
Book directly with the FFCAM club or contact the refuge warden ahead of your visit. July and August fill quickly, especially weekends. Arrive with food if you have dietary requirements—the warden prepares simple, hearty meals but has limited flexibility. The hut suits groups and experienced hikers comfortable with basic facilities and no frills.
The refuge has 12 beds arranged in shared dormitory rooms. Meals are provided on a half-board basis: dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays. The hut runs water from a spring and relies on wood heating. There is no electricity or mobile signal. The season typically runs June through September, though this depends on snow melt and weather. The FFCAM manages the hut and maintains it as a working base for hikers exploring the surrounding ridges and summits in the Écrins region.
Book directly with the FFCAM club or contact the refuge warden ahead of your visit. July and August fill quickly, especially weekends. Arrive with food if you have dietary requirements—the warden prepares simple, hearty meals but has limited flexibility. The hut suits groups and experienced hikers comfortable with basic facilities and no frills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; shoulder seasons (May–June, September–October) need less notice. Contact the refuge directly by phone or email, as it has no online booking system.
Refuge Cezanne is staffed June to September; the access road is closed by winter snow, making spring and autumn approaches difficult for most hikers.
Approach from Ancelle village; it's a 2.5-hour hike gaining 400m elevation through forest and alpine pasture to reach 1877m.
The refuge serves dinner and breakfast for guests staying overnight; beds are in shared dormitory rooms, and facilities are basic for a small mountain hut.
Yes—the 2.5-hour approach with 400m gain is moderate and well-suited to fit beginners, though the remote location and small size mean it's better for hikers comfortable with simple conditions.
Location
44.9179, 6.4156
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Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM Club Alpin Français
- Total
- 12
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://refugecezanne.ffcam.fr/
Activities
Featured In
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