Refuge de la Lavey
4.3About
Refuge de la Lavey sits at 1797m in the Hautes-Alpes, on the edge of Parc National des Écrins. The hut anchors the Vallée du Valgaudemar, a quieter valley than its neighbours to the west. Access is via the village of Saint-Firmin, then a 2-hour walk to the refuge. The route is steady throughout, gaining 500m elevation. Summer access is straightforward. Winter approaches are steep and require mountain skills.
The refuge runs 44 beds across shared dormitories. Half-board is standard—the kitchen serves substantial evening meals and breakfasts. FFCAM manages the hut, so members get discounted rates. The refuge opens late May through late September, with weekends-only operation in shoulder months. Showers are available. There is no mobile coverage; bring a paper map and compass. The location works well for walking into the Parc National, fishing in nearby streams, or using the hut as a base for multi-day traverses towards the Massif des Écrins.
Book directly by phone well in advance for July and August. July weekends fill 8–10 weeks ahead. June and September offer more flexibility. The refuge prefers phone contact over email for bookings, so call several weeks out. Many visitors arrive on foot from neighbouring valleys, so bed availability can shift with alpine weather and the climbing calendar.
The refuge runs 44 beds across shared dormitories. Half-board is standard—the kitchen serves substantial evening meals and breakfasts. FFCAM manages the hut, so members get discounted rates. The refuge opens late May through late September, with weekends-only operation in shoulder months. Showers are available. There is no mobile coverage; bring a paper map and compass. The location works well for walking into the Parc National, fishing in nearby streams, or using the hut as a base for multi-day traverses towards the Massif des Écrins.
Book directly by phone well in advance for July and August. July weekends fill 8–10 weeks ahead. June and September offer more flexibility. The refuge prefers phone contact over email for bookings, so call several weeks out. Many visitors arrive on foot from neighbouring valleys, so bed availability can shift with alpine weather and the climbing calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; call ahead for other seasons since the hut takes reservations by phone.
Open mid-June to mid-September; winter access is possible but requires mountain skills and prior arrangement.
Start from Saint-Firmin village and hike 2 hours to the refuge, gaining 500m elevation on a steady route.
Half-board is standard (dinner and breakfast included); beds are in shared dormitories across 44 total spaces.
Yes for summer hiking—the 2-hour approach is steady and non-technical—but winter access demands mountaineering experience and crampons.
Location
44.8986, 6.2062
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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
- 44
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 4 76 80 50 52
- Website
- https://refugelalavey.ffcam.fr/
Activities
Featured In
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