Refuge de l'Alpe de Villar-d'Arène

Refuge de l'Alpe de Villar-d'Arène sits at 2,071m on the eastern flank of the Écrins massif in the Hautes-Alpes. The hut is accessible via the Col du Lautaret from Grenoble (direction Briançon), then a 2–2.5 hour hike from Villar-d'Arène village. Most parties approach from the Vallée de la Romanche. The setting is high pasture country with views toward the Meije and Pic de la Grave.
The refuge holds 94 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board and full-board meals are standard; the kitchen handles vegetarian and vegan options if requested in advance. Hot showers are available (there is a charge). The hut operates year-round but staffing and services are reduced November to March. There is no WiFi. This is a working mountain hut, not a hotel; expect basic accommodation suited to hikers on multi-day traverses of the Écrins or crossing toward the Vanoise.
Book direct by phone well ahead if you plan to stay in July or August. May, June, September and October are quieter. The hut can accommodate walk-ins outside peak season, though calling ahead remains sensible. The FFCAM manages the refuge and provides full contact details through their website.