Refuge de Ricou
3.9About
Refuge de Ricou sits at 2,115m in the Hautes-Alpes, serving as a solid base for hiking in the southern Écrins massif. The hut lies in the Vallée de la Durance, roughly 2 hours' walk from the village of Ancelle via the GR94 trail. The approach is steady and well-marked, gaining about 600m through mixed forest and alpine pasture. You can also reach it from Orcières-Merlette in 3–4 hours if you approach from the north. Most hikers use Ricou as a waypoint on longer traverses rather than a destination hut, but the location works well for acclimatisation days and access to the ridges above the Vallée du Drac.
Refuge de Ricou is a modest FFCAM-affiliated hut with 50 places. It opens year-round but staffing is seasonal—expect a caretaker from June to September and basic self-service in shoulder months. Meals are straightforward: dinner is provided on request during staffed periods, breakfast is available, and packed lunches can be ordered. Hot showers are available but water is limited in dry years. The hut runs on generator power and doesn't have Wi-Fi or mobile signal. Standards are functional rather than comfortable, which suits the working-hut ethos.
Book directly with the guardian during summer season or via the FFCAM website for shoulder months. July and August fill quickly; aim to reserve 3–4 weeks ahead for those months. Winter access requires avalanche awareness and appropriate equipment. Contact details and current opening dates are on the Écrins park website and the FFCAM directory.
Refuge de Ricou is a modest FFCAM-affiliated hut with 50 places. It opens year-round but staffing is seasonal—expect a caretaker from June to September and basic self-service in shoulder months. Meals are straightforward: dinner is provided on request during staffed periods, breakfast is available, and packed lunches can be ordered. Hot showers are available but water is limited in dry years. The hut runs on generator power and doesn't have Wi-Fi or mobile signal. Standards are functional rather than comfortable, which suits the working-hut ethos.
Book directly with the guardian during summer season or via the FFCAM website for shoulder months. July and August fill quickly; aim to reserve 3–4 weeks ahead for those months. Winter access requires avalanche awareness and appropriate equipment. Contact details and current opening dates are on the Écrins park website and the FFCAM directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months in advance for July and August; March onwards for peak season. Contact the refuge directly by phone or email, as they fill steadily but aren't as heavily booked as high-altitude huts.
Refuge de Ricou is typically open June through September, with the busiest period July–August. Confirm opening dates before your trip as staffing varies by year.
From Ancelle village (2 hours, GR94 trail, 600m elevation gain) or from Orcières-Merlette (3–4 hours). Both approaches are well-marked and suitable for walkers with basic mountain fitness.
The refuge offers dormitory beds, hot meals at dinner and breakfast, and basic washing facilities. Pack a sleeping bag liner or buy one there—blankets are provided but linens aren't always guaranteed.
Yes—the approach grades are moderate and the trails are clear. It's ideal for hikers doing multi-day traverses rather than peak-baggers, and a good stepping stone to higher Écrins refuges.
Location
45.0464, 6.5440
Plan your visit
Get directionsHutLists Score
3.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.