Refuge des Marches
2.6
Hautes-Alpes, France
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About
Refuge des Marches sits at 2,350m in the Hautes-Alpes, on the watershed between the Guisane and Durance valleys. The standard approach is from Pelvoux village, following the Gîte de Pelvoux trail for roughly 4 hours. The final stretch crosses open pasture and scree. In winter, snow access requires mountaineering skills; most parties reach it June to September. The hut is managed by FFCAM and serves as a base for ascents of Pic de la Cabre (2,817m) and peaks in the surrounding ridgeline.
The refuge holds 30 beds in dormitory rooms and offers half-board (dinner and breakfast) or full board with packed lunches. Meals are simple mountain food—soup, stew, bread, local cheese. You can sleep and eat only, or take just breakfast if you're moving on early. The hut has no shower; water comes from a spring. A small stove warms the dining area in cooler months. The guardian stays open mid-June through mid-September, depending on snow conditions.
Book by phone with the guardian at least two weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Weather and access can shift quickly; confirm conditions before heading up. The hut fills most Saturdays in summer, especially in July. Bring a sleeping bag even if you've pre-paid for a bed—the refuge provides blankets but not sheet sets.
The refuge holds 30 beds in dormitory rooms and offers half-board (dinner and breakfast) or full board with packed lunches. Meals are simple mountain food—soup, stew, bread, local cheese. You can sleep and eat only, or take just breakfast if you're moving on early. The hut has no shower; water comes from a spring. A small stove warms the dining area in cooler months. The guardian stays open mid-June through mid-September, depending on snow conditions.
Book by phone with the guardian at least two weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Weather and access can shift quickly; confirm conditions before heading up. The hut fills most Saturdays in summer, especially in July. Bring a sleeping bag even if you've pre-paid for a bed—the refuge provides blankets but not sheet sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; contact the refuge by phone for availability and to secure a bed.
The refuge is staffed and accessible from June to September; winter access requires mountaineering skills and is not standard.
Start from Pelvoux village and follow the Gîte de Pelvoux trail for roughly 4 hours, crossing open pasture and scree to reach 2,350m.
It offers bed spaces and meals; check with the refuge directly about shower availability and specific meal options when you book.
Yes, the approach is a straightforward 4-hour hike with no technical climbing required, making it suitable for fit hikers new to Alpine refuges.
Location
45.1573, 6.5656
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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
2.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 4 79 05 02 26
- Website
- http://www.refugedesmarches.com
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.