Refuge du Carrelet
4.3About
Refuge du Carrelet sits at 1909m in the Hautes-Alpes, accessed via the Vallée du Valgaudemar. The standard approach is from Saint-Firmin: follow the GR54 waymarks up the valley floor for roughly 2 hours, crossing the Bérarde stream several times before climbing more steeply through forest to the hut. The route is well-trodden and non-technical. This location makes it a logical stopping point for longer traverses through the Écrins massif or as a base for day walks in the Valgaudemar.
The refuge operates under FFCAM management and offers 24 beds in shared dormitories. Meals are available (half-board or lunch packs for onward hiking). The hut has basic facilities: no shower, composting toilet, water from the stream. It runs year-round but conditions in winter require winter mountaineering experience and liaison with the custodian beforehand. Summer (July–August) is busy; shoulder seasons (June and September) are quieter and more reliable.
Book direct with FFCAM Hautes-Alpes or through the federation's website. For July–August weekends, reserve 2–3 months ahead. The hut takes phone bookings and will hold beds with confirmation. Half-board costs roughly €50–60 per person; day visits are welcome if space allows, but don't rely on turning up unannounced in peak season.
The refuge operates under FFCAM management and offers 24 beds in shared dormitories. Meals are available (half-board or lunch packs for onward hiking). The hut has basic facilities: no shower, composting toilet, water from the stream. It runs year-round but conditions in winter require winter mountaineering experience and liaison with the custodian beforehand. Summer (July–August) is busy; shoulder seasons (June and September) are quieter and more reliable.
Book direct with FFCAM Hautes-Alpes or through the federation's website. For July–August weekends, reserve 2–3 months ahead. The hut takes phone bookings and will hold beds with confirmation. Half-board costs roughly €50–60 per person; day visits are welcome if space allows, but don't rely on turning up unannounced in peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier slots are usually available outside peak season.
Refuge du Carrelet is staffed from June to September, with exact opening and closing dates depending on snow conditions.
Start from Saint-Firmin and follow GR54 waymarks up the Vallée du Valgaudemar; the hike takes roughly 2 hours and involves multiple stream crossings and forest climbing but no technical terrain.
Expect basic alpine refuge standards: dormitory beds, simple meals (dinner and breakfast included with most bookings), and limited or cold-water washing facilities.
Yes; the route is non-technical and well-marked, making it a solid choice for fit hikers new to the Alps, though the 2-hour ascent and 1900m altitude require reasonable fitness.
Location
44.9058, 6.3146
Plan your visit
Get directionsHutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 50
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.