Refuge du Chardonnet

Refuge du Chardonnet sits at 2223m in the Hautes-Alpes, deep in the Parc National des Écrins. The hut serves as a base for hikers tackling the high passes and peaks around the Chamonix-Zermatt traverse and routes towards Mont-Blanc. Most walkers approach from Vallorcine (Switzerland) or from the Argentière valley on the French side; expect 4–5 hours of steep terrain to reach the hut. The location puts you on serious mountain ground, with glaciers and rock scrambles common on onward routes.
The refuge operates as a traditional French mountain hut with mixed dormitory rooms holding around 50 people total. Half-board is standard: simple dinners and breakfasts included with the bed. Showers are available (cold water typical at this altitude). The hut opens late June through September; snow and weather close it outside this window. Phone ahead to confirm conditions in shoulder months. This is working-mountain infrastructure, not a hotel—expect basic comfort and communal dining with other climbers and trekkers.
Book directly by phone well ahead for July and August; weekends fill fast. June and September slots open up more easily but bring weather risk. The hut staff handle reservations by voice only. Call several months in advance if you're aiming for peak season. Single nights are possible on quiet periods but don't count on it in summer.