Refuge du Pavé

Refuge du Pavé stands at 2,841m in the Hautes-Alpes, serving as a base for routes into the Parc National des Écrins. The hut is reached from the Vallée de la Guisane, typically from Arvieux or Châteauroux-les-Alpes. Approach time runs 4–5 hours depending on your starting point and fitness. The final stretch climbs steeply through alpine meadow and scree, so expect loose ground on descent. The hut sits on a broad col with views across the massif and serves walkers tackling peaks like Mont Viso and as a waypoint for longer traverses through the high country.
Refuge du Pavé has 26 beds split across shared dormitory rooms. Meals are provided—dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays. The kitchen supplies lunch packs on request. Water comes from a reliable spring nearby. The hut is staffed from mid-June to late September; outside this period it functions as an unstaffed refuge with emergency supplies and a heating system. Winter mountaineers occasionally use it but should not assume services. Mobile reception is unreliable; plan accordingly.
Contact the refuge directly by phone to check availability and book. July and August demand peaks, so reserve at least 6–8 weeks ahead for these months. June and September offer quieter conditions and reliable weather for most routes. Arrive by mid-afternoon to secure water and settle in before darkness. The hut keeper controls access to the refuge, so confirm opening dates before planning your trip.