Refuge du Taillefer
2.4About
Refuge du Taillefer sits at 2,056m on the Taillefer massif in the Hautes-Alpes, between Grenoble and Briançon. The main approach is from Chapareillan (north side): 2.5 hours on foot via the Sentier du Taillefer, a steep and sustained climb gaining 900m. From the south, the Refuge de l'Alpe hut provides an alternative 3-hour route. Both paths are well-marked but exposed in sections—afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so start early. Winter access is not reliable.
The refuge is managed by FFCAM and operates as a simple mountain shelter with around 30 beds in mixed dormitories. Meals focus on hearty staples: soups, pasta, local cheese and cured meats. Water comes from a mountain spring. The hut has no electricity, hot showers, or mobile signal. Pit toilets are basic. Opening runs from late June through September, weather dependent. The location is popular with summer walkers targeting the Taillefer summit (2,857m, 2–3 hours further) and cross-country hikers linking to other refuges.
Book directly by phone well ahead for July and August; July weekends fill 6–8 weeks in advance. Shoulder months (June, September) are quieter. The refuge has no email or online booking—calling ahead (roughly +33 4 76 71 31 77, check FFCAM directory for current number) is essential to confirm availability and meals. Half-board only; breakfast and dinner must be ordered when you reserve.
The refuge is managed by FFCAM and operates as a simple mountain shelter with around 30 beds in mixed dormitories. Meals focus on hearty staples: soups, pasta, local cheese and cured meats. Water comes from a mountain spring. The hut has no electricity, hot showers, or mobile signal. Pit toilets are basic. Opening runs from late June through September, weather dependent. The location is popular with summer walkers targeting the Taillefer summit (2,857m, 2–3 hours further) and cross-country hikers linking to other refuges.
Book directly by phone well ahead for July and August; July weekends fill 6–8 weeks in advance. Shoulder months (June, September) are quieter. The refuge has no email or online booking—calling ahead (roughly +33 4 76 71 31 77, check FFCAM directory for current number) is essential to confirm availability and meals. Half-board only; breakfast and dinner must be ordered when you reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier in the season you can often book 4–6 weeks out.
Refuge du Taillefer is staffed from June to September; exact dates depend on snow conditions and weather.
From Chapareillan (north side), the Sentier du Taillefer takes 2.5 hours and climbs 900m steeply; from the south via Refuge de l'Alpe, allow 3 hours. Both routes are exposed—start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
The refuge serves dinner and breakfast; expect basic dormitory beds and washroom facilities with limited hot water.
No—the approach is steep with 900m elevation gain and exposed sections, making it better for hikers with mountain experience.
Location
45.0634, 5.9545
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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
2.4
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
- Website
- https://www.oisans.com/hebergement/refuge-du-taillefer/
Activities
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