Refuge Napoléon

Refuge Napoléon sits at 2,715m on the Col de l'Izoard in the Hautes-Alpes, straddling the border between Briançon and Guillestre. The hut is directly accessible by road—the D902 passes through the col. For hikers, trails connect from Arvieux (4 hours) and Cervières (3.5 hours). This location makes it a natural stop on longer traverses through the southern Écrins massif, particularly for routes tackling Pic de Rochebrune (3,324m) or linking toward the Guil valley.
The refuge operates year-round, a rarity in this range. It offers 50 beds across mixed dormitories and private rooms. Half-board is standard: dinner includes salad, main course, and dessert; breakfast is bread, jam, and coffee. The kitchen can accommodate vegetarian requests with notice. Water comes from a spring—reliable except in very dry September periods. The hut bar serves cold drinks and light snacks during the day. Heating is basic; bring warm layers even in summer nights above 2,700m are cold.
Book directly by phone or email; the hut fills quickly on summer weekends and during school holidays (mid-July to mid-August). July and August are peak season, with mid-week stays easier to arrange. The col itself attracts cyclists and road-trippers, so expect a mixed crowd rather than only mountaineers. Parking is limited but available near the refuge.