Bergerie des Chaumailloux (Cabin de la SMA)

Bergerie des Chaumailloux sits at 2,340m on the western slopes of the Chaîne de Belledonne in Isère. Reach it from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse via the Charmant Som trail, a 4–5 hour ascent. The route climbs through forest then opens to alpine meadow. In summer, you can also approach from Allevard via the Lacs Robert route, adding 3–4 hours. The hut is not accessible by car; approach on foot year-round. Winter access is possible but requires mountain skills and avalanche awareness.
The hut is a simple stone bergerie (shepherd's shelter) managed by the SMA (Société Montagnarde de l'Alpenstock). It sleeps 15 in dormitory beds. Meals are basic—bring your own food or arrange half-board ahead of time. Water is available from a spring; there is no shower. The hut has a wood stove and is open June to September reliably, though the season can extend into May and October depending on snow conditions. It offers an excellent base for ridge walking along Chaîne de Belledonne and ascents toward Mont Blanc du Nant Brun (2,666m).
Contact the hut by email or phone to check availability and arrange meals. Weekends and July–August are busy; book at least 3–4 weeks ahead for these periods. The SMA manages several cabins in the region, so confirm that Bergerie des Chaumailloux has capacity before traveling. Self-catering is reliable and expected; do not rely on the hut for meals unless you have confirmed provision beforehand.