Cabin de l'Hérétang

Cabane de l'Hérétang sits at 2,520m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, a one-hour drive from Grenoble. The main approach starts from the Chalet de la Martinière carpark (1,680m), a steep 2h45 walk up forest track and rocky terrain to the cabin. Summer hikers also use the route from Col de la Chaumette (2,250m), which takes 45 minutes. Winter and spring access becomes technical; check conditions locally before attempting the climb.
The cabin is small and basic, run by volunteers. It sleeps around 10 people in dormitory space and has no blankets or heating. Bring a sleeping bag. There's a woodstove, cooking facilities, and a caretaker present during summer months (typically June to September). Water comes from a source outside. The cabin operates as a shelter rather than a staffed hut—expect to be self-sufficient and leave it cleaner than you found it.
Contact the Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne (FFCAM) Isère section for current opening dates and caretaker information. Many hikers also check locally in Grenoble for updates on access and conditions. The cabin fills during fine weekends in summer; arrive early or book ahead if possible. It's popular with mountaineers accessing Belledonne's peaks, so expect company on good weather days.