About
Cabane de Nave sits at 2,468m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, accessed from the village of Allevard in Isère. The standard approach takes 4–5 hours from the Praz car park via the Lac de Cumbal route, gaining 850m steadily through forest and alpine meadow. You can also approach from Col de la Pra to the south, which adds roughly 2 hours but is less steep. The cabin marks a key staging point for traverses across Belledonne and ascents of Pic de la Layat (2,733m) and Pic Blanc (2,928m).
The cabin is a simple, unmanned shelter with sleeping capacity for around 6–8 people on basic bunk platforms. There is no guardian, no meals, and no running water. You'll need to bring all food and fuel. Winter snow covers the approach road from late November, making the walk-in longer. The cabin is typically accessible May through September, though spring and autumn routes can be muddy. It's popular with parties doing multi-day traverse loops and climbers using it as a base for Belledonne ascents.
Book through FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) or contact the Allevard tourist office for access keys and conditions updates. Expect crowded weekends in July and August. The cabin is free but donations are appreciated; register your visit in the logbook. Arrive with full supplies and expect a cold night—this is a working shelter, not a hotel.
The cabin is a simple, unmanned shelter with sleeping capacity for around 6–8 people on basic bunk platforms. There is no guardian, no meals, and no running water. You'll need to bring all food and fuel. Winter snow covers the approach road from late November, making the walk-in longer. The cabin is typically accessible May through September, though spring and autumn routes can be muddy. It's popular with parties doing multi-day traverse loops and climbers using it as a base for Belledonne ascents.
Book through FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) or contact the Allevard tourist office for access keys and conditions updates. Expect crowded weekends in July and August. The cabin is free but donations are appreciated; register your visit in the logbook. Arrive with full supplies and expect a cold night—this is a working shelter, not a hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; outside peak season you can usually book 4–6 weeks out.
Cabane de Nave is typically staffed from June to September, depending on snow conditions.
From Praz car park near Allevard, allow 4–5 hours via Lac de Cumbal (850m gain), or 6–7 hours from Col de la Pra to the south.
The cabin offers bunk beds, meals (dinner and breakfast), and basic water access; showers are not available.
It's suitable for fit hikers with Alpine experience; the approach is long and steady, but mountaineering routes from the cabin (Pic Blanc, Pic de la Layat) require rock scrambling and exposure.
Location
45.2218, 5.5396
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Quick Facts
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- FFCAM
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