Cabin du Mont Dondon

Cabane du Mont Dondon stands at 1,425m on the eastern slopes of Mont Dondon in Isère, between the Vercors and Belledonne ranges. The hut sits above the Chapareillan valley, accessible via a 2–2.5 hour walk from the Parking de Chapareillan trailhead. The route climbs steadily through mixed forest before opening onto alpine pasture near the cabin. This is a working base for ridge traversals and peak bagging in the lower northern Alps rather than a hub hut on a major GR route.
The cabin is a simple, unstaffed shelter with 8 beds split across two rooms. You'll find basic sleeping platforms, a wood stove for heating, and a small covered area outside. There's no electricity, running water, or prepared meals—bring a camping stove, food, and water. The hut is open year-round, though snow access becomes serious from December through March. Summer and autumn are the practical seasons for most visitors.
This is a refuge for self-sufficient groups, not a serviced mountain hut. Book ahead through the local commune or the CAF (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) Chapareillan section if you need confirmation of availability and condition. Check access routes and snow conditions locally before departing—the final approach can be wet or muddy in spring and early summer.