Chalet-Refuge de la Thuile

Chalet-Refuge de la Thuile sits at 1,770m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, east of Grenoble. The main approach is from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse via the Monastère de la Grande-Chartreuse: allow 4 hours on foot. Alternative access from Entremont-le-Vieux takes 3.5 hours. Both routes follow marked trails through forests and open pasture. Winter access is limited to skiers and those on foot with avalanche awareness.
The refuge operates as a small, simple shelter with 10 beds across two rooms. Evening meals use local ingredients; breakfast is available. There's a wood stove for warmth and basic toilet facilities. The refuge runs year-round but advance notice is strongly preferred, especially in summer months. This is not a staffed facility—you arrange access and provisions with the guardian ahead of time. The hut works well for groups planning multi-day traverses in the Belledonne range or as a base for day walks in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Chartreuse.
Contact the refuge directly before visiting. July and August weekends fill quickly, so book at least 3 weeks ahead for summer visits. Winter and shoulder seasons require even closer coordination with the guardian to confirm access and heating. The hut is managed by FFCAM; check their listings for current contact details and conditions.