La Pouya
2.6
Isere, France
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About
Refuge de la Pouya sits at 2,000m in the Chartreuse massif, roughly 12km south of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. The standard approach takes 3.5 hours from the Col de Porte (1,326m): follow the GR9 trail southeast through beech forest, then climb steadily to the hut. The terrain is well-marked but exposed in bad weather. Most hikers reach it in a day from the valley, though it also serves as a base for exploring the plateau and neighbouring ridges.
The refuge is run by FFCAM and holds 30 beds in shared dormitories. Meals are provided on a half-board basis: hearty mountain food at dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches for day trips. Water comes from a reliable spring. The hut operates from April to October, with reduced capacity in shoulder seasons. The keeper adjusts opening dates based on snow cover. Facilities are simple but functional: heating, gas lamps, and no electricity beyond charging (limited).
Book directly with the refuge from December onwards if you're planning to visit in July or August. Contact them by phone or post well ahead—email responses are slow. June and September are far less crowded. Winter access requires ski mountaineering experience and you must call ahead to confirm the hut is staffed. The hut fills quickly during school holidays and weekends in summer.
The refuge is run by FFCAM and holds 30 beds in shared dormitories. Meals are provided on a half-board basis: hearty mountain food at dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches for day trips. Water comes from a reliable spring. The hut operates from April to October, with reduced capacity in shoulder seasons. The keeper adjusts opening dates based on snow cover. Facilities are simple but functional: heating, gas lamps, and no electricity beyond charging (limited).
Book directly with the refuge from December onwards if you're planning to visit in July or August. Contact them by phone or post well ahead—email responses are slow. June and September are far less crowded. Winter access requires ski mountaineering experience and you must call ahead to confirm the hut is staffed. The hut fills quickly during school holidays and weekends in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; weekends fill quickly year-round.
Refuge de la Pouya is staffed from mid-June to mid-September, with weekends only outside peak season.
Start at Col de Porte (1,326m) and follow GR9 southeast; the hike takes 3.5 hours and gains 674m through beech forest to the 2,000m refuge.
30 beds in shared dorms, full meals available (book dinner in advance), and basic washing facilities; no showers.
Yes—the GR9 is well-marked and the ascent is steady rather than steep, though the exposed ridge makes it tougher in bad weather.
Location
44.9223, 5.7205
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2.6
Overall
Facilities
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Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 50
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
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