Refuge de la Combe Madame
4.3About
Refuge de la Combe Madame sits at 1,784m in the Chaîne de Belledonne massif in Isère. The hut is reached from the village of Allevard via the hamlet of Prapoutel. The standard approach takes 2.5 to 3 hours on foot, following the GR55 trail through beech and spruce forest. The route is well-marked but steady uphill. Winter access requires ski or snowshoe depending on snow depth.
The refuge is a small, working hut with 22 beds arranged in shared dormitories. The guardian serves evening meals and breakfast; you must order dinner in advance when booking. Water comes from a spring and is reliable year-round. The hut operates from June through September in normal snow years. Facilities are basic: no electricity beyond a small generator, no heating in sleeping areas, and pit toilets. The location makes it a solid base for day walks into the Belledonne range or as a stop on longer traverses linking the Isère valleys.
Contact the hut directly by phone to reserve beds and order meals. Book at least two weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Weekend hut traffic is moderate but can be heavy during school holidays in mid-July. Weekday visits are quieter. Payment by cash or card depends on the guardian; confirm when you call. The hut is staffed every day during the season.
The refuge is a small, working hut with 22 beds arranged in shared dormitories. The guardian serves evening meals and breakfast; you must order dinner in advance when booking. Water comes from a spring and is reliable year-round. The hut operates from June through September in normal snow years. Facilities are basic: no electricity beyond a small generator, no heating in sleeping areas, and pit toilets. The location makes it a solid base for day walks into the Belledonne range or as a stop on longer traverses linking the Isère valleys.
Contact the hut directly by phone to reserve beds and order meals. Book at least two weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Weekend hut traffic is moderate but can be heavy during school holidays in mid-July. Weekday visits are quieter. Payment by cash or card depends on the guardian; confirm when you call. The hut is staffed every day during the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call ahead to reserve—the hut has only 22 beds, so book at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially in July and August.
The refuge operates year-round but is fully staffed in summer; contact the guardian directly for winter opening dates and conditions.
From Allevard village, head to Prapoutel hamlet and follow the GR55 trail—2.5 to 3 hours uphill through forest to 1,784m; winter access requires skis or snowshoes.
The guardian serves evening meals and breakfast; beds are in shared dormitories with basic mountain hut facilities (no private rooms or showers).
Yes—the GR55 approach is straightforward and well-marked, though the steady 3-hour climb is moderate effort; it's manageable for anyone with basic fitness.
Location
45.2647, 6.1140
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 22
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 6 15 89 17 17
- Website
- http://www.combemadame.com/
Activities
Featured In
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