Refuge de l'Oule

Refuge de l'Oule sits at 1,836m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, east of Grenoble in Isère. The main approach follows the GR55 from Allevard-les-Bains (590m) – allow 4.5 hours of steady climbing through forest and alpine pasture to reach the hut. Alternative routes exist from Col de la Chaudière or via the Vallée de l'Eau d'Olle, each taking 3–5 hours depending on your starting point. The hut makes sense as a base for acclimatisation or as a waypoint on longer traverses of the Belledonne range.

The refuge is a small, simple operation run by FFCAM. It offers around 40 bed spaces in dormitory rooms and a handful of private double rooms. Meals are available – expect hearty soups and mountain fare rather than fine dining. There's a small bar, and you can refill water bottles. Cold showers and basic toilet facilities are standard for this category of hut. The season runs mid-June to September, depending on snow conditions and staffing. Winter access is occasional and only for experienced mountaineers with proper equipment.

Book directly with the refuge by phone or email at least 2–3 weeks ahead if you're arriving in July or August. Weekends fill quickly. For June or September, one week's notice usually suffices. The hut accepts cash and card payments. Arrive by early afternoon to secure a meal slot – the kitchen stops serving around 8pm.