Refuge du Col de la Croix

Refuge du Col de la Croix sits at 1,458m on the Col de la Croix pass in the Isère foothills. The hut is a 2.5-hour walk from the village of Mens, following the GR95 trail through mixed forest and open meadow. Most hikers approach via the D518 road to the Col de Balme trailhead, which shortens the walk to 1.5 hours. The pass itself marks an old trade route between the Drac and Isère valleys, making this a natural stopping point for ridge and valley circuits in the region.
The refuge operates year-round and has capacity for around 40 people in simple dormitory rooms. Meals are available if you book ahead—count on substantial suppers and basic breakfasts. The hut has water, heating, and pit toilets. Winter access is possible on foot; note that snow can close the approach for days at a time between December and March, so check conditions with the guardians before setting out in cold months.
Book directly with the hut. Contact them a week ahead for meals in summer and at least 10 days ahead from December to March. July and August weekends fill quickly. This hut works well as a base for day walks around the Col de la Croix or as a night stop on longer routes linking the Drac and Isère valleys. It attracts fewer crowds than higher Alpine refuges, making it reliable for summer weekends when major huts are full.