Le Toët

Refuge Le Toët stands at 1,565m in the Vanoise foothills of Savoie, on the threshold between valley and high alpine terrain. You reach it from the village of Modane by hiking up the Vallon de Freney for roughly 2 hours. The final approach switchbacks through larch forest and opens onto pastureland dotted with stone buildings. This is working hut country—shepherds and farmers still use these slopes—rather than a manicured alpine resort. The Toët anchors several day hikes and multi-day traverses, including routes into the Chamonix Valley and deeper into the Parc National de la Vanoise.
The refuge runs as a family operation with 40–50 bed spaces in small dormitories. Meals are solid mountain fare cooked fresh; half-board booking is standard and worth taking. Water comes from a reliable spring; shower facilities are basic but adequate. The hut opens from mid-June through September, with the warmest traffic in July and August. Outside those months, contact ahead to check if staffing and heating allow stays.
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August, especially weekends. Contact the refuge directly by phone (+33 4 79 05 94 78) or email (details available through the FFCAM/CAF network). They're helpful with route planning and can advise on conditions after heavy weather. Arrive early in the day if you have no booking—walk-ins are often accommodated if beds exist, but summer Saturdays can close by mid-afternoon.