Plan Bérard

Plan Bérard sits at 2,046m in the Chaîne de la Vanoise, above the Val d'Isère valley. Most hikers reach it in 3–4 hours from the village of Champagny-en-Vanoise, following the GR55 trail through larch forest and alpine pasture. The approach is steady rather than steep, making it a good acclimatisation stop before higher summits. You can also approach from Nancroix to the north in similar time.
The hut is run by the FFCAM and sleeps around 35 people in shared dormitories. It serves dinner and breakfast year-round, using local ingredients where possible. The refuge has no electricity—lighting is by gas lamp—and water comes from a mountain spring. This simplicity keeps costs low and the atmosphere genuine. Half-board is standard; book meals when you book beds. The hut opens year-round, though staffing and snow conditions mean winter visits need coordination.
Book directly with the hut 2–3 months ahead for July and August. July weekends fill fast. Shoulder seasons (June and September) are quieter but weather is less predictable. The hut has no phone line, so contact them by post or through the FFCAM website. Bring cash—card payments are unreliable at this elevation. The hut lies within Parc National de la Vanoise; respect park rules, particularly around water sources and campfires.