Plan Bérard
2.6
Savoie, France
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About
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier dates are easier to secure year-round.
Plan Bérard is staffed from mid-June to mid-September.
Hike 3–4 hours from Champagny-en-Vanoise village via the GR55 trail, or a similar distance from Nancroix to the north; the approach is steady and not steep.
Dinner and breakfast are included with your bed; the hut has shared dormitories and basic washing facilities typical of high mountain refuges.
Yes, the steady 3–4 hour approach makes it a good acclimatisation stop before attempting higher peaks, though you should be comfortable hiking at altitude.
Location
45.5913, 6.5339
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This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
2.6
Overall
Facilities
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Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 60
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
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