Refuge de la Combe (non Gardé)

Refuge de la Combe sits at 1,573m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, east of Grenoble. The hut occupies a key position on the approach to Mont-Blanc-de-Cheiron and routes crossing the range between Savoie and Isère. Access from the north starts at Theys and follows the Vallon de Combe for 4–5 hours. From the south, the approach via Allevard is longer but less steep. Both routes work year-round, though snow makes winter travel risky without mountain skills.

This is a non-gardé (unstaffed) refuge, so you'll find basic shelter, a fireplace, sleeping platforms, and a water source. There are no meals, no guardian, and no paid services. Capacity is around 30 people on foam mats. The hut works well as a staging point for day climbs into the higher Belledonne peaks or as a bivouac on multi-day ridge traverses. Winter access is possible but demands experience with avalanche terrain and navigation in whiteout conditions.

Bring a sleeping bag, mat, food, and fuel—the hut is self-service. Maintain it: respect the refuge, remove rubbish, and leave it as you'd want to find it. Check conditions locally before heading up, especially in winter or after heavy rain when the approach stream can flood. The FFCAM maintains the building; report serious damage to the local section.