Refuge de Plan Lombardie

Refuge de Plan Lombardie sits at 2,100m in the Vanoise massif, on the east side of Mont-Blanc's satellite peaks. Reach it from the village of Modane via the Vallée de la Maurienne. The approach takes 4–5 hours on foot from Modane, gaining 1,100m through larch forest and alpine meadow. A mountain bike shortcut saves 90 minutes if you start with a shuttle or pedal up yourself. The hut works as a base for traverses toward Refuge de la Dent Parrachée or loops into the Parc National de la Vanoise.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 40 across shared and private rooms. The Guardian cooks lunch and dinner using local produce when staffed (June to September reliably, weekends only April–May and October). Water comes from a spring; there's no WiFi. The kitchen and heating run on wood and gas. Showers cost extra. The atmosphere is straightforward: a working hut with solid meals, not a hotel.
Book direct by email or phone during staffed months. July and August fill 4–6 weeks ahead—contact early if you need a specific date. May and September offer quieter margins. Winter access depends on snow conditions and your equipment; phone ahead to confirm the hut is actively staffed before attempting a winter approach.