Refuge des Mottets

Refuge des Mottets sits at 1870m in the Vanoise foothills, east of Modane in Savoie. The hut is reached via the Vallée de l'Arc. From Modane (580m), allow 4–5 hours to reach the refuge on a well-marked trail through mixed forest and alpine pasture. The path gains roughly 1,300m steadily but without technical sections. Winter access is limited; the route is reliable only from June through September.
The refuge is a small, traditional mountain hut run by FFCAM with capacity for around 40 people in dormitory rooms. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) and packed lunches are available; book meals when you reserve. The kitchen produces solid mountain food rather than elaborate cooking. Water comes from a reliable source nearby. The hut operates year-round but is staffed and fully functional only from mid-June to mid-September; outside these months, expect very limited services.
Book directly with the refuge by phone or email at least 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends in July and August. Weekdays outside summer school holidays are quieter. The hut fills quickly during French summer vacation (mid-July to mid-August). Arrive by early afternoon to settle in before dinner service. The location suits walkers targeting the Parc National de la Vanoise or those using the hut as a base for day walks in the Modane area rather than as a staging post on a major multi-day route.