Refuge du Lac Blanc
2.6
Savoie, France
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About
Refuge du Lac Blanc sits at 2,352m in the Chaîne de la Chartreuse, above the Lac Blanc basin east of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. The main approach takes 2.5 hours from the Charmant Som carpark (1,550m), climbing steadily through beech forest and alpine meadows. You can also reach it in 3 hours from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse village via the Col de Marchand. The hut sits on the threshold between forested slopes and open high country, with views across the limestone plateaux of the Chartreuse Massif.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 45 people in dormitories. The guardian serves meals at lunchtime and evening—book dinner ahead in summer. Water comes from the lake. The hut offers basic facilities: no showers, but there is a washing area. Winter access is on foot only; snow often closes the final approach above 2,000m from December to April. The location works well as a base for day walks to the Lac de Touffan (30 minutes) or the ridgeline traversing east toward the Chaîne de Belledonne.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email at least 2 weeks ahead for weekends and August. July and August weekends fill by mid-May. The hut is popular with families and local hiking clubs, so midweek visits between June and September offer shorter queues and easier booking. Winter visits require prior arrangement with the guardian.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 45 people in dormitories. The guardian serves meals at lunchtime and evening—book dinner ahead in summer. Water comes from the lake. The hut offers basic facilities: no showers, but there is a washing area. Winter access is on foot only; snow often closes the final approach above 2,000m from December to April. The location works well as a base for day walks to the Lac de Touffan (30 minutes) or the ridgeline traversing east toward the Chaîne de Belledonne.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email at least 2 weeks ahead for weekends and August. July and August weekends fill by mid-May. The hut is popular with families and local hiking clubs, so midweek visits between June and September offer shorter queues and easier booking. Winter visits require prior arrangement with the guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; April–May is sufficient for June and September.
Refuge du Lac Blanc is staffed from mid-June to mid-September.
The main route takes 2.5 hours from Charmant Som carpark (1,550m), or 3 hours from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse village via Col de Marchand; the hut sits at 2,352m.
The refuge serves dinner and breakfast; beds are in multi-person dorms and hot showers are available.
Yes—the 2.5-hour ascent is steady but not steep, and the trails are well-marked; it's ideal for first-time refuge users.
Location
45.3188, 6.8175
HutLists Score
2.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.refugedulacblanc-vanoise.com/
Activities
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