Refuge la Plate

Refuge la Plate sits at 1,300m in the Savoie Alps, accessible via the GR55 long-distance trail. The standard approach from the village of Lanslebourg takes 3 hours on well-marked paths through mixed forest and alpine pasture. Alternative access routes exist from the Vallée de l'Arc, making it a natural waypoint for trekkers linking the Maurienne valley with higher mountain passes. The hut's low elevation keeps it snow-free from May through October and accessible during shoulder seasons when higher refuges remain closed.
The refuge operates as a simple mountain lodge with 20 beds split across shared dormitories. Meals are available on request—book your dinner when you reserve. Water comes from a reliable spring. Toilets are outside; washing facilities are minimal. The hut has no generator or mains power, so bring a headlamp. Opening season runs May to October, though confirm dates before travelling. FFCAM-affiliated staff run the hut with a straightforward approach suited to self-sufficient hikers.
Book direct by phone well ahead, especially for summer weekends. July and August fill 6–8 weeks in advance. Shoulder months (May, June, September, October) are quieter but weather is less stable. Confirm opening and current access conditions before setting out. Half-board (bed, dinner, breakfast) is standard and represents good value for mountain accommodation.