Refuge le Monal
2.6
Savoie, France
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About
Refuge le Monal sits at 1,860m in the Massif de la Lauzière, in the Savoie region of the northern French Alps. The hut sits above the village of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, accessible via the Vallon du Monal. Most hikers approach from the village car park and follow the marked trail through woodland and alpine pasture for 3–4 hours. The route gains 900m steadily but is well-graded and suitable for fit walkers with basic mountain experience. In winter, access depends on snow conditions and avalanche risk; check with the refuge before planning a winter visit.
The refuge operates year-round and welcomes hikers, trail runners, and ski tourers. It has capacity for around 40 guests across basic dormitory rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast; half-board is the standard arrangement, though lighter meals are available. There is no WiFi or mains power—the hut runs on solar panels and a generator. Water comes from a spring. Toilets are basic but functional. The refuge sits on several hiking routes, making it a logical stopping point for through-hikers crossing the Lauzière massif or accessing higher peaks like Pic de la Lauzière.
Book directly by email or phone as soon as you know your dates, especially for weekends and July–August. The refuge fills quickly during peak season. Confirm access conditions in winter before planning. The hut is managed by FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne).
The refuge operates year-round and welcomes hikers, trail runners, and ski tourers. It has capacity for around 40 guests across basic dormitory rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast; half-board is the standard arrangement, though lighter meals are available. There is no WiFi or mains power—the hut runs on solar panels and a generator. Water comes from a spring. Toilets are basic but functional. The refuge sits on several hiking routes, making it a logical stopping point for through-hikers crossing the Lauzière massif or accessing higher peaks like Pic de la Lauzière.
Book directly by email or phone as soon as you know your dates, especially for weekends and July–August. The refuge fills quickly during peak season. Confirm access conditions in winter before planning. The hut is managed by FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne).
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; shoulder seasons (June, September) need 4–6 weeks' notice. Contact by email or phone directly.
Refuge le Monal is staffed June through September; opening and closing dates depend on snow conditions and weather.
Start from the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne village car park and follow the marked trail up the Vallon du Monal for 3–4 hours, gaining 900m through woodland and pasture.
The refuge offers dinner and breakfast; beds are in shared dormitory rooms typical of French Alpine huts.
Yes, if you're a fit walker with basic mountain experience—the route is steady and well-marked, but the 900m gain over 3–4 hours requires reasonable fitness.
Location
45.5544, 6.9216
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
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33607382469
- Website
- https://www.refugedumonal.com/
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.