Rifugio Rocca Sella

Rifugio Rocca Sella sits at 998m in the Maritime Alps on the Italian side of the France-Italy border, east of the Vallée de la Roya. The hut is reached from the village of Tende in about 4 hours on foot, following the GR52 variant that climbs steadily through mixed woodland and alpine meadow. The approach is straightforward but gains 1,000m elevation, so start early if you're doing it in a day. This is not a destination for lazy walkers—the trail is relentless but never technical.
The rifugio is small: 8 beds across simple dormitory rooms. The guardian provides half-board meals (dinner and breakfast included with bed), and a small shop stocks essentials and drinks. There's no WiFi, so plan accordingly if you need connectivity. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and you should confirm ahead. The kitchen is basic but functional, and the guardian is used to self-sufficient mountaineers who don't expect frills.
Email the rifugio directly to book beds, especially for weekends June through September when the hut fills fast. Confirm current opening status before heading out in winter or shoulder seasons. There's no telephone line, so email is your only reliable contact method. Payment is in cash (euros) or by bank transfer arranged when you book. Allow at least 5–7 days for email responses during busy periods.