Refuge Gias Morteis

Rifugio Gias Morteis sits at 2,340m in the Alpes-Maritimes, in the Parc National du Mercantour. Reach it from the Vallée de la Gordolasque via the hamlet of Roquebillière. The approach takes 3 to 4 hours from the road end, gaining 1,200m through pine forest and alpine meadow. The route is well-marked but steep in sections. Access is on foot year-round, though snow closes higher passes from November to May.
The hut is small and operates as a working mountain pasture (gias). It sleeps around 12 people in basic dormitory conditions. The guardian provides simple meals and hot drinks in summer. Water comes from the spring. Facilities are minimal: no showers, pit toilet, wood stove for heating. The hut opens June to September depending on snow conditions. This is an active working refuge, not a tourist facility—expect a quiet stay focused on the mountains and pastoral way of life rather than comfort.
Book directly by phone or through the Parc National du Mercantour office in Saint-Martin-Vésubie. July and August fill quickly; contact the guardian by mid-June for summer dates. The hut sits on a serious mountain pass, so come prepared for weather changes and bring a headtorch. Mobile signal is unreliable at this elevation.