Cabane de la Videmanette
1.7
2,130m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Cabane de la Videmanette sits at 2130m on the border between Piedmont and the Provence region of France, accessible from the Italian side via the Valle Stura. The hut is reached in roughly 4 hours from Demonte, following the well-marked trail that climbs steadily through alpine pasture and rocky terrain. This is a serious approach—the final 500m gain is steeper and exposed in places. The hut works equally well as a waypoint on longer traverses across the Maritime Alps or as a base for day hikes to surrounding peaks above 2600m.
The refuge operates as a simple, staffed mountain hut with 18 beds spread across small dormitory rooms. Half-board meals are standard—expect hearty pasta, cheese, and vegetable dishes that reflect both Italian and French mountain cooking. Water comes from a spring; the hut has no heating beyond a wood stove in the common area. The season runs June through September, weather permitting. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and is not recommended.
Contact the hut directly before planning your visit—phone numbers and email change seasonally. Book accommodation 2–3 weeks ahead for July and August. The hut has no formal affiliation with CAI or other major Alpine clubs, so booking through rifugi.net is not always reliable. June and September offer quieter conditions and easier booking, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Bring layers: afternoon temperatures can drop 10°C in an hour.
The refuge operates as a simple, staffed mountain hut with 18 beds spread across small dormitory rooms. Half-board meals are standard—expect hearty pasta, cheese, and vegetable dishes that reflect both Italian and French mountain cooking. Water comes from a spring; the hut has no heating beyond a wood stove in the common area. The season runs June through September, weather permitting. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and is not recommended.
Contact the hut directly before planning your visit—phone numbers and email change seasonally. Book accommodation 2–3 weeks ahead for July and August. The hut has no formal affiliation with CAI or other major Alpine clubs, so booking through rifugi.net is not always reliable. June and September offer quieter conditions and easier booking, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Bring layers: afternoon temperatures can drop 10°C in an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for July-August weekends; earlier peaks are less crowded. Contact the hut directly or use rifugi.net, as this Franco-Italian border hut may not appear on standard Italian platforms.
Typically open June to September, weather-dependent; confirm current dates before planning since elevation and border location mean shorter season than lower Italian rifugi.
Approach from Demonte in Valle Stura via marked trail—4 hours total, with the final 500m notably steep and exposed, so solid mountain fitness required; no easier variant exists.
18 beds in dormitory style; expect simple meals (half or full board) and basic facilities; no hot showers, so bring a lightweight towel and accept alpine standards.
Not for beginners—the approach is steep, exposed, and takes 4 hours; better suited to fit hikers doing multi-day traverses or experienced mountaineers using it as a col crossing waypoint.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 18
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.cabane-videmanette.net/