Refuge des Merveilles
1.7
2,130m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge des Merveilles sits at 2,130m in the Maritimes above the Vallée des Merveilles in Piedmont. The hut lies on the GTA (Grande Traversata delle Alpi) route and serves as a base for accessing the Parc National du Mercantour. Reach it in 3–4 hours from the Lac de Salse trailhead or 2.5 hours from the Refuge de Fond de Fourche. The approach is well-marked and gains 600m steadily through larch forest before opening to alpine terrain.
The hut has 79 beds split across dormitories and smaller rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast; half-board is standard. Shower facilities are available. The refuge operates year-round but receives most traffic from June to September and during Easter week. Water comes from a stream; the hut uses a mix of solar power and gas generators. The setting is exposed, so expect wind and afternoon storms in summer.
Book directly by phone or email 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Spring weekends and the week after Easter also fill quickly. The hut manages overflow in a bivouac shelter on the grounds if dormitories are full. Confirm what meals are available when you call, as staffing varies by season. Winter access requires mountaineering experience and avalanche awareness.
The hut has 79 beds split across dormitories and smaller rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast; half-board is standard. Shower facilities are available. The refuge operates year-round but receives most traffic from June to September and during Easter week. Water comes from a stream; the hut uses a mix of solar power and gas generators. The setting is exposed, so expect wind and afternoon storms in summer.
Book directly by phone or email 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Spring weekends and the week after Easter also fill quickly. The hut manages overflow in a bivouac shelter on the grounds if dormitories are full. Confirm what meals are available when you call, as staffing varies by season. Winter access requires mountaineering experience and avalanche awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July–August, earlier if possible since it has only 79 beds and sits on the popular GTA route. Call ahead to check availability or use rifugi.net for booking.
Typically open June through September, though exact dates depend on snow conditions and staffing; contact them directly at the phone number listed to confirm current season dates.
Allow 3–4 hours from Lac de Salse trailhead (600m elevation gain through larch forest to alpine terrain) or 2.5 hours from Refuge de Fond de Fourche; the route is well-marked and part of the GTA.
79 beds in dormitories and smaller rooms; expect half-board meals (dinner and breakfast) included with overnight stays, and basic washing facilities typical of mountain huts at this elevation.
Yes for fit hikers—the approach is steady and well-marked without technical sections—but the 3–4 hour climb and 2,130m elevation mean basic Alpine fitness is needed; suitable for families with older children comfortable at altitude.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 79
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 93 04 64 64
- Website
- https://refugedesmerveilles.ffcam.fr/