Refuge du Plan de L'Aiguille

Rifugio Plan de l'Aiguille sits at 2,207m in the Mont-Blanc massif, reached from the Vallée de Chamonix side. The standard approach is via the Brévent cable car from Chamonix (1,040m), then 2–3 hours of hiking northeastward across high pasture and rocky terrain to the hut. This route avoids the longer valley approach. The hut lies on the GR5 long-distance route and serves as a natural overnight stop between the Chamonix valley and the higher refuges of the Mont-Blanc chain.

The refuge holds 80 beds across dormitory rooms. Half-board (dinner, bed, breakfast) is standard. The kitchen provides solid mountain fare—expect pasta, stew, local cheese, and strong coffee. Water comes from a mountain spring. There are basic washrooms but no shower. The hut is open mid-June to late September, depending on snow cover. Winter access is skied by those with mountaineering experience, but summer is the reliable season.

Book directly through the refuge from April onward. July and August fill 4–6 weeks ahead, particularly weekends. Email or call ahead to confirm availability. Half-board runs around €55–65 per person. The hut lies on the France–Italy border but is managed and accessed from the French side; bring your passport regardless.