Rifugio Col de Varda

Rifugio Col de Varda sits at 2,115m on the Col de Varda pass in the Maritimes, between the Vésubie and Tinée valleys. Approach from the west via the GR5 trail from Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre (2,365m), a descent of 250m and 1.5 hours. From the east, hike up from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage in about 4 hours. The pass itself marks the border between Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Piedmont, Italy.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 25 people in shared dormitories. The kitchen provides half-board meals (dinner and breakfast included) and packed lunches on request. Water comes from a spring on the col. There's no electricity—bring a headtorch. Mobile signal is reliable. The hut serves as a key waypoint for long-distance hikers linking the Madone valley to the Italian Ligurian trails, and works as a base for day walks across alpine meadows and limestone ridges.
Book directly by email or phone. July and August fill early; reserve 8 weeks ahead for these months. Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) are quieter but equally rewarding. Arrive before 18:00 to secure an evening meal. Winter access depends on snow conditions—contact ahead if planning a cold-season visit.