La Cabin des Choucas

La Cabane des Choucas sits at 2,451m in the Massif de Belledonne, above the Vallée de l'Eau d'Olle. The hut lies 4–5 hours' walk from Allevard-les-Bains (take the GR549, then branch toward Lac Crozet). Most parties approach via Prapoutel-les-Sept-Lacs instead, a 3-hour route that's less steep. The setting is rocky and open, well above treeline, with views across the Chaîne de Belledonne toward Mont-Blanc on clear days. Summer snow lingers into June in some years.

The FFCAM-managed hut has 40 places in shared dormitories. Staff cook dinner and breakfast; you need to book meals in advance, especially on weekends. The hut provides blankets and pillows. There is no shower. Water comes from a mountain spring nearby. The building stays open mid-June to mid-September, closing during winter and early spring. In July and August, the hut fills on weekends with parties making multi-day traverses toward the Chaîne de Belledonne proper or pushing toward Grenoble-area hiking circuits.

Book directly with the hut by phone (04 76 97 51 41) or via the FFCAM website. Reserve 3–4 weeks ahead for summer weekends. Mid-week slots open up more easily. The hut operates on a first-come, first-served basis once booked, so arrive by 17:00 to secure a spot. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard; packed lunches are available. The approach trails are snow-free from July onward in normal years.