Refuge de Mayen

Refuge de Mayen sits at 2,206m in the Chaînes de Belledonne, east of Grenoble in the Isère department. The main approach is from Le Barioz (1,100m), a 7–8 hour hike climbing steadily through forest and alpine pasture. You can also reach it from Allevard-les-Bains via the Lac de Freydière, adding roughly 2 hours to the route. The hut serves as a waypoint for north–south traverses of the Belledonne range and is accessible from late June through September when snow melts.
The refuge is a simple, working hut managed by FFCAM with capacity for around 40 people in shared dormitories. It offers half-board accommodation (evening meal and breakfast included). Water comes from a spring nearby; there is no hot shower. The warden lives there during the season and prepares hearty mountain meals. This is a base hut rather than a stopping point—most visitors stay 1–2 nights while undertaking day hikes or planning longer ridge walks to Pic de la Charbonnière (2,521m) or southward toward the Lac de Prals.
Book directly with the refuge by phone or email at least a week in advance outside July–August. During peak season (mid-July to mid-August), book 3–4 weeks ahead. The hut closes by mid-September. Bring a sleeping bag liner; blankets are provided. The approach requires good weather and solid navigation skills—the path is marked but exposed in places above 2,000m.