Refuge de Chavan
1.3
1,600m
Vaud Alps, Switzerland
About
Refuge de Chavan sits at 1,600m in the Vosges Mountains, accessible from the village of Le Thillot. The approach is a gentle 1.5-hour walk through mixed forest and meadow, making it ideal for families or anyone seeking modest elevation gain. The hut serves as a logical base for day walks across the rolling Vosges ridgeline and connects to longer trails through the region's network of marked paths.
The refuge accommodates 14 people in simple dormitory rooms. Meals are available on request—you'll eat communal dinners with other guests, a format that works well for building connections on longer trips. The kitchen is basic but functional. There are no showers or WiFi; water comes from a spring or collected rainwater. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and you should confirm availability before traveling. Expect a traditional mountain refuge experience: clean bedding, hot food, and quiet evenings.
Book by phone directly with the refuge. Summer weekends (June–September) fill quickly, particularly July and August when school holidays drive demand. Call 2–3 months ahead if you're targeting peak season. Off-season visits are easier to arrange but always confirm opening status before the journey, especially in winter.
The refuge accommodates 14 people in simple dormitory rooms. Meals are available on request—you'll eat communal dinners with other guests, a format that works well for building connections on longer trips. The kitchen is basic but functional. There are no showers or WiFi; water comes from a spring or collected rainwater. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and you should confirm availability before traveling. Expect a traditional mountain refuge experience: clean bedding, hot food, and quiet evenings.
Book by phone directly with the refuge. Summer weekends (June–September) fill quickly, particularly July and August when school holidays drive demand. Call 2–3 months ahead if you're targeting peak season. Off-season visits are easier to arrange but always confirm opening status before the journey, especially in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the hut directly by phone; with only 14 beds, book at least 2–3 months ahead for peak season (July–August).
The hut operates year-round, though staffing and meal availability are best confirmed directly given its small size.
Start from the village of Le Thillot and allow 1.5 hours for a gentle walk through forest and meadow to reach 1,600m.
Meals are available on request; you'll sleep in simple dormitory rooms with 14 beds total.
Yes—the modest 1.5-hour approach with minimal elevation gain makes it ideal for families and less experienced hikers.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 14
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 4 50 73 09 35; +33 9 88 99 63 79
- Website
- http://www.refuges.info/point/3740/refuge-garde/chablais/refuge-de-chavan/