Refuge du Lac du Lou
A charming mountain refuge offering delicious food, cozy ambiance, and stunning lake views. Perfect for a tranquil escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for lunch and relaxation
Refuge du Lac du Lou
Best Time
Perfect for lunch and relaxation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming mountain refuge offering delicious food, cozy ambiance, and stunning lake views. Perfect for a tranquil escape.
"Fantastic evening and night spent at this great refuge with welcoming staff and a relaxed vibe."
🎯 Book Ahead for Stays
Reservations are essential for overnight stays to guarantee your spot in this popular mountain refuge.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the refuge is mostly an easy gravel road, but the last 50m are steeper.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Lake Views
Lac du Lou
Breathtaking views of the serene lake, perfect for unwinding and soaking in mountain tranquility.
Cozy Mountain Ambiance
Refuge interior
Experience a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with resident pets and friendly staff.
Delicious Mountain Cuisine
Refuge dining area
Savor great food, from organic drinks and crepes to hearty meals, a true treat after a hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mountain Escape Essentials
Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Stays
Reservations are essential for overnight stays to guarantee your spot in this popular mountain refuge.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the refuge is mostly an easy gravel road, but the last 50m are steeper.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Vibes
Enjoy the company of the resident dog and cat, and free drinking water is available for your own furry friends.
☀️ Perfect Lunch Spot
Ideal for a delightful lunch or snack after a family walk, with organic drinks and superb crepes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Stays
Reservations are essential for overnight stays to guarantee your spot in this popular mountain refuge.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the refuge is mostly an easy gravel road, but the last 50m are steeper.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Vibes
Enjoy the company of the resident dog and cat, and free drinking water is available for your own furry friends.
☀️ Perfect Lunch Spot
Ideal for a delightful lunch or snack after a family walk, with organic drinks and superb crepes.
😌 Escape the Noise
Experience a relaxed vibe and tranquility away from busy resorts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Refuge du Lac du Lou for its exceptional hospitality, delicious food, and stunning mountain setting. The friendly staff, cozy ambiance with resident pets, and tranquil atmosphere are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the hike is generally easy, the final steeper section is worth noting.
"Had a fantastic evening with some friends at the Refuge, the staff were super friendly and accommodating, food was great and the atmosphere was perfect. Can't recommend higher for a treat evening in the mountains!"
Freddie Jones
"One of the nicest refuge I had been to. Lovely people as well. So close to the apartment so will be visiting again very soon!"
Joezel Rizi Nubla
"We stayed here 3 nights when the weather was too bad to do a ski tour in the Vanoise Glaciers. The Refuge was exceptionally clean, staff very friendly and the food was great! Lovely ambience with the resident dog and cat. Thank you for a lovely stay!"
Harvey Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The refuge is typically reached by hiking. The path from the parking area is an easy gravel road that gradually ascends, with a slightly steeper final 50 meters before arrival.
Yes, there is a parking area from which the hike to the refuge begins.
The hike is generally considered easy, with a gravel road path. However, the last section before reaching the refuge is a bit steeper.
While not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, mountain refuges can be accessible in winter, often requiring ski touring or snowshoeing. It's best to check current conditions and accessibility directly.
The initial part of the hike is a gravel road, but the final steeper section might pose a challenge. It's advisable to inquire directly about accessibility for specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets mentioned for visiting the refuge for a meal or drink. However, overnight stays likely require booking and payment.
The refuge is open for lunch and evening visits, and also offers overnight stays. Specific hours for dining are not detailed, but it's a popular spot for afternoon snacks and evening meals.
Reservations are highly recommended for overnight stays. It's best to contact the refuge directly through their official channels to book your accommodation.
Day visitors enjoying lunch or drinks are not charged an entry fee, but are expected to patronize the establishment.
Yes, the refuge is pet-friendly, and free drinking water is provided for dogs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The refuge serves great food, including organic drinks, superb crepes, and ice cream for daytime visitors. For overnight guests, hearty meals are also provided.
While specific dietary options aren't detailed, the mention of 'organic drinks' and 'superb crepes' suggests a focus on quality ingredients. It's advisable to inquire about specific dietary needs when booking or upon arrival.
Yes, the refuge is a popular spot for an evening meal, offering a relaxed atmosphere and great food.
Reviews indicate the food is great and the experience is a 'treat evening,' suggesting reasonable pricing for the quality and location. Specific prices are not listed.
Absolutely! They offer nice organic drinks, perfect for enjoying the mountain scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The stunning views of Lac du Lou are a primary photo opportunity. Waking up to the mountain vistas from an overnight stay also provides incredible morning shots.
Early mornings, especially if staying overnight, offer serene light and fewer people. Afternoons provide good light for the lake and surrounding landscapes.
The area around the refuge itself offers excellent vantage points of the lake and mountains. The hike up also provides evolving perspectives.
The resident dog and cat are part of the refuge's charm and can be photographed, but always be respectful of the animals and their space.
A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake scenery. A standard zoom lens is versatile for various shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Hikers
🌙 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Refuge Experience
The experience is often described as a 'treat evening' or a 'fantastic evening and night spent at this great refuge'.
Whether you're stopping for a delicious crepe and organic drink after a family walk or staying overnight, the Refuge du Lac du Lou promises a memorable mountain getaway. The combination of natural beauty, excellent hospitality, and delicious food makes it a highly recommended destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape in the Alps.
Hiking and Access
However, it's important to note that the final 50 meters before arriving at the refuge are a bit steeper.
In summer, this hike is perfect for a family outing, leading to a rewarding destination with beautiful views and refreshments. The relatively easy access, combined with the stunning natural surroundings, makes the Refuge du Lac du Lou a popular choice for day trips and longer stays alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit