Refuge du Col du Palet
A picturesque mountain refuge in Vanoise National Park, offering stunning alpine views, turquoise lakes, and wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, wildlife active
Refuge du Col du Palet
Best Time
Clearer skies, wildlife active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque mountain refuge in Vanoise National Park, offering stunning alpine views, turquoise lakes, and wildlife encounters.
"One of the most beautiful nature surroundings of the refuges along the GR5."
Bivouac Booking Issues
Some hikers report issues with bivouac spot availability, even when spots appear free in the morning. Plan accordingly.
Enjoy the Refuge Meal
The refuge offers nice food and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Great for a lunch stop or overnight stay.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Views
Summit near the refuge
Ascend a nearby trail for breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Vanoise valleys and surrounding peaks.
Turquoise Lakes
Lac du Grattaleu, Lac des Échines
Discover stunning alpine lakes with vibrant turquoise waters, perfect for a refreshing break during your hike.
Wildlife Spotting
Surrounding meadows and slopes
Keep an eye out for marmots and ibex (bouquetins) in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay in Advance
Be Prepared for Mountain Weather
This ensures a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bivouac Booking Issues
Some hikers report issues with bivouac spot availability, even when spots appear free in the morning. Plan accordingly.
Enjoy the Refuge Meal
The refuge offers nice food and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Great for a lunch stop or overnight stay.
Bring Insect Repellent
Be aware that a lot of flies can be present around the refuge.
Free Crocs Provided!
A fun perk: the refuge sometimes provides free Crocs for guests.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bivouac Booking Issues
Some hikers report issues with bivouac spot availability, even when spots appear free in the morning. Plan accordingly.
Enjoy the Refuge Meal
The refuge offers nice food and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Great for a lunch stop or overnight stay.
Bring Insect Repellent
Be aware that a lot of flies can be present around the refuge.
Free Crocs Provided!
A fun perk: the refuge sometimes provides free Crocs for guests.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Refuge du Col du Palet for its stunning natural surroundings, beautiful turquoise lakes, and the opportunity to spot wildlife. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service, along with reasonable camping prices, are also highlights. However, some guests have noted issues with booking bivouac spots and a higher-than-expected number of flies.
"Tried to reserve a bivouac spot since we are doing a long distance hike, but apparently they were “full”
Walked past the refuge the following morning @ 6:30am and there were plenty of places for tents.
This whole region, especially the Vanoise is not welcoming for long distance hikers. It’s a real disappointment."
Lauren and Scott
"One of the most beautiful nature surroundings of the refuges that we stayed along the GR5 between Les Houches and Tignes.
You can follow a small trail (color blue white red) and climb up the top, where you’ll be able to see both sides of the valley and all surrounding mountains!
The service could, however, be better and more helpful compared to other refuges that we stayed in 2022 (but we do understand maybe the crew was stressed over other stuff)"
Liyun Yang
"Very reasonable tent camping price, good place for a through hiker to stay."
spike miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The refuge is accessible via hiking trails, often as part of multi-day treks like the Tour du Vallaisonnay. Popular starting points include Champagny-en-Vanoise or Tignes.
Several routes lead to the refuge, including those from Champagny le Haut
No, the Refuge du Col du Palet is a mountain hut and is only accessible by foot via hiking trails.
Distances and elevation gains vary greatly depending on the starting point. For example, the Tour du Vallaisonnay involves around 22km and 1200m of elevation gain over two days.
While not explicitly mentioned, many local guides in the Vanoise region offer treks that can include a stay at the refuge. It's advisable to check with local tourism offices or guiding services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dormitory beds. You can typically book through the refuge's official website or a national mountain hut booking platform.
The refuge is generally open during the summer hiking season, typically from June to September. It's best to check their official schedule for specific dates.
Prices vary for dormitory beds and bivouac spots. Bivouac camping is noted as reasonably priced. Dormitory prices are standard for mountain refuges in France.
Yes, bivouacking (tent camping) is permitted and is a more affordable option. However, some visitors have noted issues with booking these spots in advance.
Yes, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag for the dormitory. Blankets are usually provided, but a liner is essential for hygiene.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The refuge offers dormitory accommodation, meals (dinner and breakfast), and sometimes provides free Crocs for guests. There are also toilet facilities.
Yes, the refuge serves meals, including soup and coffee for lunch, and typically offers dinner and breakfast for overnight guests. +1
It's described as warm and cozy, with friendly service. It's a great place to rest after a hike and enjoy the mountain surroundings.
Yes, you can follow a trail to climb to a top offering views of both sides of the valley and surrounding mountains.
The area is known for wildlife spotting, including marmots and ibex (bouquetins).
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the nearby summit are spectacular. The turquoise alpine lakes like Lac du Grattaleu and Lac des Échines are also incredibly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for mountain landscapes and lakes.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture photos of marmots and ibex in their natural habitat.
Generally, photography is allowed in natural areas. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Shorter hikes to nearby viewpoints or lakes can also be enjoyable. Wildlife spotting opportunities, like seeing marmots, can be a big hit with younger hikers. 🚶 Through Hikers & Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Trekking Routes and Trails
+1 Hikers often start this tour from Champagny-en-Vanoise. Another common approach is from the Val d'Isère area, passing through other refuges like Refuge du Fond des Fours. +1 The trails are generally well-marked but can be steep and demanding, requiring good physical condition and appropriate hiking gear. Many visitors use the refuge as a waypoint on longer traverses of the GR5 or other long-distance trails. The blue, white, and red marked trail leading to a nearby summit offers exceptional views and is a popular short excursion from the refuge.
Be prepared for potential snow patches even in early summer. The Vanoise National Park Experience
The park's landscape is characterized by vast glaciers, high mountain passes, pristine lakes, and extensive meadows that burst with wildflowers in the summer. Visitors to the Vanoise National Park are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve its natural beauty. This includes staying on marked trails, not disturbing wildlife, and packing out all trash.
The park's commitment to conservation makes it a prime destination for hikers, mountaineers, and nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic mountain experience. The presence of numerous refuges like the Col du Palet provides essential support for multi-day treks through this magnificent alpine environment.
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