Spending a night in a mountain hut | Office de Tourisme d'oz-en-oisans

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Coucher de soleil depuis le refuge de la Fare
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OT Oz 3300

A journey out of time

at the Refuge de La Fare

Perched in the mountain pastures at an altitude of 2,280 metres, facing the Belledonne massif, this small stone refuge, which sleeps 12, offers a warm welcome to passing walkers and mountaineers who have come to explore the surrounding mid- and high-mountain routes, amongst lakes and peaks. Built in 1887, it is the oldest refuge in the Oisans region and will transport you back to the early days of mountaineering.

Treat yourself

with home-cooked food

Half-board is available, and when you look at the menu, you won’t hesitate for a second: herb-crusted ganèfles gratin, sheep’s cheese, blueberry tart… traditional fare prepared with organic and local produce, as well as ingredients foraged in the wild or grown in the refuge’s garden.

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Randonnée Massif Des Rousses
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OT Oz 3300 / CR

Appreciate

a return to authenticity

At the refuge, daily life revolves around being as close to nature as possible. There’s a chicken coop, a high-altitude vegetable garden and even a donkey. It’s a return to basics; as the refuge is small, many facilities are outdoors: dining tables, washing-up areas, toilets… Electricity is still basic; a solar water heater is used for washing up. The atmosphere is all about sharing and simplicity: card games, convivial evenings with the warden and other walkers… Sleeping in the mountains also means enjoying exceptional sunrises and sunsets, but you might also be lucky enough to spot marmots, chamois, ibex and birds of prey (eagles, bearded vultures…).

Hiking

around the mountain hut

Whatever your level, the trails offer the chance to explore the high-mountain environment. Mountaineers will get up early to set off on the ascent of the Pic de l’Étendard or the Pic Bayle, rock climbers will tackle the cliffs, whilst some hikers will head for the Plan des Cavalles to reach the Col du Couard, and others will make their way towards the Upper Lakes plateau…

At an altitude of 2,800 metres, you can hike over scree and rock slabs alongside Lake Balme Rousse, Lake de la Fare, Lake du Milieu and Lake Blanc, these lakes, revealed by the spring thaw, boast a turquoise blue of incredible clarity. You can stop off at the Rajon shelter, a former makeshift hospital during the Second World War.

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Randonnée Massif des Rousses
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Charlotte ROCHETTE

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2019 Randonnée Massif Des Rousses @charlotte Rochette (4)
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OT Oz 3300 / CR

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2018 Lac Du Milieu Dôme Des Rousses @charlotte Rochette
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OT Oz en Oisans / CR

Visiting the shelter

Via the Alpette cable car

From Oz 3300, take the cable car up to the Alpette plateau (10 mins), then climb the remaining 280 m in elevation.

280m

elevation gain One-way 1 hour Easy

In my rucksack:

To spend a night in a mountain hut, you’ll need to pack: a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner for the dormitory, a head torch as the lighting is basic, and warm clothes to watch the sunset. Don’t forget to bring a map to check the route and to book your accommodation in advance!

Via the GR549

Are you an experienced walker? You can set off from Oz Station via the Plan du Cerf to join the path leading to the Alpette plateau. For (very) keen walkers, you can set off from Oz Village by following the GR549 (4h30 – 1565m).

930m

elevation gain One-way 3 hours Difficult

In my rucksack:

To spend a night in a mountain hut, you’ll need to pack: a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner for the dormitory, a head torch as the lighting is basic, and warm clothes to watch the sunset. Don’t forget to bring a map to check the route and to book your accommodation in advance!