Accommodation
Animals are not allowed inside the refuge due to close quarters (allergies/phobias for some people…), dogs must be kept on a leash outside on all trails and paths in Beaufortain (due to the presence of wolves and livestock guardian dogs).
We don’t have enough electricity for you to recharge your bikes, and we don’t have a locked, sheltered space for the night.
Subject to availability: a power strip is available (5 outlets). We prioritize essential devices.
You’ve booked half-board: plan your day to arrive before 6 PM. This will give you time to settle in comfortably before dinner served at 7 PM. Please note, if we haven’t heard from you by 6 PM on your arrival day, we may reassign your spots.
There is no phone or internet service at the refuge, as in many mountain locations. Remember to book and inform your loved ones of your itinerary while you can. The nearest point with cell service is located about 5 min walk from the refuge.
Dormitory beds are equipped with duvets and pillows (summer). Please bring a sleeping bag liner. For winter, you must bring a sleeping bag (2 blankets/bed are provided).
Dinner is served at 7pm, plan your day so you arrive at least 1 hour beforehand to give yourself time to settle in. Breakfast is served at 7am. For scheduling reasons for the rest of the refuge’s day, please vacate the dormitories before 8:30am.
The close quarters in the dorms and dining room, and the noise level when the room is full… mean the refuge isn’t suitable for children under 3, even if they’re with their parents.
You can check our general terms and conditions of sale. Deposits are non-refundable but can be applied to a future booking or to the remainder of the stay if the cancellation only affects part of it.
Maximum 2 consecutive nights When the refuge is staffed, if you stay more than 2 or 3 days, you may end up eating the same thing several times (3 different menus) When the refuge is unstaffed, especially during winter, it’s important to distinguish between a gîte/B/hotel and a mountain refuge where hikers are normally just passing through. You don’t settle into the building as if you were at home, and above all, it’s not equipped with enough firewood to be heated all day by groups staying put.
No. La Coire must be able to accommodate people in need at all times. The Cormet chalet can be privatized outside the summer season upon request.
Restaurant
Please bring cash or a chequebook to pay on site. We don’t accept cards.
Our refuge is old, with little kitchen space, limited storage, and few cooking facilities. We focus on local produce, sometimes organic, and we strive to prepare delicious meals for you with great care. Therefore, we cannot accommodate individual health issues, beliefs, or tastes. Only vegetarian diets are taken into account if declared at the time of booking. If you cannot or do not wish to partake in the communal meals, please bring your own food. You will find crockery, pots, and cooking facilities available for use on site. In winter, we have chosen not to use helicopter resupply for ecological reasons. A large portion of our food is carried up in backpacks. Adaptation is therefore even more important!
A gravel road connecting Granier to Arêches runs next to the refuge. This road is not in very good condition. Many hikers on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback use this road. Furthermore, it is also used by shepherds for their work. We therefore advise you to park in the car parks designated for hikers (Laval: 1.5-hour walk, Plan Pichu: 30-minute walk, Barrage de Saint Guerrin: 2-hour walk).
Environment
Wild camping is prohibited by municipal order around lakes, hydroelectric reservoirs, and other bodies of water within a 150m radius. Stay on or near the trail you are using; you must leave the area clean when you leave.
No. The ecosystem of an alpine lake is very fragile. Swimming is forbidden. But there are plenty of other things to do: walk, run, take photos, breathe, contemplate… For water lovers: a swimming pool in Beaufort and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a swimming area in Macôt and Marcaul.
No, precisely because it’s an alpine pasture. The cows graze the slopes all the way up to the summit of Mont Coin, Crêt du Bœuf… Like you, they love flat spots, and like us they hate rubbish left lying around—especially toilet paper “cleverly” hidden under a rock. If you meet a shepherd, ask them; if you pass by the refuge, ask us. We’ll point you to the best suitable spot.
Yes, as long as they are on a lead. Watch out: you may encounter working herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs on your route.
