Top 5 Huts and Cabins around Tours-En-Savoie

The region offers a diverse range of mountain huts, known as *refuges* in French. You can find everything from historic, guarded refuges with restaurants and comfortable accommodation, like the Refuge Les Arolles which offers food and overnight stays, to more rustic, unguarded shelters such as Varzeron Refuge, equipped with a wood stove and sleeping mezzanine for a self-sufficient experience. There are also picturesque chalets like Chalet du Lac, offering refreshments and local specialties.

Yes, several huts cater to families. The Forest Shelter is a pretty place with picnic tables and views, suitable for families. The Refuge du Saut, located in the Vanoise National Park, offers dormitories and rooms, including one with disabled access, and provides continuous catering. For a more luxurious family experience, the Refuge de la Traye Hotel in Méribel offers family activities and high-end amenities.

Many huts in the Savoie region boast incredible vistas. Refuge Les Arolles stands at 1,890 meters with direct views facing Mont Blanc. The Col de la Vanoise Refuge, at 2,518 meters, provides spectacular views of the Grande Casse. In the neighboring Haute-Savoie, the Bellachat Refuge offers superb views of Mont-Blanc and its chain of peaks, while the Pointe Percée Refuge near La Clusaz is known for its dramatic setting and stunning sunsets.

Most guarded refuges offer half-board options (dinner, overnight stay, and breakfast), and some even full-board. Meals often feature traditional regional cuisine. For example, Chalet du Lac is known for local specialties like grataron and crêpes. Accommodation typically ranges from dormitory-style beds with mattresses and blankets to private rooms for 2-4 people. Some, like Refuge Les Arolles, even offer unique options like sleeping in a mini chalet.

Yes, some huts are accessible and operational during the colder months. The Refuge du Mont Jovet has a simpler, newer refuge available nearby for winter stays. The Col du Palet Refuge is open for spring skiing from mid-February to the end of April. The Refuge du Lac du Lou operates year-round, making it a convenient stop for winter sports enthusiasts. Additionally, many huts provide 'winter rooms' that are left unlocked outside the main guarded season, offering basic shelter for self-sufficient adventurers.

For those seeking comfort and luxury, the Refuge de la Traye Hotel in Méribel offers an unparalleled high-end experience. Renovated in 2019, it features en-suite bedrooms, traditional Savoyard chalets (*mazots*), a gourmet restaurant, a spa with various treatments, and family activities, all amidst breathtaking Alpine views.

The region offers a variety of hiking trails, from challenging mountain ascents to more accessible paths. For instance, you can find difficult mountain hikes like the Pointe de la Grande Combe loop or the Le Grand Mont loop. Many huts are situated on popular long-distance routes, such as the GR5, Via Alpina, and the Tour des Dents Blanches, which pass by the Cabane du Col de Cou. You can explore more options on the Mountain Hikes around Tours-En-Savoie guide.

Yes, for those seeking a more self-sufficient and adventurous experience, there are unguarded huts available. The Varzeron Refuge is an unguarded hut equipped with a wood stove, table, benches, and a mezzanine for sleeping, along with a fountain for drinking water. Another option is the Refuge de la Perrière, which was renovated in 2018 and offers 18 beds, a stove, kitchen utensils, water, and even solar electricity for charging devices.

Beyond hiking, the area around Tours-En-Savoie is excellent for cycling. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including challenging climbs like the Col de la Madeleine, or more moderate circuits such as the Tamié Circuit. There are also general cycling routes like the La Loze Pass loop. For more details, check out the Road Cycling Routes and Cycling around Tours-En-Savoie guides.

Huts vary in their amenities. Many guarded refuges offer essential services like electricity, water supply, and even showers. For example, the Refuge du Mont Jovet has showers and a restaurant. The Refuge du Saut includes a room with disabled access. While mattresses, blankets, and pillows are typically provided, it's often mandatory to bring a personal sheet sleeping bag. Some huts, like Refuge du Lac du Lou, do not accept credit cards, so it's wise to carry cash.

The Refuge du Mont Jovet, opened in 1890, is a historic refuge maintained by the municipality of Bozel, offering a blend of tradition and comfort. In Haute-Savoie, the Cabane du Col de Cou near Morzine is a former customs house, strategically located at a crossroads and now transformed into a refuge, adding a unique historical context to your stay.

Yes, bivouacking is permitted in certain areas, often with specific regulations to protect the local fauna and flora. For instance, at the Col de la Vanoise Refuge, bivouacking is possible for a fee, which includes access to a kitchen, common room, toilets, and showers. The Vanoise National Park, which owns the Col du Palet Refuge, authorizes bivouacking in designated areas.