Refuge des Cortalets

The Refuge des Cortalets is a mountain refuge in the French Pyrenees, situated at an altitude of 2,150 metres near the Pic du Canigou in the commune of Taurinya, Pyrénées-Orientales. It is owned and operated by the Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne (FFCAM), the French federation of alpine and mountain clubs. The refuge serves as a base for hikers and climbers aiming to reach the main summits of the Canigou massif, offering dormitory accommodation, meals, and essential services. Its name derives from the Catalan word 'cortal' (sheepfold) and its diminutive 'cortalet', reflecting the pastoral history of the area. The refuge was inaugurated on 4 September 1899 after several years of planning by the Club Alpin Français (CAF). It was conceived to allow tourists to reach the summit of Canigou and return within a day, a feat previously impossible from the surrounding villages. The original chalet-hôtel was built with a view of the sea and was accessed by a newly constructed track. Over the decades, it has undergone significant changes: it was burned during the Occupation in 1944, rebuilt in 1945, and enlarged and renovated between 1976 and 1979. In 2019, access by motor vehicles was prohibited following a landslide on the Llech track, making the refuge accessible only on foot, by mountain bike, or with pack animals. The refuge complex consists of two buildings: a summer refuge with 85 beds in several dormitories and a winter refuge (annex) with a 19-bed dormitory on the upper floor. The winter refuge is freely accessible to winter hikers outside the summer season, but during summer it is requisitioned by the FFCAM and requires reservation. The refuge offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and hot showers are reserved for overnight guests due to water scarcity. Reservations are strongly recommended for both accommodation and meals. As of 2026, the refuge is undergoing a major renovation project planned for 2026–2028. During the works, the refuge remains open but with limited capacity: guests are accommodated in a 20-place tent (Barnum) with mattresses and blankets, and half-board is served in a bungalow. Only 15 places are available, with priority given to long-distance hikers traversing multiple refuges. Reservations during this period are accepted only by email. The renovation is a significant project for the FFCAM, which has launched a call for donations to support the work. The Refuge des Cortalets is more than just a lodging; it is a historic landmark of Pyrenean mountaineering and a symbol of the Canigou massif. Its official website provides information on access routes, activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and canyon descent, as well as the history of the Canigó. The refuge is a key stop on the tour of the Canigou and a vital resource for the local hiking community.

The idea of building a refuge near the Pic du Canigou emerged in the 1880s, when it was impossible to walk from a surrounding village to the summit and back in a single day. A simple cabin, named Refuge Arago, was constructed but quickly fell into ruin. After several years of study, the project for a chalet-hôtel des Cortalets was advanced by the Paris section of the Club Alpin Français (CAF). In 1895, the project was formally proposed; in 1897, the plans were drawn up; and from 1898 to 1899, a track was built to provide access. The refuge was inaugurated on 4 September 1899 with a banquet attended by 200 people. It was designed so that all tourists could reach it, with a view of the sea. In 1903, the first car reached the refuge's doors, marking the beginning of motorized access. However, the refuge was burned in 1944 during the Occupation. It was rebuilt in 1945 and subsequently enlarged and renovated between 1976 and 1979. These renovations expanded its capacity and modernized its facilities. In 2019, a landslide on 9 July on the Llech track at the lieu-dit Mas Malet blocked vehicle access, and since then the refuge is no longer accessible to motorized vehicles (private or professional). The approach is now made on foot, by mountain bike (VTT and VTTAE), or with pack animals such as donkeys or horses, from parking areas located lower down. The Llech track, 21 km long, can be reached via Prades, Los Masos, and Villerach; it ends at a third of the route, about 30 minutes from the barrier at Mas Malet, where a parking area is located. From there, hikers can walk approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to the refuge via the trail passing Roc Mosquit. The Balaig track, accessible from Fillols, is 14 km long and offers a 3-hour 30-minute walk or mountain bike ride from the Col de Millière parking via the Col des Voltes. The Los Masos de Valmanya trail allows reaching the refuge in 3 hours 30 minutes through the Bois de Patrique, starting from the village of Los Masos de Valmanya. As of 2026, the refuge is undergoing a major renovation project planned for 2026, 2027, and 2028. The owner, FFCAM, filed a works request, and construction began on 28 June 2026. During the works, the refuge remains open but with reduced capacity: guests are housed in a 20-place tent (Barnum) with mattresses and blankets, and half-board is served in a bungalow. There are no showers, but potable water is available. Only 15 places are offered, with priority given to hikers transiting multiple refuges over several days. Reservations until 17 October 2026 are accepted only by email. The renovation project includes a call for donations to support the work.

• 2026

  Major renovation works begin on 28 June; refuge remains open with limited capacity in tents and bungalow.

• 2019

  Landslide on 9 July on the Llech track blocks vehicle access; refuge becomes accessible only on foot, by bike, or with pack animals.

• 1976

  Enlargement and renovation of the refuge begins, lasting until 1979.

• 1945

  Refuge rebuilt after the fire.

• 1944

  Refuge burned during the Occupation.

• 1903

  First car reaches the refuge's doors.

• 1899

  Refuge des Cortalets inaugurated on 4 September with a banquet of 200 people.

• 1898

  Construction of the access track to the refuge begins.

• 1897

  Plans for the refuge are established.

• 1895

  Project for the refuge proposed by the Paris section of the Club Alpin Français (CAF).

• 1880

  Idea of a refuge near Pic du Canigou emerges; Refuge Arago cabin built but soon ruined.

A historic, federation-owned mountain refuge providing essential shelter and services for hikers and climbers in the Canigou massif, emphasizing tradition, accessibility, and community.

• Summer refuge accommodation

  85 beds in several dormitories, with meals and hot showers for overnight guests.

• Winter refuge (annex)

  A 19-bed dormitory on the upper floor, freely accessible to winter hikers outside summer, but requisitioned by FFCAM in summer.

• Half-board meals

  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner available; reservation recommended.

• Hiking and climbing routes

  Access to trails such as the Llech track, Balaig track, and Los Masos de Valmanya trail, as well as climbing routes on Canigou and Barbet.

1. 1Accueil, Refuge des Cortaletsrefugedescortalets.ffcam.fr
2. 2Petite histoire du Canigó, Refuge des Cortaletsrefugedescortalets.ffcam.fr
3. 3Refuge des Cortalets - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4Refuge des Cortalets - Wikipédiafr.wikipedia.org