Refuge du Parmelan

Refuge du Parmelan is a mountain hut (refuge de montagne) in the French Alps, located at an altitude of 1,825 metres on the Parmelan plateau in the Bornes-Aravis range, in the commune of Dingy-Saint-Clair, Haute-Savoie. It is operated by the Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne (FFCAM), the French federation of alpine and mountain clubs, and is part of that federation's network of staffed and unstaffed mountain refuges. The hut dates from 1883, making it one of the older refuges in the region, and it is described by its operators as rustic with simple, basic equipment — a character that is presented as part of its charm for a first mountain experience. The refuge sits at the edge of a cliff above the hamlet of La Blonnière, with a panorama over the Annecy basin, the Aravis range and the Mont Blanc massif. The surrounding plateau is noted for its exceptional flora and its lapiaz (limestone pavement) terrain. The hut offers dormitory accommodation with 49 beds during the guarded season and 10 beds when unguarded, along with meals based on local products and refreshments from a small Savoyard brewery. The guarded period runs from mid-May to early October, and the current guardian is Philippe Graham. The site is a base for hiking, with numerous loops across the Lappiaz plateau and itineraries toward the Anglettaz; for climbers, it is a recognised spot with many cliffs and sectors for both short routes and long multi-pitch routes; and for paragliders, the sector facing Lake Annecy has a strong reputation. The refuge also hosts events, including evening sky-observation sessions. As a commercial offering, the refuge functions as a hospitality and accommodation brand within the FFCAM network, marketed through its own website with online membership, hut-finding and booking functions.

Refuge du Parmelan dates from 1883, according to the official website of the refuge. It is a mountain hut in the French Alps, located on the Parmelan plateau in the Bornes-Aravis range above the hamlet of La Blonnière, in the commune of Dingy-Saint-Clair, Haute-Savoie. The hut stands at an altitude of 1,825 metres and is operated by the Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne (FFCAM), the French federation of alpine and mountain clubs, as part of its national network of mountain refuges. Over its long existence the refuge has retained a rustic character with simple equipment, which its operators present as central to its appeal. It offers 49 beds during the guarded season, which runs from mid-May to early October, and 10 beds when unguarded. The guardian as of the official website is Philippe Graham. The refuge provides meals based on local products and refreshments from a small Savoyard brewery. The site has developed a reputation across several mountain activities. Hikers can follow numerous loops on the Lappiaz plateau or itineraries toward the Anglettaz. Climbers find many cliffs and sectors suitable for short routes and long multi-pitch routes. Paragliders are drawn to the sector facing Lake Annecy, whose reputation is well established. The refuge also hosts events, including sky-observation evenings announced for 2026. Its website supports online membership, hut search and booking, reflecting its role as a bookable hospitality offering within the FFCAM network.

• 2025

  Sky-observation evenings announced for July and September 2026.

• 1883

  Refuge du Parmelan is built, according to the official website.

A rustic, historic high-altitude mountain refuge in the FFCAM network, positioned as an accessible first-mountain-experience base with exceptional panorama, climbing and paragliding terrain.

• Guarded-season dormitory accommodation

  49 beds available during the guarded period from mid-May to early October.

• Unguarded-season accommodation

  10 beds available when the refuge is unguarded.

• On-site dining

  Meals with local products and refreshments from a small Savoyard brewery.

1. 1Accueil, Refuge du Parmelanrefugeduparmelan.ffcam.fr
2. 2Refuge du Parmelanen.wikipedia.org
3. 3Refuge du Parmelanwikidata.org