Refuge du Plan du Lac
A staffed mountain refuge in the Vanoise National Park, France, offering dormitory lodging, meals and alpine hiking services.
Last updated September 27, 2026
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Overview
Refuge du Plan du Lac is a mountain hut (refuge) located in the French Alps, within the Vanoise National Park in Savoie. It is part of the network of refuges managed under the Vanoise National Park, alongside huts such as Refuge de l'Arpont, Refuge du Bois, Refuge de la Femma, Refuge du Fond des Fours, Refuge de la Leisse, Refuge de la Martin, Refuge de l'Orgère, Refuge du Col du Palet, Refuge de Plaisance, Refuge de Prariond, Refuge de Rosuel, Refuge de Turia, Refuge de la Valette and Refuge de Vallonbrun. The refuge serves hikers and mountaineers traversing the Vanoise massif, providing essential high-altitude accommodation and food services. The refuge operates in two modes: gardiennage (staffed) and hors-gardiennage (unstaffed). When staffed, it offers a range of services including a dining area, bar, showers, pharmacy, defibrillator, accessible access, books and games, and 42 places with duvets and pillows. When unstaffed, the winter refuge remains accessible with 20 beds with duvets and pillows, a kitchen with gas and utensils, a wood stove and firewood. Payment for unstaffed stays is made online after the visit via the Vanoise National Park payment portal, at a rate of 12 euros per person. The refuge is a commercial hospitality operation within a protected natural area, and its official website publishes news, service details and reservation information. It is a well-known stop for hikers on the GR5 and other trails crossing the Vanoise, and it is listed as a mountain hut in France on Wikidata. The refuge also hosts cultural and nature events, such as wildlife observation of the bearded vulture (gypaète barbu), astronomical events like the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026, and traditional games demonstrations.
History
Refuge du Plan du Lac is a mountain hut in the French Alps, situated in the Vanoise National Park in the Savoie department. It is one of the refuges within the park's network, which includes Refuge de l'Arpont, Refuge du Bois, Refuge de la Femma, Refuge du Fond des Fours, Refuge de la Leisse, Refuge de la Martin, Refuge de l'Orgère, Refuge du Col du Palet, Refuge de Plaisance, Refuge de Prariond, Refuge de Rosuel, Refuge de Turia, Refuge de la Valette and Refuge de Vallonbrun. The refuge provides accommodation and dining for hikers and mountaineers exploring the Vanoise massif. The refuge operates under the management of the Vanoise National Park, a public establishment. It functions both as a staffed refuge (gardé) during peak hiking seasons and as an unstaffed winter refuge (non gardé) at other times. In its staffed mode, it offers services such as a dining room, bar, showers, pharmacy, defibrillator, accessible access, books and games, and 42 places with duvets and pillows. In unstaffed mode, the winter refuge remains accessible with 20 beds with duvets and pillows, a kitchen with gas and utensils, a wood stove and firewood. Payment for unstaffed stays is made online after the visit via the Vanoise National Park payment portal, at a rate of 12 euros per person. The refuge is a stop on hiking routes in the Vanoise, including the GR5, and is known for its location near the Plan du Lac area. It also hosts cultural and natural events, such as wildlife observation of the bearded vulture (gypaète barbu), astronomical events like the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026, and traditional games demonstrations. The official website provides news, service details and reservation information.
Refuge du Plan du Lac is listed as a mountain hut in France on Wikidata.
[4]The refuge is part of the Vanoise National Park mountain hut network, alongside 14 other named refuges.
[1]The refuge offers both staffed and unstaffed accommodation, with online payment for unstaffed stays at 12 euros per person.
[2]
Products and positioning
A high-altitude mountain refuge in the Vanoise National Park, offering essential hospitality to hikers and mountaineers in a protected alpine environment.
Staffed refuge accommodation
42 places with duvets and pillows, dining, bar, showers, pharmacy, defibrillator, accessible access, books and games.
Unstaffed winter refuge
20 beds with duvets and pillows, kitchen with gas and utensils, wood stove and firewood; payment online after visit at 12 euros per person.
Restaurant and bar
On-site dining and bar service during staffed periods.
Sources4 sources
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