© Refuge de la Charpoua
Charpoua hut (2841m), Massif du Mont-Blanc
An exclusive hut for serious climbers and mountaineers in a stunning setting
More of a simple hut than a refuge, this eight person accommodation provides a peaceful respite from every day life.
This quaint and cosy little hut is open all year round but only provides half board between mid-June and early September. Out of season, you are still able to use the refuge for a small fee, however, you should contact the guardian for details.
During the summer season, accommodation can be booked on a half-board, B&B or bed only basis. Bedding is provided but, for hygiene reasons, you are required to bring your own sleeping bag liner.
There is no electricity at the hut and the guardian cooks all meals over a gas stove using organic local ingredients. The majority of the dishes are vegetarian, other dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Bivouacking is allowed from sunset to sunrise. Out of the summer period, the winter room (eight places) is unstaffed but equipped with blankets, dishes and gas. Before leaving, you need to clean up after yourself, take any waste or litter with you and close the door as you leave. There is a small fee per night, which is to be left in an honesty box.
Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
Worth knowing
The refuge has no electricity; this means no WiFi, no charging of phones and no card payment so please ensure that you bring a power bank and enough cash to pay for your stay.
Directions
You can access the refuge from the bottom of Mer de Glace, following a signposted path that takes approximately four hours.
The route involves crossing the glacier and climbing up ladders, so some level of mountaineering experience is required. You can contact the refuge guardian before you set off for information about the route and weather conditions.
Trains run from the Montenvers station in central Chamonix to the Mer de Glace daily.
