Spending the night in a refuge | Office de Tourisme d'oz-en-oisans

Traveling out of time

at the Refuge de La Fare

Perched in the alpine pastures at 2280m altitude facing the Belledonne massif, this small 12-seater stone refuge offers a warm welcome to hikers passing through or mountaineers coming to discover the surrounding medium and high mountain itineraries, between lakes and peaks. Built in 1887, it is the oldest refuge in the Oisans region, and will take you back to the early days of mountaineering.

Enjoy

home cooking

Half-board is available, and when you look at the menu, you won’t hesitate for a second: herbed ganèfles gratin, ewe’s milk cheese, blueberry tart… a typical cuisine prepared with organic and local produce, but also from wild pickings or the refuge’s garden.

Appreciate

a return to authenticity

At the refuge, life is organized every day as close to nature as possible. There’s a chicken coop, a high-altitude vegetable garden and even a donkey. It’s a return to basics, the refuge being small, many spaces are outside: tables for eating, crockery, toilets… Electricity is still rudimentary, a solar water heater allows dishes to be washed. The atmosphere is resolutely one of sharing and simplicity: a game of cards, a convivial evening with the wardens and other hikers… Sleeping in the mountains also means enjoying exceptional sunsets and sunrises, but perhaps also the chance to catch a glimpse of marmots, chamois, ibex and birds of prey (eagles, bearded vultures…).

Hiking

around the refuge

Whatever your level, there are trails to discover the high mountain environment. Mountaineers will rise early to set off on the ascent of Pic de l’Étendard or Pic Bayle, climbers will tackle the cliffs, while some hikers will head for Plan des Cavalles to reach Col du Couard, others will head for the upper lakes plateau…

At an altitude of 2800m, you can hike over scree and slabs along Lac de Balme Rousse, Lac de la Fare, Lac du Milieu and Lac Blanc, these lakes uncovered by melting spring ice offer an incredibly clear turquoise blue. You can stop off at the Rajon shelter, a former makeshift hospital during the Second World War.

Randonnée massif des Rousses @charlotte Rochette (6)

2019 Randonnée Massif Des Rousses @charlotte Rochette (4)

2018 Lac Du Milieu Dôme Des Rousses @charlotte Rochette

Coming to the refuge

By the Alpette gondola

From Oz 3300s, climb to the Alpette plateau by the gondola (10min), then climb the remaining 280m of ascent.

280m

downhill One way 1h Easy

In my rucksack:

To spend the night in a refuge, you’ll need to be well equipped: sleeping bag or sheet to take your place in the dormitory, headlamp as lighting is rudimentary, warm clothes to admire the sunset. Don’t forget to bring a map to check the itinerary and book your night in advance!

By the GR549

Are you a seasoned hiker? It’s possible to leave Oz Station via the Plan du Cerf to join the path leading to the Alpette plateau. For (very) good walkers, you can start from Oz Village by following the GR549 (4h30 – 1565m).

930m

ascent One way 3h Difficult

In my rucksack:

To spend the night in a refuge, you’ll need to be well equipped: sleeping bag or sheet to take your place in the dormitory, headlamp as lighting is rudimentary, warm clothes to admire the sunset. Don’t forget to bring a map to check the itinerary and book your night in advance!