Despite the relatively low altitude of this small mountain refuge, it has a ‘high mountain’ feel due to the nearby high summits (Jocelme, Aupillous and Bans).
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Set in a wonderful, wild valley, the Bans refuge is the Pays des Écrins' family refuge. Indeed, at less than two hours’ walk, access to this high mountain refuge is possible for the whole family, a perfect opportunity for youngsters to discover life in a refuge. For mountaineering, it is the start point for the Bans massif, Coste Counier, Le Diable par la Queue…magnificent routes to explore in summer. It is a Club Alpin Français refuge that can accommodate 22 and is manned from June to mid-September. Catering possible when it is manned. Reservation necessary.
Set in a wonderful, wild valley, the Bans refuge is the Pays des Écrins' family refuge. Indeed, at less than two hours’ walk, access to this high mountain refuge is possible for the whole family, a perfect opportunity for youngsters to discover life in a refuge. For mountaineering, it is the start point for the Bans massif, Coste Counier, Le Diable par la Queue…magnificent routes to explore in summer. It is a Club Alpin Français refuge that can accommodate 22 and is manned from June to...
- TipsAccess to the Bans mountain refuge is easy. It will take 1½ to 2 hours to walk there (460 m climb) from the Entraygues car park approximately 10 km from Vallouise. (By car from Vallouise, go to and drive through Le Villard, continue up the magnificent Onde valley to the car park).
To start, cross a typical gravel area that leads to the first steep section that in turn leads you to cross a larch forest. As you leave the wood, you enter a valley of waterfalls and streams. It is possible to see the refuge from here, on the headland in the distance.
This relatively flat valley means that the walk to the Bans refuge is open to children and people who do not have much training.
About half-way there you will go past the tadpole pond, which is an ideal spot to have a short break.
Finally, to reach the refuge, skirt the rocky headland to the back on the recently renewed path. This last portion is short but slightly steeper. It is the deserving aspect of the Bans refuge.
Once you are up there, you will be able to admire the valley that you have climbed from above. ![Ils s'engagent]()
Surrounded by peaks over 3000 m, the Refuge des Bans is the ideal base camp for all mountaineers. It also welcomes hikers. Access is by foot only, after a 2-hour walk and a 460 m ascent.
Spend one or more nights at an altitude of 2080 m, far from the hustle and bustle of the valleys, thanks to Stéphane and Alice, who have been looking after the refuge for over 10 years. In a friendly atmosphere, they offer a dormitory and delicious, invigorating meals. As the refuge is completely self-sufficient in energy, they use a solar oven to cook their meals whenever possible.
With the peaks as a horizon, the terrace lends itself to contemplation. Pure moments of bliss.
Rates
From 1 June 2025 to 30 September 2025
Night
From 9.50€ to 19€
Child rate per night
From 10.45€ to 15.20€
CAF member rate per night
From 4.75€ to 9.50€
Breakfast
9€
Dinner
21€
Payment methods
Check
Bank and post office cheques
Travellers Cheque
CashCapacity
22 Person(s)
Groups (Max capacity)
- 30 Maximum number of people
Openings
From 1 January 2025 until 31 May 2025 - Open everyday
From 1 June 2025 until 30 September 2025 - Open everyday
Dates to be confirmed
Medias
Location
Spoken languages
Environment
- Mountain location
- High mountain
Access
- Train to l’Argentière-les-Écrins, then by coach from l’Argentière les Écrins to Vallouise, then Entre les Aygues. Information: www.05voyageurs.com, Tel.: +33 (0)4 92.502.505
Access to the Bans mountain refuge is easy. It will take 1½ to 2 hours to walk there (460 m climb) from the Entraygues car park approximately 10 km from Vallouise. (By car from Vallouise, go to and drive through Le Villard, continue up the magnificent Onde valley to the car park).
Start by crossing a typical gravel zone that leads to the first steep section, then when you get to the end, go through the larch forest. When leaving the forest, you enter a dale scattered with waterfalls and streams. The refuge can then be seen in the distance on the headland.
