At the heart of a mountain cirque, between Le Pavé, Roche Méane and Pic Gaspard, on the shores of a glacial lake, this small mountain refuge offers a trip having an Himalayan air in one of the most secret and wild valleys from the massif des Ecrins.
The ascent route is 4 hours starting from Arsine and has 1150m height difference
The ascent route is 4 hours starting from Arsine and has 1150m height difference
Climbing up to Lac du Pavé is first and foremost a magnificent hike, then a close-up view of the high mountains.
Set in the heart of a majestic cirque, the new refuge du Pavé is part of a breathtaking scenery.... High mountains in their purest form.
Recently renovated, and manned for the first time this summer, the new Pavé refuge will welcome mountaineers, climbers, experienced hikers and all nature lovers. You'll discover a refuge whose design was dictated by the surrounding environment, combining comfort and sobriety.
Pauline, the janitor, will do her utmost to ensure that you have a great time in the mountains!
Conviviality and good humor are the order of the day!
The refuge offers quick access to a wide range of mountaineering and climbing routes, from the easiest to the most challenging.
The most popular summit is the Pic nord des Cavales: one of the most beautiful easy mountaineering routes in the Ecrins massif, on excellent granite. Pointe Emma, which has the same characteristics, is also covered by numerous rope parties. These two summits offer numerous routes of varying difficulty, and both offer remarkable views over the Etançons valley and the south face of the Meije. Pointe des Chamois, next to Pointe Emma, is perfect for a quick introductory run.
Fans of the great races of the wild Oisans will turn to the Pic Gaspard and its south-southeast ridge: the famous Devies-Gervasuti.
Vertical enthusiasts should head for the foot of the south face of Le Pavé. Here you'll find three routes, including one of the most difficult climbs in the massif, with a 7b pitch at 3500 m!
Long-distance climbers will enjoy the beautiful and demanding Pavé - Meije orientale traverse. A must in this sector.
For snow climbers, the Col du Pavé is the ideal out-and-back route. From the col, you can also reach the Promontoire refuge or vice versa (serious route: steep, crevassed glacial terrain).
Finally, don't forget the Grande Ruine and the famous Col du Diable. Due to global warming, this great couloir is no longer widely used, and you have to look for good snow conditions very early in the season.
No booking outside guarding period.
Set in the heart of a majestic cirque, the new refuge du Pavé is part of a breathtaking scenery.... High mountains in their purest form.
Recently renovated, and manned for the first time this summer, the new Pavé refuge will welcome mountaineers, climbers, experienced hikers and all nature lovers. You'll discover a refuge whose design was dictated by the surrounding environment, combining comfort and sobriety.
Pauline, the janitor, will do her utmost to ensure that you have a great time in the mountains!
Conviviality and good humor are the order of the day!
The refuge offers quick access to a wide range of mountaineering and climbing routes, from the easiest to the most challenging.
The most popular summit is the Pic nord des Cavales: one of the most beautiful easy mountaineering routes in the Ecrins massif, on excellent granite. Pointe Emma, which has the same characteristics, is also covered by numerous rope parties. These two summits offer numerous routes of varying difficulty, and both offer remarkable views over the Etançons valley and the south face of the Meije. Pointe des Chamois, next to Pointe Emma, is perfect for a quick introductory run.
Fans of the great races of the wild Oisans will turn to the Pic Gaspard and its south-southeast ridge: the famous Devies-Gervasuti.
Vertical enthusiasts should head for the foot of the south face of Le Pavé. Here you'll find three routes, including one of the most difficult climbs in the massif, with a 7b pitch at 3500 m!
Long-distance climbers will enjoy the beautiful and demanding Pavé - Meije orientale traverse. A must in this sector.
For snow climbers, the Col du Pavé is the ideal out-and-back route. From the col, you can also reach the Promontoire refuge or vice versa (serious route: steep, crevassed glacial terrain).
Finally, don't forget the Grande Ruine and the famous Col du Diable. Due to global warming, this great couloir is no longer widely used, and you have to look for good snow conditions very early in the season.
No booking outside guarding period.
Services
Services
Sustainable development
Waste management
Outhouse
Breakfast
Half-board
Restaurant
Rates
Rates
Night
€28.00
Half board (pp)
€38.00
Night
€8.00
Night
€28.00
Half board (pp)
€38.00
Night
€8.00
For children and CAF members: see rates in detail on https://www.refugedupave.com/
Excluding guarding period = single rate of €8 please to be paid in the trunk or by cheque to the CAF of Briançon
Excluding guarding period = single rate of €8 please to be paid in the trunk or by cheque to the CAF of Briançon
Payment methods
Payment methods
Payment methods
Check
Travellers Cheque
CashCapacity
Capacity
30 Person(s)
Accepted customers
Accepted customers
- Groups
Openings
Openings
From 7 June 2025 until 14 September 2025 - Open everyday
From 15 September 2025 until 31 December 2025 - Open everyday
Dates to be confirmed
Subject to snow conditions
Location
Location
Contact Lac du Pave alpine hut (FFCAM)
- refugedupave.ffcam.fr
Spoken languages
Spoken languages
Environment
Environment
- Lakeside or by stretch of water
- Close to GR footpath
- Waterside
- Lake view
- Mountain location
- High mountain
Access
Access
- The start for the refuge is located in Arsine, 5 km far from La Grave and 2 Km from Villar d'Arene
the ascent route is 4:30 from the foot to the Pied du Col hamlet in Arsine and has 1150m difference in height.
