Mountain huts open in winter in the Belledonne massif

Pierre du Carre Mountain Hut

at Le Collet

At an altitude of 1,761 metres, on the south-western slope of the Crêtes des Plagnes, the Pierre du Carré mountain refugeinvites you to experience the mountains in a different way, in the heart of the Belledonne massif.

In summer, make the most of the hospitality at this staffed refuge to enjoy a gourmet break or spend the night on a half-board basis, right up close to the peaks! In winter, it’s time for a wilder, more self-sufficient experience: this unstaffed refuge offers you a cosy shelter by the wood-burning stove. With no running water, gas or electricity, it allows you to enjoy a moment of simplicity and savour the tranquillity of the mountains to the full.

In both summer and winter, it’s the ideal stop-off for mountain lovers seeking to unwind and seek adventure.

Refuge de la Pierre du CarreLe Collet

How to get there

The Pierre du Carré mountain hut?

From the Super Collet car park, there are two routes leading to the mountain hut, both taking around 1 hour 15 minutes on foot.

Route 1: via the Col de l’Occiput

From the car park, head towards the Col de l’Occiput, then continue towards the top station of the Claran chairlift. Behind the old Soleil ski lift hut, take the path that leads down towards the refuge.

You can also carry on to the Col de Claran, then head down towards the Veyton Valley and reach the refuge via the GR 738, marked in red and white. This alternative route takes about 45 minutes longer to walk.

Route 2: via the Arête de l’Évêque

From the Super Collet car park, follow the track past Lac du Collet, then climb the steep slope towards the Évêque Ridge. On the left, leave the forest track and take the path marked in yellow.

Continue along this path for about 40 minutes until you reach the GR 738. The refuge, tucked away out of sight, is a further 5-minute walk down a gentle slope.

Good to know: both routes take roughly the same amount of time to walk. It is also possible to create a loop by combining the paths.

Hikes to discover

around the refuge

Situated on the GR 738, the Haute Traversée de Belledonne, the refuge is an ideal starting point for exploring the massif’s landscapes:

The Refuge de l’Oule: allow around 7 hours’ walking and 1,300 metres of elevation gain.
The Refuge de la Perrière: another hiking option in the Belledonne massif.
Le Grand Charnier (2,561 m): reach this summit via the Col de Claran.
The Tour du Pays d’Allevard: this 5-day route offers magnificent panoramic views of the Belledonne and Chartreuse mountain ranges. Less demanding than the Haute Traversée de Belledonne, it is an interesting alternative in June, when snow may still block access to certain passes on the GR 738.

Safety and terms and conditions

in the mountains

In winter, reaching a mountain refuge requires carefulpreparation and a good knowledge of the mountain environment.

Before setting off, check with mountain professionals about access conditions, the state of the snowpack and the risk of avalanches. Also ensure you are fit enough for the hike and have the right equipment.

For added safety, you may wish to hire a mid-mountain guide or a mountain guide. Also remember to check the facilities available at the refuge, particularly firewood and water sources.

If conditions are unfavourable or you have any doubts about your safety, do not go ahead with your trip.

How to choose your holiday let in Le Collet?

Are you coming…	Recommended accommodation
Couples	Studio/Flat/Hotel
With family	Flat
Groups	Holiday centre
In a campervan	Motorhome site/Winter caravan site
For a sporting holiday	Self-catering accommodation/Mountain hut