Top 13 Huts and Cabins around Doussard

Around Doussard, you'll find a variety of mountain huts, including traditional family-run chalets like Chalet de l'Aulp, farm-refuges such as Refuge de la Combe offering organic produce, and gîtes d'étape like Pré Vérel Refuge that provide both dining and overnight stays. Some, like Semnoz Refuge, are old alpine chalets transformed into welcoming refuges.

For breathtaking views, Chalet de l'Aulp, located at the foot of the Tournette mountain, provides picturesque views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding peaks. The Refuge de la Combe, perched at 1572 meters in the Bauges massif, boasts stunning panoramic views, including a distant glimpse of Mont-Blanc.

Yes, the Refuge de la Combe is a working farm-refuge where you can experience alpine farm life. They produce organic cheeses, particularly goat and sheep cheese, directly on the farm. You can taste these products and enjoy Savoyard cuisine featuring farm products and local charcuterie.

Chalet de l'Aulp is a family-friendly mountain chalet known for its warm atmosphere and delicious food. The Refuge de la Combe, as a farm-refuge with goats and sheep nearby, also offers a unique and engaging experience for families.

Many huts around Doussard offer overnight accommodation. Pré Vérel Refuge and Semnoz Refuge both provide options for dining and overnight stays. The Refuge de la Combe has both a guarded summer refuge and an un-guarded winter refuge with sleeping facilities, making it suitable for multi-day treks.

Yes, the Refuge de la Combe is conveniently located on the GRP "Tour du massif des Bauges" and the Tour du Lac d'Annecy hiking routes. Pré Vérel Refuge is also a significant point on the GR Pays Tour du Lac d'Annecy, marking the end of Stage 3 from Doussard. You can find more hiking options in the area on the Hiking around Doussard guide.

For Chalet de l'Aulp, since 2021, the road from Les Prés Ronds is reserved for chalet users, meaning a short hike of 20 to 40 minutes may be required from the parking area. For other huts, access often involves hiking from designated parking areas, which can be found further down the mountain.

The summer months, typically from June to September, are ideal for visiting the huts when they are fully guarded and offer all amenities. For example, the guarded section of Refuge de la Combe is open from June 20 to September 20. Some huts, like Refuge de la Combe, also have un-guarded winter refuges for year-round access, but amenities might be limited outside the main season.

Facilities vary by hut and season. During the guarded period (typically summer), huts like Refuge de la Combe offer meals, drinks, and cheese sales, along with basic amenities like toilets and showers (cold water free, hot water paid). Outside the guarded season, some huts operate in a self-managed capacity, and amenities like water or functioning toilets might be limited, requiring visitors to be more self-sufficient.

Yes, the Refuge du Rosairy, which was once a popular destination offering views of Lake Annecy, is permanently closed. It's always advisable to check the current status of any hut before planning your visit.

Beyond hiking, the Doussard area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore road cycling routes around Doussard, with options like the 'Col du Marais' loop, as detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Doussard guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as 'Au fil de l'eau' available, which you can find in the MTB Trails around Doussard guide.

Visitors consistently praise the warm atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and the extraordinary views offered by these huts. The opportunity to taste farm-fresh products, like the tommes and reblochons at Chalet de l'Aulp or the organic cheeses at Refuge de la Combe, is a highlight. The friendly service and the unique experience of alpine farm life are also frequently mentioned.