Cabane Pastorale de l'Encombrette

Cabane Pastorale de l'Encombrette (2315 m) is an unstaffed shepherd’s cabin used as a backcountry shelter in the core area of Parc national du Mercantour. It sleeps up to 6 people, with beds consisting of two provided mattresses (plus smaller sleeping pads).

Use is free and no booking is required. During the estive period (mid-June to mid-September), the cabin is reserved for shepherds, so hikers may be turned away or expected to give priority to pastoral workers.

Inside, expect basic refuge facilities including a wood stove and cooking setup. The fireplace itself is not present; bring your own supplies and be ready for limited bedding quality—records from early 2021 and 2022 mention a thick 2-person mattress in average condition, thinner 1-person foam mattresses, and deterioration on some items (including mats and blankets).

Access is from Clignon-haut (parking just before the village). The marked approach includes an exposed passage (“pas de l’Échelle”) just before reaching the Encombrette basin, which is especially delicate in winter.