L'Aulp de Marlens

L’Aulp de Marlens is an alpine backcountry refuge run by GAEC Le Vent des Cimes at 1,657 m on the slopes under Mont Charvin. The facility serves as a stop for mountain walks and also supports farm-based hospitality: you can eat on-site and sleep in the refuge/gîte building next to the farm.

Expect dormitory-style accommodation for roughly 20–22 people. Use is seasonal, with the guarded period running from mid-June to late September. To arrange a stay and meals, contact the operators directly by phone or email (no online booking system). Summer phone is +33 4 50 64 19 35 (mid-June to September) and off-season phone is +33 4 50 64 14 93 (October to mid-June); email is refugeaulpdemarlens@gmail.com.

Typical access is on foot from the parking area at Les Fontanettes (about a 30-minute walk) or from Les Sardoches (about 50 minutes). The refuge’s base route follows the normal way on Mont Charvin (west face). On-site, animal access is allowed, there is free water in open access, and common payment methods include cash and card; tickets restaurant are not accepted.

Prices are given as half-board at around €38 per adult and about €30 for children under 12. Breakfast/supper plus lodging are part of the half-board package, and there is also a “découvre ma vie d’alpagiste” activity on Thursdays at 14:00 (about 1.5 hours) with prices depending on the participant.