Plan Bérard

Plan Bérard is the Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard, a mountain refuge at the end of the Vallon de Bérard near Vallorcine in the French Alps. In summer it’s used as an overnight base and as a stop while moving between Le Buet and the Mont Buet area (and nearby cols), with the refuge also serving snacks and drinks during the day.

It sleeps about 40 people in two large dormitories. There are toilets and an outdoor tap for washing, but no hot showers. Bring your own light sleeping bag (or a sleeping bag liner), and plan on using the refuge’s bedding arrangements rather than arriving with a full camping bed.

Typical summer operations run from mid-June through mid-to-late September. Use is by reservation process during this season, and the hut offers options ranging from bed-only to half-board; at least in the main season, food can be taken in the dining room/terrace areas and there’s no picnic-room setup.