Refuge des Fonts
Refuge des Fonts is a mountain refuge at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, run by Nathalie and Benoît Bouvet, used as a backcountry base in the Cirque des Fonts. The refuge is open every summer season from 23 May to 11 October 2026, and it has been in operation since 1926; it’s currently partway through a reconstruction period aimed at improving comfort and working conditions for the wardens.
The refuge sleeps 32 and offers 3 rooms. It’s equipped with small dormitories (3–7 places) plus a 2-person room, with shared sanitary facilities including hot showers (3 €). Power comes from solar panels, so phone charging is very limited. Beds are provided with duvets, and a sleeping bag liner is supplied; sabots (wooden clogs) are available, and items for small children (crib and high chair) can be requested.
Access is on foot from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval via Salvagny, using either the Fontaine trailhead (about 2h uphill) or the Fardelays trailhead (about 1h30 uphill). The last approach follows paths through forest and along the Gorges des Fonts to the bridge of the same name, then continues into the alpine pasture at the heart of the Cirque des Fonts.
For stays, use is by reservation workflow via pre-booking and confirmation by the wardens after validation and payment of the deposit; for arrivals within 48 hours, calling the refuge directly is requested. Summer prices for 2026 include half-board (adult dorm 58 €, 2-person room 130 €, children 6–12: 42 €, children 3–6: 25 €), plus packed meals to take away (adult 15 €, child 13 €). On-site cooking and dining are available, and a take-away option can be reserved; bring your own container and cutlery for the salad take-away. Cash and cheque payments are supported.