Refuge des Merveilles
Refuge des Merveilles is a backcountry mountain hut run by the Club Alpin Français in the Mercantour area, at 2,130 m on the shores of Lac Long Supérieur. It serves as a base for hikers and climbers working the Vallée des Merveilles and the surrounding routes between Mont Bego, Grand Capelet, Cime du Diable, and Cime des Merveilles.
The hut has 79 sleeping places in total, with 4 dormitories. In winter use, a winter room is available with capacity for 20; when the hut is not under guard, the accommodation is the winter room setup with wood stove, blankets, tableware, and lighting (no gas and no running water). In the winter season there’s no running water, so plan accordingly; for the guarded period, the hut emphasizes managing access and use with the on-site staff.
Guarding and reservations: for the guarded period in summer (mi-juin to fin octobre), reservations are online only. Outside that guarded period, guarding is possible by prior email request. Payments accepted at the hut are by cash/cheque, including cheques vacances; card payment is not possible, and the hut’s access and payment guidance is tied to whether you’re staying with or without on-site staff.