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Refuge de la Fare (2280m), Alpe d'Huez region

Small refuge perched in the mountain pastures between the lakes and glaciers

Location
Alpe d’Huez
Imprint
Updated

Built in 1887, it is the oldest refuge in Oisans and will take you back to the old days of mountaineering in Oisans.

Accommodating 11 people in one dormitory, this family-friendly refuge welcomes hikers, climbers, mountaineers, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. It is open with guardians in the summer, and in winter there are no staff but you'll find blankets and mattresses to sleep on. You can book half board, B&B or bed-only, and there is a reduced rate for under 18s and for children aged 8 to 12 years.

Their restaurant has a non-stop service of homemade food with all fresh ingredients made by their in-house chefs. Dishes available include soup, pastas, omelettes, planchers with desserts like tarts and crèpes.

They have a small library and board games are available.

Payment is by cash or cheque - cards are not accepted.

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Directions

Via cable car

Take the Alpette cable car from Oz en Oisans or the Vaujany cable car, then hike the 280m altitude difference in around an hour.

From the Besson Lake parking area

Take the small road after the Alpe d'Huez resort, which crosses the Poutran pass, to the end, and start from the Besson lake car park. 

Take the flat path leading to the refuge which slopes after the Alpette fork, and will delight fauna and flora enthusiasts: the areas around Besson and Faucille lakes are teeming with marmots, cotton grasses and even specimens of carnivorous plants.

From Bessay in Oz-en-Oisans

Follow the GR549 - for good walkers this takes about four hours with over 1,000m elevation gain.

Things to do nearby

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Restaurants nearby

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Sights in Alpe d'Huez

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Lifts/Pistes nearby

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Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Allpe d'Huez and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.

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Upcoming Events

Alpe d'Huez hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. In the winter, you can expect motor racing on ice, comedy festivals, ski races and various live music gigs. During the summer months, the focus turns to cycling with the Tour de France usually passing through town. The Megavalanche, a mass-start mountain bike race that draws thousands of MTB fans from around the world, takes place in July.

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