Abri du Petit Pâtre

The place

A tiny hut located about a 20-minute walk south-east of the Col de Niard (1801 m), heading toward Croise Baulet. The hut is split in two: the left-hand section is reserved for the shepherd during the summer grazing season; the right-hand section, open to hikers, is a simple room with a door, a window and a bench running its full length, plus a fold-down table on the wall. No other furnishings — bring your own gear to sleep. Floor sleeping (clean, wooden slats) for a maximum of 2 people. Large wooden table outside. Decent insulation (stone foundations, wooden walls), with a fine, clear view over the Chaîne des Fiz and Mont Blanc. A spring (unconfirmed) reportedly lies on the way toward the Col de Niard. Accessible from Sallanches, the Col de la Grande Forclaz, or Croise Baulet.