Cabane de Côte-Belle

The place

Small stone cabin, restored roof, fireplace also moved and rebuilt. Basic shelter with a bench. Dark, no window, no longer a skylight above the door, which has been repaired and fitted with an outside bolt, but it still lets in plenty of draughts (and snow?) since it doesn't fit tightly: no door frame. Inside: - no trace of bedding left: just the bare concrete floor - 1 small wall cupboard, - a small table, a small bench. - As of early 2022 the stove is connected to the smoke flue. No spring in the immediate vicinity, but downhill the Frène spring, not visited. - 3 min to the east, the path crosses a gully; water flows abundantly there and wood is plentiful (avalanche debris) (thanks Fredo!). However, this small cabin enjoys an exceptional due-south orientation, with a view east to the Arcanier, south to the Obiou, west to the Veymont and the Mont Aiguille, to name just those among the ranges. From this cabin you can reach the Cabane de la Dreyre. GSM network: good (Orange, 4/5) From Oris-en-Rattier, via the (GR50) to the Col du Plan Collet then along the Côte Belle ridge. Or, from Valbonnais, also via the (GR50), northwest to point (1064m). Commune of Valbonnais? Note that the IGN calls this cabin "Belle-Roche" (a neighboring place name), and maprefinfo "Belle Côte", while the locals call it "Côte-Belle", the name shown on the sign fixed to the door; this latter name therefore takes precedence. (Ed.)