Refuge de Bonnant

The place

Small stone chalet leased by the CAF from the ONF, at 1700 m in the forest of a perched, hard-to-reach valley (Vanoise, Maurienne, Savoie), on the old path that led to the Croix des Têtes from Saint-Julien. Access via via ferrata (old path) from Saint-Julien, whose first section was swept away in 2003 by a rockfall; or from Saint-Julien via climbing steps (see climbing topo guides); or from Tourmentier via the Crêt de la Pare (easy but long); or via the old via ferrata from Saint-Julien. 6 gnawed mattresses upstairs, up to 10 sleeping places. Saw, axe, brooms, stove in very good condition, dishes, benches and tables; in generally good condition, easy to heat in winter. No water at the refuge but a river 10 min below.