How to get to Refuge du Plan du Lac in the Alps?
Refuge du Plan du Lac is a high mountain refuge in the Alps at an elevation of 2.370m (7,775ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
Where is Refuge du Plan du Lac?
The mountain hut is located in the Rhône-Alpes region, in the south-eastern part of the country, within the Vanoise National Park. In the winter period, the shelter is closed.
Is the road to Refuge du Plan du Lac paved?
The road to the shelter is mostly paved. It comprises narrow parts, steep sections, and a few hairpin turns. The narrow road is a bit bumpy but good, and the views improve along the way.
Can I drive to Refuge du Plan du Lac?
The last part of the road – beyond the parking lot for Refuge - L'auberge de Bellecombe, is limited to authorized private cars but not bikes. People with disabilities may request authorization from the Vanoise National Park to drive up to the refuge.
How long is the road to Refuge du Plan du Lac?
Starting from Val-Cenis, the road to the mountain hut is 15.1 km (9.38 miles) long. Beyond the refuge, the little road leads to a small chapel known as Chapelle Saint-Barthélemy, at 2.284m above sea level.
Is the road to Refuge du Plan du Lac worth the drive?
The road is steep from the start, with the first few kilometres following regular hairpins up through a sparse forest. The best views here are down to the valley below as the road quickly rises. From the refuge, the view opens up to the high peaks of the Vanoise: Pointe de la Réchasse, Dent Parachée, Grande Casse, and the surrounding glaciers.