Not all mountain refuges are created equal. A journey along this section of the Grand Tour de Tarentaise offers a fascinating study in the different styles of alpine accommodation, with each refuge—Lac du Lou, Gittamelon, and Plan Lombardie—providing a unique atmosphere and experience.
First is the Refuge du Lac du Lou, described as “modern and child-friendly.” Located just a 90-minute hike from Les Menuires, it serves as a perfect, gentle introduction to refuge life. Its modernity implies more recent construction, possibly with more amenities, catering specifically to families and first-timers seeking comfort and accessibility.
Next on the trail is Gittamelon, presented as “cosy” and rustic. This suggests a more traditional, perhaps older and smaller, refuge. The experience here is likely more intimate and authentically “old-school alpine,” fostering close interactions with other hikers, like the Belgian family who shared the dorm. It’s a place of simple charm over modern convenience.
Finally, there is Refuge Plan Lombardie, which is large, bustling, and “packed as a marmot’s burrow.” While specifically designed for families, its scale suggests a different kind of social dynamic—more energy, more people, but still retaining the core communal spirit. This variety allows hikers to experience a full spectrum of alpine hospitality in just a few days.