The Refuge de Plan de l'Aiguille is one of the most popular refuges, sitting high above the Chamonix Valley near the Plan de l'Aiguille mid station of the Aiguille du Midi lift. The refuge is visible from the valley floor. It has a rich history dating back all the way to 1869 and it recently celebrated its 150th year anniversary.

It is easy to visit this refuge as part of one the most populair trails in the entire Chamonix Valley: Montenvers to Plan de l'Aiguille. Our version of this trail also takes you to the nearby Lac Bleu which is roughly half an hour walk away from the refuge. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging then there are multiple routes that start at the valley floor and meet up with the grand balcon nord. You could climb up to Montenvers by foot instead of taking the train if you want to add something extra to the traditional route. For those looking for a much easier outing, you can simply take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to Plan de l'Aiguille and do a short walk where you visit the Refuge de Plan de l'Aiguille and maybe Lac Bleu and then make your way back down again.

The Refuge offers accommodation split over a 5 different rooms and a dormitory. The rooms vary in size and can accommodate 4 to 10 people each. In winter the winter dormitory is open but the refuge will be not be staffed. As with most refuges, we recommend taking  your own sleeping bag liner. The refuge has showers but you will need to bring your own toiletries. Accommodation typically includes dinner and breakfast the day after. We took our kids to stay here for a father's day weekend and it was a great experience. Watching sunset from the outdoor seating area of the refuge was unforgettable. The website of the refuge takes online bookings and will have the most accurate details on its operating hours. 

The Refuge doubles as a snackbar / restaurant with a nice menu containing different salads, croutes (bread in cheese and wine), charcuterie and cheese planks, omeletes, pastas and desert. The refuge has a very nice outdoor sitting area with great views of the valley below and the surrounding mountains. They also serve a variety of drinks including alcoholic drinks.