Alpage de la Peule (Peulaz)

We really enjoyed this gîte! Descending from Col Ferret, it was totally invisible until the last few minutes- don't worry folks, it's there, and no, it's not the farm you see on the hillside all the way across the valley. ;) Setting: very pleasant. The gîte is on a working farm, but we didn't notice any smell from the animals. Set into a hillside, the building is low-profile with some outdoor seating, and there are nice views of the surrounding mountains. Reception: this is a family-run place, and we enjoyed interacting with the owners. They speak English, but making the effort to use our limited French was clearly appreciated. We were greeted, sent to leave our boots & poles in a side shed (plenty of hut shoes to choose from), and then shown to our beds. We were able to order treats (ice cream and beer) from the counter before dinner. Showers: we did not shower here, but heard the showers were ok/lukewarm. Toilets: the bathrooms had two or three toilets and one large sink with several faucets for everyone to share. It worked out just fine, but was a bit more crowded than most other huts. Laundry: we did not see any hand-wash area aside from the bathroom sink, but we didn't ask either. Food: hearty & delicious. The combination of dinner, breakfast, and snacks available from the menu was among the best we encountered on our TMB! Dinner was a chopped salad with a variety of fresh veggies, followed by a sort of open-faced fondue sandwich (bread, meat, and pickled veg covered with yummy cheese), with fresh fruit and ice cream for dessert. Breakfast was buffet-style with oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, bread/butter/jam, and hot beverages. Rooms: as far as we saw, there was just one big dormitory with a most bunks on the main level and a lofted second floor. It was quite dark in our corner, and the walls/floor were damp, so not the best atmosphere. BUT the beds were the biggest and most comfortable of our whole trek. We (two petite women) actually chose to sleep together on the bottom bunk because it was so roomy. WiFi: scan a QR code to connect. Signal was strong for us! Outlets: there was one to share amongst four people in our corner, and others available in the dining area. Not a bad ratio for the TMB ;)

7 months ago

Stopped here for a quick lunch on our hike to Courmayeur. Lots of seating, some shaded by umbrellas with the most gorgeous views of the valley below. We got the ham and cheese sandwich with a pear juice, which cost around 15€. They also have bathrooms! A good place to fill up water because there is NO water until you get to Refuge Elena which is quite a distance away after you descent Grand Col Ferret.

10 months ago

Nice venue but totally got ripped off. I went in and asked for 2 expresso's, I then asked how much the cake was on the counter. The lady replied, it was more than I wanted to pay so I said I would leave the cake and just get the coffee. Not wanting the cake seem to really annoy her and she looked really mad! She then charged me €8.90 for 2 expresso's! This was way over priced compared to the rest of the prices in this refuge, Switzerland and on the TMB. They coffee prices were not on the menu so I think they charge what they want. I would not of ordered an expresso at €4.45 each!

8 months ago