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Accommodation

The area has a wide range of hotels, although those in mountain resorts may be geared more towards the skiing season. Chambres d’hôtes are rooms in private houses, similar to bed and breakfast. When planning a trip it is a good idea to check the regional and local tourist office websites (Appendix D). Local tourist offices can answer questions about accommodation in their own area and can generally make bookings.

Gîtes d’étapes, which provide inexpensive accommodation for walkers, are common along the route. Most of them simply provide dormitories, although some offer almost hotel-like facilities, with meals and private rooms. (Note that a gîte d’étape is not the same as a gîte rural, which is not usually available for single nights.) There are also occasional hostels, either Youth Hostels or privately run.

Refuges (mountain huts) also provide inexpensive dormitory accommodation, but making use of them is not always straightforward as many have very restricted opening periods. Where such refuges are run by walking and skiing clubs they are often open continuously only during the high season, or may be available for group bookings only or reserved for club members.