Overlooking a small lake and high mountain pastures, the refuge Col du Palet offers a relaxing stop on your trek in the Vanoise.
Refuge du Palet (2587m), Vanoise National Park
Sitting at an elevation of 2,587m in the heart of the Vanoise National Park
Experience a night closer to the stars in this beautiful setting, with wildlife coming directly to your door.
The shelter is made up of two buildings:
- main - has the common room, a dorm for 15 people, a kitchen and guard's area
- dorm house - has two other dorms for 16 people, a bathroom with two wet toilets and a large sink
There is also the option to bivouac near by for around 10 pitches.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and there is a picnic area for those who have brought their own.
Summer
From June to September the refuge is open daily and the guardians are present. In October the refuge is open but unattended; wood, dishwasher, gas and blankets are available for a fee.
Winter
The refuge is completely closed from mid-November until mid-February, then from the beginning of April to mid-May. During the opening periods in winter you can sleep there and use the hotplates and wood-burning stove. There's no running water in winter. You are to make a financial contribution upon your return from the refuge.
Directions
It lies just a short distance from the top of the Col du Palet drag lift in an off-piste zone, so make sure that you have the appropriate experience and equipment.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Tignes
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Chemin des Berger Quad & Buggy Tour
2hr guided tour on a quad or buggy from age 17yrs
Explore the mountain paths and take advantage of the wonderful backdrop on one of these 4x4 vehicles.
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Whitewater rafting
2 - 3.5hr whitewater rafting on the Haute Isere river
Rafting is the most accessible water sports activity on offer. Whether you are looking for an amateur sport, a nature experience or simply a first taste of what a river can offer, you will love this activity!
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Ski bungee jump
A new adrenaline rush combining zip wire, bungee and huge ramp!
Thrill seekers prepare yourselves for the new winter/summer attraction in Tignes. The Bun J Ride allows you to jump a 30m ramp, falling off into a 40m drop on bungee cords, and then locks you into a zip wire taking you back down to earth.
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Le Lagon Sports Centre
Swimming pool complex in the heart of Tignes le Lac
Watersports complex in Tignes with swimming pool, gym and fitness suite, and a wellness centre.
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Horse Riding
Horse riding and pony trekking in Tignes
Horse ride through the mountains with the Tignes Horse Riding Centre or go on a leisurely pony ride through the mountains.
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Tignes Snowmobile Activity Company
Night time skidoo tours in & around Tignes
Snowmobiles are illegal on the pistes during the day but once the slopes are closed you can get out on your Skidoo and discover Tignes under the stars.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Tignes
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La Cucùcina Restaurant
Italian cuisine at the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce hotspot, enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine prepared by a renowned chef and his Italian team.
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Lo Soli Restaurant
Top of Chaudannes chairlift, self service, bar and restaurant serving classic French cuisine
This restaurant situated on the massif de l'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes Les Boisses is open for lunch.
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L'Arti Restaurant
Contemporary Savoyard restaurant situated in the heart of Tignes Lavachet
Dine in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, in a restaurant that evokes mountain charm mixed with a touch of the seventies.
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Les 3 Caves Restaurant
A unique restaurant in the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot
La Folie Douce Val d'Isère opened a new kind of restaurant: Les 3 Caves. A unique experience with exceptional products worked with flavour and refinement.
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L'Alpage des Chaudannes Restaurant
Gourmet restaurant and Savoyard cuisine at the top of Chaudannes chairlift
This cosy restaurant is located on the massif de L'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes les Boisses.
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Canteen-style restaurant in the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
Sights nearby
Sights in Tignes
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Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Tignes
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Grande Motte Funicular Ski Pass Office
Lift Pass office at the foot of the Grande Motte Slopes, by the funicular
This lift pass office can be found at the base of the Grande Motte pistes at the funicular building.
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Val Claret Ski Pass Office
Lift Pass Office in the centre of Tignes Val Claret
Right in the centre of Tignes Val Claret, situated within the tourist information office and beside the Bureau des Guides, you will find the STGM lift pass office where you can buy ski passes.
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Toviere Maison du Lac Ski Pass Office
Lift Pass Office opposite the Toviere in Tignes Le Lac
At the right hand side of the Maison de Tignes in the heart of Tignes Le Lac is this lift pass office.
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Le Lavachet Ski Pass Office
Lift Pass office in Le Lavachet just off Route de Lavachet
This lift pass office can be found just off Route de Lavachet in Tignes Le Lac/Le Lavachet, next to the ESF office.
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Les Brevieres Ski Pass Office
Lift Pas Office in Tignes Les Brevieres at the Sache bubble lift
Right at the bottom of the Chardonns and Mrytilles pistes at the Sache bubble station in Tigne les Brevieres you will find the lift pass office.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Tignes
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Tignes Val Claret
Bustling resort town with a variety of accommodation and great lift access
Tignes Val Claret is a lively and convenient base for your ski holiday, offering easy access to the Grande Motte glacier and the wider Tignes ski area. With plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, you can enjoy après-ski without venturing far. The village’s mix of self-catered apartments, chalets and hotels caters to different budgets and group sizes, making it ideal whether you’re travelling with friends, family or just looking for a central spot to explore the slopes.
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Tignes Le Lac
Set next to the beautiful Tignes lake with lots of slope side accommodation available
Tignes Le Lac sits just next to the beautiful big Tignes lake. It's made up of an array of high rise apartment blocks and hotels with a few traditional chalets dotted around.
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Tignes Le Lavachet
Quieter hamlet set beside the lake and located just outside Tignes Le Lac
Tignes Le Lavachet offers a relaxed and local atmosphere while still keeping you close to the slopes. Its quieter streets and lakeside setting make it perfect for a peaceful holiday. You can enjoy a mix of dining options and easy access to the wider Tignes area thanks to the night bus service. This makes it a great choice for both winter and summer stays.
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Tignes 1800 (Tignes Les Boisses)
Small quiet village set just up the mountain located by the Tignes dam
ignes 1800 combines a relaxed village feel with modern facilities and easy access to the slopes. Set just above the dam, it offers good value accommodation, family-friendly appeal and a quieter atmosphere than the busier parts of the resort. It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy everything Tignes has to offer while staying somewhere calm and scenic.
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Tignes Les Brévières
Beautiful and quaint village nestled on the banks of the river in the Tignes valley
Tignes Les Brévières offers a slower pace of life with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels a world away from the busier villages higher up. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind, enjoy good food and take in the mountain scenery. If you value charm and tranquillity over nightlife, this is the perfect corner of Tignes for your holiday.


























