Mountain refuge Cabane de Londonnière

The relief on this side of La Motte-en-Champsaur presents an abrupt transition. The trails rise decisively between slopes that define the southern face of the Altos Alpes. The tree vegetation begins to clear to give way to shrubs and rock. At an altitude of 1533 meters, the atmosphere becomes purely mountainous. The surrounding terrain conditions progression at all times. The approach requires a very measured management of the physical effort. The route of the road requires constant attention to the firm. The immediate environment reflects the hardness of the provençal alpine valleys.

The Cabane de Londonnière plays a strategic role in the security of the area. Its position allows it to be raised as a point of withdrawal in the face of sudden changes in time. In this sector of the region, storms can be sudden and severe. Having strong support in the Chemin of Ronde is vital for the mountain. The logistics is simplified by the proximity of a water source. This resource is located just 14 metres from the construction. It is a fundamental point of support for the crossing of Molines in Champsaur. Autonomy remains necessary despite the presence of the structure. The potability of natural flows should always be verified.

The shelter is integrated into a dense network of long distance itineraries through the massif. The Tour du Parc National des Écrins, the famous GR 50, travels along these slopes. The Tour du Chaillol also uses the trails that connect with this cabin. There are direct links to the Tourond shelter to divide stages of high level. The variants that lead to Champ Fourier or the Coucoulières offer technical exploration options. The navigation through these cords requires experience in alpine orientation and map reading. The continuity of the path can be altered by natural erosion or late nevers that persist in the shadow areas.

From this location are dominating summits that more than two thousand five hundred meters of elevation. The Pic Queyrel stands out for its prominent profile and proximity to the shelter. To the northeast, massizos like Le Chaperon and the Pic de l'Homme close the natural amphitheater. The Bac du Peyron rises as one of the most demanding and remote levels in the environment. The ascent from the area means overcoming remarkable levels by unstable pests and high mountain channels. The Pic des Hts Moulins and Le Pevou mark the alpine character of this sector of the Écrins. The preparation to reach these peaks must be rigorous and adapted to the field exposure.