Mountain refuge Au Chat Bleu

Between passing routes in Ardèche

On the map of trails in the south of Ardèche, Au Chat Bleu appears in a useful position for those who move between several days. Very close together are references known as the GR 70 , the Chemin de Régordane and the surroundings of the Tour du Tanargue, so that this shelter fits more as a point of continuity, stage reorganisation or reasonable withdrawal than as a simple isolated destination. Its location in the thermal station of Saint-Laurent-les-Bains, by the route des Caquets, also helps to easily place it on mapping and to understand its role within a network of roads rather traveled by walking trails.

At about 850 metres of altitude, the shelter is located in an intermediate level that does not respond to the pattern of high mountain pirenaica, but to that of half mountain with broken relief, forests and enclosed valleys. In this sector of Auvergne-Rhône@-@ Alpes it is appropriate to read the ground well: the links between itineraries can extend the day more than expected and weather or tiredness can turn a point of passage into an escape point. For this reason, rather than thinking of great ascension, here it makes sense to value the shelter as a reference to adjust effort, decide whether to continue a journey or to cut a stage towards Saint-Laurent-les-Bains-Laval-d'Aurelle.

In terms of autonomy, there is a very close source, about 50 meters away, a particularly practical data for planning water without depending on long distances. Even so, the actual state of supply should always be confirmed in the mountain before leaving. As no data are provided on equipment or services, it is wise to propose the day with margin, clear navigation and ability to adapt if the land or the chained of routes requires to change the plan.