Mountain refuge Cabane de Toufache

Between Laurac and LArgentière

Cabane de Toufache appears in a half-mountain sector of the south of Ardèche, in the surroundings of Laurac-en@-@ Vivarais and within the area of LArgentière. At about 300 metres of altitude, it does not respond to the alpine shelter pattern, but to the simple coat that can fit in as basic support for walking on local roads and rural links. Their interest is more in the practical function than in the altitude: to serve as a reference in a dispersed transit area, with paths that connect small populations, lomas and combes.

Step, link and withdrawal

In this context, it can make sense as an intermediate point or a point of withdrawal for those who travel around, from local routes such as Faussimagne - La Hâle or Chauzon - La Hâle to wider traces of the department. It is also within a useful geography for long journeys, with the presence of Tour du Tanargue in the area and other trails that articulate the territory between valleys and traditional roads. More than a base of summits, it works as a resource of passage in an open and humanized relief, where orientation depends on reading the network of tracks and trails.

This should be raised with autonomy. There is a source at approximately 1.7 km, reasonable but not immediate distance if you are late, hot or not knowing the ground, so it is not wise to have water in the same coat. There is also not enough data to take for granted equipment, capacity or interior status. This free shelter is therefore better understood as basic support on the road: useful to meet a timely need, but not to replace careful planning of water, itinerary and escape alternatives to nearby nuclei.