Mountain refuge Cabane des Fontaines

Between forest and slopes of Mont du Chat

Here the relief moves between half a forest mountain, links and hillsides that gain height towards the sector of the Mont du Chat . In that context it fits Cabane des Fontaines 971 metres, near Marcieux and the D 42a, as a basic coat within a day more oriented to transit than to stay. The height does not place it in a high mountain, but it does place it in a field where weather, fog or a fast schedule can change the reading of the journey.

Its practical usefulness is mainly to support if hiking routes are linked to the area or if the progression to higher levels is longer than expected. To the environment, there are routes such as Chemin d'Assise , Les Hauts de Chamoux or the rise to La Dent du Chat depuis le Col du Chat , in addition to the reference to Signal du Mont du Chat which helps to understand the nature of the terrain: paths with a moderate to sustained level, variable orientation and sections where effort should be well managed rather than on-the-road services.

To plan, the most useful data is the nearby water: there is a source located about 1.45 km, reasonable distance but enough to not give up the revival in the same shelter. If it is raised as a point of passage due to tiredness, change of time or need to divide the day, it is appropriate to arrive with basic autonomy and with a margin of light. It is also sensible to review the state of the itinerary and not to trust the exit to unconfirmed equipment, especially if it is intended to use this mountain shelter as support within a longer route through the Marcieux sector.