Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille

As far as eating with a view goes, this is probably one of the best views on planet earth. The food is local and hearty, just what you're needing after a good trek. We sat outside as a pre-booked group on tables, although it looked as if walk ins were still accepted. Just below a line of deckchairs sat on a ledge looking out over the vast valley and mountains. It looked sublime, in that moment it struck me that this place was a little special, providing a memorable meal in a setting your not likely to beat. What more could you ask?

Fantastic location, food was good, rooms and bathrooms good as well but… the lady at the service is unfortunately stressed and unfriendly. She rushed us to showers before diner served at 7pm sharp ( we miss it you loose it kind of approach) no time for drinks and just gobble diner before sunset. I understand timeliness but the beauty of service is to make it all feel friendly, relaxed and welcoming. She needs to change job.

I've stayed here a number of times. It has definitely changed from being friendly to somewhere I'm unlikely to return to. A young lady has been on the staff the last couple of seasons and is always scowling and offers minimal assistance. Even checking in is treated like an inconvenience, even when she's clearly not busy. This last stay was the decider for me. I had contacted the owner who I've had a good relationship with before, and checked that they would be able to do dairy-free food on the night I wanted to book (refuges don't do individual meals, so I wanted to minimise problems for them and me). It had been fine before but I wanted to check. No problem, so I booked. On arrival I got myself checked in, noting that the reception from the grumpy girl hadn't got any friendlier since the last summer. I mentioned my dietary requirements in case it wasn't on the booking, as it didn't seem to be. I was told the meal would be fine, but there would be soup with cheese on the side to start and I could just skip the cheese. That sounded fine to me so I went to relax thinking everything was in hand as they have now had my info twice and confirmed it was workable. When food came the starter was fine but then main platter for the table was baked in a cheesy sauce that I simply couldn't eat. Knowing how refuges work I knew I wasn't going to get an alternative, and certainly wasn't going to annoy them by asking, so I left it for the others to share and quietly had some backup food afterwards. Everyone ate what was on the shared platter so nothing went to waste. The next morning I quietly explained to the owner that I'd given them my dietary requirements, but couldn't eat the main course, so asked if I could just pay for the courses I had eaten. He said nothing, and wrote down a reduced amount which I was happy to pay and said so. While getting my cash out I tried to make conversation and explain what had happened more clearly what had happened, but I got two words in when he slammed the counter, shouted "STOP!" a few times and stormed off. I got the money ready and when he came back I tried to give it to him but made the mistake (apparently) of trying to be nice about it, and he did the same thing, didn't want to hear anything, took the money and stormed off again. I don't know why - the fault was entirely the refuge as I had checked twice and been told it wouldn't be a problem. They then handled their error appallingly and with no apology. The owner had always been decent on previous visits but 2 bad visits in a row now and I'm very unlikely to go again.

Excellent experience, hiked from the plateau to the mere de glace. Recommended. It's aprox 3 hrs (7km) with photo stops for fit people.

Great refuge with demi-pension. The view is breathtaking, the beds are good, the showers are clean. The meals served are generous and yummy! Careful the price of drinks (water, soft, alcohol) is much higher of course!

Awesome place to stay a short hike from the lift station, incredible views directly above Chamonix and easy access to some nice hikes. This hut is very cozy with dorm accommodations and a delicious group evening meal you can get as part of a half board reservation.

We stayed there one night and for a Refuge its quite comfortable. Beds were good and the dorms are not too big. When you order the food from the menue its very good but the food for dinner which was included in the stay was average. But the location is Beautiful with a view on the mont blanc and down to chamonix.

Incredible food ! ( with, of course, incredible views). Had to go twice while in Chamonix- just sorry we didn’t get there a third time.

GREAT food! and beautiful view! Great place to hang out after climbing in du midi. It did require a short hike from plan l'aiguille but it's totally worth it

Surprisingly great food, for a mountain refuge. Friendly staff. The stunning views and clean and bright interior (as well as the terrace) are obvious at first glance.

Ride the Aiguille du Midi ski lift up halfway (Plan de l'aiguille) and then take a little hike down the mountain on the trails. You will be rewarded with this lovely little cafe and some beautiful fruit tarts. A lovely view and unforgettable experience overall.