Backpacking in the French Alps

> While some of the huts offer food, I can't imagine they'd have anything vegetarian
I think most Refuges (and all hotels) will be able to offer a vegetarian meal, especially if you let the staff know when you arrive. You might end up with a lot of cheese & mushroom omelettes – which are great.

> What about water?
Don't bother. Bring two 1.25 l PET rocket base bottles and fill them at the overnight accomodation. Maybe just one bottle would be enough. I don't think the locals ever bother with water treatment – but they don't fill their bottles from creeks either. Too many animals grazing. These days in France, any water supply in a town is either drinking water or is labeled 'non-potable'. Your friend will be able to further guide oyu.

> Would basic frogg toggs be enough?
Could be a pain with frequent showers. We use ponchos, and they are so much better for the showers and storms. Either bring from America, or buy in Paris.

> Is there anything else
Towel – the huts have showers. A little bit of soap would also help.
Flip-flops – you do NOT wear your walking shoes inside beyond the public dining area.

Cheers

You might want to take some cooking gear as many refuges start to close for the season towards the end of September.

The Queyras is an interesting and rarely visited part of the Alps by non-French walkers. I spent a great week there a couple of years ago.

Mark wrote:

> You might want to take some cooking gear as many refuges start to close for the
> season towards the end of September.
Oops, yeah!
Check each refuge on the web. They close at different times. Some have a 'winter room' they leave open, meaning you should not need a tent. Hopefully.
But CHECK first. We got to one Refuge to find it had shut down totally: fully locked and no winter room.

Cheers

OK, we will definitely check to make sure the refuges are open. Otherwise, I know that many on BPL are fans of trail runners, but I'm wondering whether gortex shoes or boots may make more sense due to the high amount of precipitation we may encounter. Any opinions?

Thanks again!

Over many trips around Europe we have never used GTX shoes – always non-membrane trail shoes. I favour New Balance, my wife takes either NB or Salomon.
Precipitaion does not matter – it's summer time.

Cheers