The Cortalets refuge is embarking on a comprehensive renovation that will last for three summers.

The refuge of Cortalets is a key and historical stop on the GR 10, the famous Gran Recorrido trail that crosses the Pyrenees from coast to coast through the French side. Strategically located in the section of the Eastern Pyrenees, it serves as a rest and essential refueling point for those who complete the demanding stages around the Canigó massif. Due to the three years of closure due to works that begin in June 29, 2026, The classic route of the GR 10 will be affected in this sector. Although the trail will still be passable, hikers will need to plan ahead the end of their day, using the temporary accommodations You can do this in the area itself or by consulting the official variants and detours for overnight stays in other shelters in the area, such as the one in Mariailles or Batère.

Management of temporary reservations: During the affected seasons, booking requests are managed exclusively by email via tomdulac@hotmail.com (applications for each summer season open starting in March of each year). Priority temporary accommodation is allocated to hikers on multi-day backcountry routes (such as the GR 10the Tour of the Canigó or the HRP).

The intervention, promoted by the French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs, has a budget of 4.1 million euros and will allow the modernization of the facilities, improve their environmental efficiency and restore the environment. The reopening is scheduled for spring 2029.

The Cortalets refuge, located at the foot of the Pic du Canigou (2,785 m) in the French Pyrenees, will begin its renovation on June 29, 2026. The project, promoted by the French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs (FFCAM), includes the rehabilitation of the two buildings that make up the complex and the restoration of the surrounding grounds. The work will be carried out over three summer seasons, during which the refuge will remain closed.

With a history dating back to the late 19th century, Cortalets is a landmark for hikers and climbers visiting the Canigou. The complex consists of the historic stone building and the Jean Coderch building, built after the Second World War. Although both maintain a common architectural identity, the facilities need an update to adapt to the current needs of visitors, comply with current regulations, and reduce their environmental impact.

The performance will also pay special attention to the natural environment, which is highly conditioned by the influx of visitors, and to the management of water resources, an aspect especially relevant in an area affected by recurrent episodes of drought.

«These buildings are much more than just high-rise accommodation: they are spaces of welcome, education and responsible access to the mountains,» notes Charles van der Elst, president of the FFCAM. «Renovating them means preserving our heritage, improving the working conditions of the guards, reducing the environmental footprint of our facilities and adapting them to the increasingly tangible effects of climate change, especially in terms of water resources.».

Representation of the Cortalets refuge in summer ©Cabinet d’architecture tryptique – Collection FFCAM

More functionality without losing the historical character

The architectural project will reorganize the interior spaces to improve the functioning of the refuge, while maintaining the historic buildings and their stone facades. On the ground floor, the entrance will be located in front of the reception desk, the kitchen will take a central position, and the staircase will be relocated to better utilize the available space. The bedrooms and work areas reserved for the guard team will also be renovated.

The intervention will maintain the capacity of the main building at 104 seats. For its part, the Jean Coderch building will undergo a comprehensive renovation of its interiors and will have 18 seats, while retaining the facilities used by the forestry service.

Among the objectives of the project are the adaptation of both buildings to safety regulations and public access, the improvement of the working conditions of the staff and the modernization of the facilities to reduce their environmental impact. The project also includes improvements in wastewater treatment and the incorporation of a new system for the production of renewable energy.

Refugio de Cortalets ©Jan Novak – Collection FFCAM

An investment of 4.1 million euros

The total budget amounts to 4.1 million euros This includes both the rehabilitation of the buildings and the improvement of the access track, technical and engineering studies, the upgrade of the wastewater treatment system, the energy installation, and the restoration of the environment.

The FFCAM is finalizing the funding plan together with the partners supporting the project and has launched a micro-crowdfunding campaign to raise financial support.

The works are scheduled to be completed in 2028, while the reopening of the shelter is scheduled for late spring 2029. During the construction period, temporary accommodations will be provided on the premises. Information about these alternatives will be available on the shelter’s website.