Refuge le Chatelet D'Ayeres

Refuge le Chatelet is just over 2 kms walk from Plaine-Joux, and at slightly higher elevation. It is a common point on several of the trails on the shoulder of the valley above the Souay river and under the cliffs of Les Fiz. As such le Chatelet is open seasonally: in the winter during holiday periods; and in the remainder of the year when weather and holidays offer the potential for sufficient clientele.In the winter, most of the seating is inside, with only half a dozen small tables outside. In summer, there is extensive seating outside. The view is of impressive mountains, with the flanks of Pormenaz nearby, and views out towards Mont Blanc. The area is heavily wooded, and the location feels even more remote than it is.The menu is limited, but looks good, with an acceptable selection of local fare. Despite many visits, over several years, and in all seasons, we have never eaten a full meal there. One reason is that credit cards are not accepted, and it is a pain to carry sufficient cash for a family meal. The other is because we have rarely arrived at a mealtime when the staff meals did not take precedence.On this most recent visit, we had a very pleasant coffee, and a shared bilberry tart - which was beautifully made and very tasty.The positives are that le Chatelet is nicely placed for a break on what may have been a long and energetic walk or cross-country ski; the view is quite pleasant.The negatives all relate to attitude and service orientation. It is clear that the priority of the establishment is not customer satisfaction or providing a service:• Service is variable, depending on whether or not the staff have chosen to eat at the time that you arrive. • Despite the establishment having a fixed telephone line, credit cards are not accepted. • Tap water is never available (claimed to be because it is "unsafe") • The staff do not live in, and le Chatelet is often closed when clients are available, presumably because of the inconvenience of travelling to site and opening for business.Access by car is possible, although via a rough track from where the road is marked as being no longer navigable, less than 1 km away. The drive is not recommended, due to both the road and the cliffs above it being very unstable, with the risk of rockfall. The recommended track for walkers avoids the hazardous area. The toilet facilities consist of a hut in the grounds, the key for which must be requested at the bar.

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The Refuge le Chatelet is just 2 km from Plaine Joux and at a slightly higher altitude. It is a common point on several paths on the shoulder of the valley above the Souay River and under the cliffs of Les Fiz. As such...le Chatelet is seasonal: in winter during holiday seasons; and in the rest of the year, when weather and holiday provide the potential for sufficient clientele. In winter, most seats are inside, with only half a dozen small tables outside. In summer there is a large seating outside. The view is of impressive mountains, with the flanks of Pormenaz near and overlooking Mont Blanc. The area is heavily wooded and the location feels even more distant than it is. The menu is limited but looks good, with an acceptable selection of local fare. Despite many visits, over several years, and in all seasons, we have never eaten a full meal there. One reason is that credit cards are not accepted, and it is a pain to carry enough money for a family meal. The other is because we have rarely arrived at a meal when the staff meals are not before. During this recent visit we had a very pleasant coffee and a common blueberry that was beautifully made and very tasty. The positives are that le Chatelet is beautiful for a break on what can have been a long and energetic walk or cross-country ski; the view is quite pleasant. The negatives all relate to setting and service orientation. It is clear that the priority of the facility is not the satisfaction of customers or provides a service: • The service is variable depending on whether or not the staff has selected at the time of arrival. • Despite the establishment with a fixed telephone line, credit cards are not accepted. • Tap water is never available (referenced because it is uncertain • Staff do not live, and Le Chatelet is often closed when customers are available, probably due to inconvenience, travel and open for companies. Access by car is possible, although less than 1 km away over a rough route from which the road is no longer navigable. The ride is not recommended, as both the road and the cliffs are very unstable, with the risk of rock strike. The recommended route for hikers avoids the dangerous area. The toilet facilities consist of a hut in the grounds, whose keys must be required at the bar.

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We discovered this place by accident whilst walking up a path from Lac Vert and we had an excellent lunch there with our 9 month old. It has several bedrooms as a Refuge and has an old school charm as well as beautiful views of the mountains. The waitress was very friendly and couldn't have been more helpful when we wanted to order something our son would eat. The food we had was outstanding French mountain fare (hearty salads with rosti potatoes) and lovely desserts - the menu for both cost €15 which was very good value (as was the pitchet of wine)It's a short walk up from the Lac Vert car park along a trail (20 mins) and we'll definitely go again when we're in the area.

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We accidentally discovered this place while we went up a way from Lac Vert and we had an excellent lunch there with our 9 month old. It has several bedrooms as a refugee and has an old school charm as well as a beautiful view of the mountains. The waitress was very friendly and could not have been helpful if we wanted to order something our son would eat. The food we had was excellent French mountain price (heart salads with rusty apples) and beautiful desserts the menu for both costs € 15, which was very good (like the pitchet of wine) It is a short walk from Lac Vert parking along a track (20 min) and we will definitely go back when we are in the area.

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Randomly came over this refugee while visiting Lac Vert. Short walk through the forest from the lake. Significant with a good view of Mont Blanc, although it was cloudy. Lunch (Plat du Jour) was really excellent, and friendly atmosphere. We hadn't booked, but we got the last table, so you could see a reservation. Very recommended.

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