Very nice refuge and restaurant located at an altitude of 1450m above Sallanches and below the Chaine des Aravis. The restaurant has its own specialty potato dish called "bougnettes du Tornieux" which are deep fried potato fritters in a herbal mix. We really loved it! They also serve a really great cheese fondue and other Savoyard dishes. We visited the Refuge du Tornieux in both summer and winter and it has always been a great experience. In summer the refuge has a fantastic outdoor seating area and a nice grassy hill and a little lake nearby.

The refuge offers dormitories and rooms and has a capacity of 50 people. Unlike many other refuges, the Refuge de Tornieux is open and active almost year round but in the off season period they will be shut on many weekdays. They are also avaiable as a venue for private events such as weddings or corporate events. So its important to contact them ahead of time and book your meals and accommodation. Bookings cannot be made online. Visit their website for up to date information.

We got a nice trail starting at the Burzier Parking that visits the Refuge de Doran before passing by the Arete des Saix on the way down to the Refuge du Tournieux. There is also a trail that takes you straight from parking the Burzier to the refuge. The Burzier parking has a lot of information signs and trail markers including those for reaching the refuge. The refuge also offers transportation using their own 4x4 track vehicle. Lastly, the refuge is also reachable by car if you have a good 4x4 vehicle. I would check with the refuge ahead of time before you drive there just to make sure it is actually allowed to do so and that they have parking available for you. Naturally we prefer to use the trails!