The Cabane du Col de Cou, located at an altitude of 1,920 metres (6,299 ft), has welcomed its first visitors with the opening of its restaurant. The guest rooms are expected to open in mid-August, allowing the mountain hut to offer a full range of services for GR5 hikers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Chablais Massif.
An iconic landmark on the French-Swiss border
The Col de Cou has long been one of the main natural crossings linking the valleys of Morzine, Samoëns, and Champéry. Long before it became a destination for hikers, this mountain pass served as a strategic route between France and Switzerland.
Over the centuries, several buildings have occupied the site. It was once home to a travellers’ hospice, followed by a chapel and later a customs post. Customs officers inspected goods crossing the border, while smugglers occasionally used the surrounding mountains to secretly transport salt, tobacco, and other goods between the two countries.
This exceptional heritage now defines the identity of the Cabane du Col de Cou, which preserves the spirit of this historic crossing while meeting the needs of today’s hikers.
A revival driven by three municipalities
After years of neglect, the former customs post has been given a new lease of life through an ambitious restoration project jointly led by the municipalities of Morzine, Samoëns, and Champéry. The aim was to preserve this important historical site while creating a modern mountain refuge that is welcoming and accessible to hikers and nature lovers.
Following several years of renovation, the refuge is now opening its doors in stages. Since Saturday, visitors have been able to enjoy a selection of simple meals, hot and cold drinks, while overnight accommodation will become available later this year, with several rooms designed for long-distance hikers and Alpine enthusiasts.
A new must-stop destination in the Chablais
Thanks to its exceptional location, the Cabane du Col de Cou is set to become an essential stop for walkers exploring the trails linking Morzine, Samoëns, Champéry, and the famous GR5 long-distance hiking trail.
The refuge offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and provides a peaceful place to rest in an unspoilt natural setting on the border between France and Switzerland—whether for a meal, a refreshing break, or an overnight stay in the heart of the Alps.
Where is the Cabane du Col de Cou located?
The Cabane du Col de Cou is located at an altitude of 1,920 metres (6,299 ft) on the Col de Cou, on the border between Haute-Savoie, France, and the canton of Valais, Switzerland, between the mountain villages of Morzine, Samoëns, and Champéry.
Is the Cabane du Col de Cou restaurant open?
Yes. The restaurant has been open since 11 July 2026 and is already welcoming hikers, walkers, and visitors.
Why is the Cabane du Col de Cou historically significant?
The refuge occupies the site of the former French-Swiss customs post. For decades, it served as a checkpoint where customs officers inspected travellers and goods crossing the border. Before that, the site was home to a travellers’ hospice and a chapel, making it an important historical landmark for centuries.
How do you get to the Cabane du Col de Cou?
The refuge is accessible on foot or by mountain bike via several hiking routes starting from Morzine, Samoëns, or Champéry, making it an ideal destination for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the French-Swiss Alps.
From Morzine, follow the trail starting at ” Lac des Mines d’or”, or take the road via the “Chalets de la Chardonniere”
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