12 beds and a fully equipped kitchen: the communal gîte in Châteauneuf-d'Entraunes renovated and reopened to hikers

Hikers will now stop at a more modern structure in Châteauneuf-d'Entraunes. At the end of July, the President of the Department, Charles Anges Ginésy, and the Mayor, Jocelyne Baruffa, inaugurated the renovation of the communal stopover lodge known as "de l'Écureuil."

Its 300m² building was inaugurated in 1989 for agricultural and livestock purposes. In addition to the Auberge de l'Écureuil located in the center of the village and equipped with eight beds, a gîte was added for agricultural activities. For about thirty years, it has mainly welcomed hikers who stopped off before continuing their journey, or those who simply wanted a change of scenery.

But in 2019, the commercial lease ended without being renewed. "This lodge was no longer really up to standard. Hikers no longer wanted to settle for just a mattress on the floor to sleep on," explains Jocelyne Baruffa. The place was therefore in serious need of a facelift.

Renovation costing 350,000 euros

With financial support from the State, the Region and the Department, the City launched the renovation work in the fall of 2024: re-insulation of the roof, facade walls and floors, replacement of lighting with low-energy LEDs and increase of light by creating openings in the facade. Cost of operations: 350,000 euros.

The lodge now offers twelve beds: eight in a dormitory with shared bathrooms, and four in two rooms with two beds and separate bathrooms. "There is also a common room with a fully equipped kitchen," explains the Mayor. The establishment could be open ten months a year and is managed by the hostel operator.