2 /5
Média de Avaliação
★
★
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.