The refuge was built on the site of a chapel built in 1656, alongside a consecrated spring which has been the destination for pilgrimmages for centuries.
First of all a barn and then a refuge for pilgrims, it has been opening its doors to travellers who appreciate the basin with its mountain pasture at the foot of the Becca del Merlo and its closeness to the lakes of Cuney, Becca Fontaney and Monte Morion since long ago.

Free overnight stay for coach drivers and holiday representatives who are providing assistance to groups of at least 25 persons, organised by travel and tourist agencies

Nus motorway exit. Immediately after the toll booth, keep to the right for Nus, until you reach the stop sign on the strada statale (main road) 26.
Turn left here and shortly afterwards, having gone past the turn off for the built-up area of Nus, turn right (signs for Saint-Barthelemy). A few metres ahead the road intersects with the regional road, turn right, a little further ahead, with a hairpin bend to the left carry on towards Saint-Barthelemy, with numerous hairpin bends. Having arrived close to the church and the parking area in Lignan, leave your car and travel for 3hrs 10 mins on foot, or carry on along the road until it ends in Porliod then travel for 2hrs 50 mins on foot.

The most convenient train station is in Aosta.