Vercors mountain refuge staff assaulted by tourist

A staff member at the Refuge de la Molière in the Vercors massif, Isère, was subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation by a tourist on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The incident occurred after the man and his wife arrived after 2:45 p.m., requesting food after the kitchen had already closed for service.

According to the refuge keeper, the staff attempted to accommodate the visitors by offering cheese, drinks, and tarts. However, the man reportedly entered a private area of the refuge, insulted the employee in English, and approached her face closely. The assailant then used a knife to damage prepared food items before leaving the premises without paying for what was consumed.

The victim has filed a formal complaint, and the refuge management is considering legal action to recover the unpaid costs. The event has highlighted growing tensions and conflicts of usage between seasonal mountain workers and summer tourists in the region.