Discover a site of exceptional geological, floristic and faunistic richness. Up there await you a lunar landscape and a sumptuous panorama. The Platé Desert is the largest lapiaz in Europe.
From the Praz-Coutant parking lot (Roc des Fiz Memorial, near Résidence Le Fontenay), take the Chemin du Désert de Platé, which starts beside the Cross.
Relatively easy at first, the path becomes steeper towards the Charbonnière chalets. A footbridge crosses the Ugine stream before turning right, due north, towards the Platé refuge.
This single path zigzags through the forest, then steepens and weaves its way through a system of ledges leading to the exit chimney (physical ascent and some tricky passages).
A short metal footbridge leads to the plateau, where you can admire the chalets. Continue north to reach the Platé refuge (2032 m), an ideal place to recharge your batteries.
Return by the same route.
Thousand-year-old formations, the lapiaz of Platé inspire respect for the forces at work since geological times. Stay on the paths and don't pick plants in these delicate environments.
Relatively easy at first, the path becomes steeper towards the Charbonnière chalets. A footbridge crosses the Ugine stream before turning right, due north, towards the Platé refuge.
This single path zigzags through the forest, then steepens and weaves its way through a system of ledges leading to the exit chimney (physical ascent and some tricky passages).
A short metal footbridge leads to the plateau, where you can admire the chalets. Continue north to reach the Platé refuge (2032 m), an ideal place to recharge your batteries.
Return by the same route.
Thousand-year-old formations, the lapiaz of Platé inspire respect for the forces at work since geological times. Stay on the paths and don't pick plants in these delicate environments.
Plain text rates
Free access.Plain text period
From 15/06 to 15/11.Access depending on snow conditions.
Subject to favorable weather.
