Discover the Désert de Platé by climbing on the heights of the Fiz massif. This physical hike invites you to travel with a magnificent link in the heart of the largest Lapiaz in Europe between the Varan and Platé huts.
From the Via Ferrata parking lot, take the carriage track up to the Chalets de Curalla. A steeper path then leads up to the Varan refuge via Les Revennes de Curalla. From Varan, a technical path climbs straight up towards Barmerousse (some demanding sections, use your hands if necessary). At the pass, follow the red dots on the ground through the magnificent limestone desert to the refuge de Platé. Head due south (through the tricky Les Égratz pass) to descend the wall formed by the Fiz cliffs to Charbonnière. The path gradually becomes wider until you reach the Jardin des Cimes (ideal place to take a break), from where you can return to the starting point via the Balcons d'Assy (signposted to Le Coudray).
Office de Tourisme de Passy - 20/02/2026
www.passy-mont-blanc.com/
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Mountain view
Mountain location
Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3530 ET
From 01/06 to 15/11 daily.
Depending on snow conditions.
Rock
Stone
Ground
Not suitable for strollers
Phone : 04 50 58 80 52
Email : info@passy-mont-blanc.com
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1 From the Via Ferrata parking lot on the Plateau d'Assy, climb the carriage track towards the Chalets de Curalla.
2 At the chalets, follow a steeper path that gradually rises towards the Varan refuge via the Revennes de Curalla.
3 From the refuge de Varan, take the technical path leading straight up to the Col de Barmerousse (some demanding sections, sometimes requiring the use of hands).
4 At the pass, follow the red dots on the ground through the Désert de Platé, a vast expanse of limestone sculpted by erosion, to the refuge de Platé.
5 From the refuge, head due south and cross the tricky Égratz pass to descend the wall formed by the Fiz cliffs.
6 Join the Charbonnière sector, then continue on a path that gradually widens.
7 Reach the Jardin des Cimes, an ideal place to take a break before continuing back.
8. return to the starting point via the Balcons d'Assy (signposted to Le Coudray).
Yes