Hike to the mountain hut of Désert de Platé
Description
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 car park located along the Plaine-Joux road (in front of the Résidence Le Fontenay), cross and go up the track that starts at the Croix de Praz Coutant. Relatively easy at the start, the path becomes steeper towards the Chalets de Charbonnière. A footbridge allows you to cross the torrent before turning right, due north, towards the Platé refuge. This unique path zigzags through the forest then stiffens and winds its way through a system of ledges that provide access to the exit chimney. Take a short metal footbridge to come out on the plateau and contemplate the chalets. Continue north to reach the Platé refuge (2032 m).
Return by the same route.
Technical informations
8 km
|
max. 2039 m
min. 1175 m
925 m
925 m
| |||
Accessibility |
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Platé Refuge
Small refuge nestled on the edge of the Platé desert, a vast plateau limestone where the rock takes on unusual shapes (the lapiaz). A pretty path winds through the foothills of the plateau to take you there. drive and offers you an exceptional view of Mont-Blanc.Romain and his team welcome you to a small, friendly refuge that retains a rustic style and atmosphere typical of the refuges of yesteryear. His specialities: in the evening, good homemade dishes that are always different. In day : pastries and gourmet dishes, all concocted with care and pleasure, with organic and local products.
Desert of Platé
The Platé lapies is renowned as the largest in Europe and offers a magnificent view of Mont Blanc. It covers most of the plateau, giving it the rightful name of "desert". Only accessible on foot.The Platé Desert is a true mineral fortressl. This limestone plateau is surrounded by the majestic Aiguilles de Warens and the mountain of Platé in a fantastic lunar setting. In the cracks, where a little humus accumulates, develops an original and colourful alpine flora including some rare and protected species. The wildlife present here includes: majestic mountain goats, curious marmots , graceful stoats, hares and ptarmigan. The site covers a vast area of ??1980 hectares, protected since 1998.
Passy Nature Reserve
Facing the Mont-Blanc range, Passy Nature Reserve overlooks the Arve Valley. The reserve is a nature jewel that links Sixt Fer à Cheval Nature Reserve and Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. Area: 1800 ha Altitude: 1300 to 2900 mThe Nature Reserve in Passy resumes the history of the mountains in Haute-Savoie: - Natural environment: Mineral contrasts, grasslands, heathlands, wetlands and numerous alpine species - Fauna: chamois, ibex, eagles, marmots, grouse, ptarmigan, bearded eagles. - Flora: 530 species have been identified including the St. Bruno lily, Martagon lily or Turk's cap moss campion. - Flies : hover flies, excellent indicators for scientists. Biodiversity: Clearing operations in Pormenaz to assess biodiversity.
Date and time
- From 15/06/2024 to 15/11/2024
- From 15/06/2025 to 15/11/2025
Additional information
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de Passy - 12/03/2024
www.passy-mont-blanc.com
Report a problem
Open period
From 15/06 to 15/11.
Access depending on snow conditions.
Subject to favorable weather.
Contact
Phone : 04 50 58 80 52
Email : info@passy-mont-blanc.com
Website : rando.nature-haute-savoie.fr/trek/514-les-chalets-de-plate-depuis-praz-coutant
Facebook : www.facebook.com/passymontblanc/
