



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.
Close to GR footpath
Mountain view
Mountain location
In a nature reserve
Close to a public transportation
Bus stop < 500 m
Office de Tourisme de Passy - 20/11/2025
www.passy-mont-blanc.com
Report a problem
From 15/06 to 15/11.
Access depending on snow conditions.
Subject to favorable weather.
Phone : 04 50 58 80 52
Email : info@passy-mont-blanc.com
Website : https://rando.nature-haute-savoie.fr/trek/514-Les-Chalets-de-Plate-depuis-Praz-Coutant
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Passymontblanc/
Rock
Stone
Ground
Not suitable for strollers
1) Praz Coutant parking lot on Route de Plaine-Joux / Roc des Fiz Memorial
2) Take the Chemin du Désert de Platé beside the Cross
3) Begin the climb following the signs for Charbonnière
4) After crossing the Ugine and about 500m before Charbonnière, take the path that climbs to the right towards Platé
5) Passage des Egratz
6) Refuge de Platé
Return by the same route
Yes