Discovering the strange Platé desert in Haute-Savoie

"We walked on the Platé Desert" is a title that would sound right at home in a Tintin adventure. Located in Flaine in Haute-Savoie, this stretch of limestone sculpted by the waters forms the largest lapiaz on the Old Continent. It's an impressive geological formation covering almost two thousand hectares. It was originally a huge glacier.

An exceptional geological formation

Listed as a protected natural site since 1998, its exceptional scenic interest attracts large numbers of visitors every year. The Platé Desert is a vast expanse of limestone carved out by pre-existing glaciers and meltwater. The soil of this astonishing geological formation contains numerous fossils, evidence of a mountain that formed a sea bed 40 million years ago.

Facing Mont Blanc, this limestone plateau is surrounded by the Giffre and Arve valleys. The vegetation is rare, but rich and varied, forcing its way through the limestone rocks. It is these last two characteristics in particular that have earned it its "desert" appellation.

In this little corner of the Fiz massif, everything gives the impression of walking on a petrified glacier. The site is an extraordinary place to hike, and you'll be lucky to discover it in the company of the famous Alpine ibex.

Despite its predominantly limestone environment, the Platé Desert is also a delight for nature lovers. It boasts an interesting flora, with some rare and protected species, and a fauna made up of mammals that are emblematic of the Alpine massifs, such as ibex, marmots, ermines and hares.

Access by car :

Take the A40 motorway to Chamonix and exit at Passy (exit 21). Cross the Arve before taking the D13 and then the D43 towards Plateau d'Assy. Once there, you can park your car in the car park next to the Maison de Santé de Praz Coutant.

The Platé desert is only accessible on foot. There are numerous hiking trails. There are several routes to choose from, depending on the length of your stay, your level of fitness and whether or not you want to share the visit with the whole family. Yes, the site is perfectly suited to families, and has something to satisfy the adventurous desires of young and old alike!

Reaching the Platé Desert by cable car

During the summer months, you can take the cable car from the Alpine winter sports resort of Flaine to the summit of the Grandes Platières at an altitude of 2,500 metres. Once there, you'll be treated to a superb panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, including Mont-Blanc, Aravis, Aiguille du Midi, Belledonne and even the Jura.

Access via the Grandes Platières cable car: takes 12 minutes

Cable car opening times: every year in July and August: daily from 9am to 5pm, except in bad weather.

Hiking to the Platé desert

Hikers can reach the Platé Desert by following the GR96 trail from the Grand Massif winter sports resorts. From Flaine, you can set off on an average three-hour hike.