Set in the heart of the French Alps, the Platé Desert is a natural wonder that offers visitors a wonderful experience. In summer, this unique limestone plateau extends over more than 1,980 hectares, revealing its full splendour. Its lunar landscape, dotted with chasms and limestone, contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
Listed since 1998 for its exceptional landscape interest, the Platé Desert’s extraordinary appearance holds great appeal to visitors. One of the largest limestone pavements in Europe, this vast chalky plateau was carved out by glaciers and meltwater, giving hikers who adventure there the feeling that they are walking on a fossilised glacier, or even on the moon!
Summer is the ideal season to explore the Désert de Platé. Well-marked trails lead you through fascinating rock formations and breathtaking panoramas. Hikers of all levels will find routes suited to their preferences, whether it’s a peaceful walk along the geological trail or a more demanding excursion.
The Désert de Platé is easily accessible thanks to the Grandes Platières cable car. From the upper station, several itineraries are available. The Odyssée aux Grandes Platières offers a family-friendly, accessible and fun hike, perfect for a first discovery of the site. The trail leading to the Refuge de Platé is better suited to walkers looking for a longer and more physical route. Finally, the most experienced hikers can take the Grandes Platières route from Flaine to reach and explore the Désert de Platé without using the cable car.
The Grandes Platières cable car is open from Saturday 4 July to Friday 28 August 2026, 7 days a week non-stop from 9am to 5pm.
Prices for summer 2025: round trip – free for children under 5 and over 75.
In the event of bad weather, the cable car will be closed all day.
The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the majestic view over the Mont Blanc mountain range. From the heights of the Platé Desert, admire the Roof of Europe in all its grandeur. On a clear day, the view extends for kilometres, revealing snow-capped summits and lush green valleys. It’s the perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers looking to capture the beauty of the Alps.
The Platé Desert is more than a geological curiosity. In summer, the region comes alive with colourful Alpine flora and a variety of fauna. You may catch sight of marmots, ibex and many different birds, whilst admiring the beautiful wildflowers that grow on the rocky mountainsides. This biodiversity adds a whole new dimension to your hike, making each visit unique and rewarding.
To make the most of your visit to the Platé Desert, we recommend you plan in advance. Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots, plenty of water and sunscreen. Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so be prepared for all eventualities. You can get to the Platé Desert via the GR 96 hiking trail (approx 3 hour hike), or via the Grandes Platières cable car.