Désert de Platé & Mont-Blanc view

One of the largest lapiaz in Europe 

Facing Mont Blanc, this 1980-hectare limestone plateau is mostly made up of lapiaz, dug by glaciers and meltwater. Recognised as one of the largest lapiaz in Europe, the Platé plateau is accessible by the Grandes Platières cable car, or on foot for the bravest ones. Its very mineral, almost lunar, soil has earned it the name of desert.

Spectacular flora and fauna 

Classified since 1998 for its exceptional landscape interest, the Platé desert attracts thanks to its extraordinary appearance. A vast limestone plateau shaped by glaciers and sculpted by meltwater, hikers who venture there have the impression of walking on a petrified glacier or even on the moon!

Surrounded by imposing walls, the Desert of Platé is a secret garden that will delight all nature lovers with its rich flora, its very present fauna and its spectacular geology. You will find fossil evidence of a mountain that formed a sea floor 40 million years ago! And marmots, ibexes and other emblematic animals are often there. 

The Mont Blanc panorama

The most beautiful view of the Mont-Blanc massif is in Flaine, come and discover it!

From Flaine, the cable car takes you to the top of the Grandes Platières at 2,500 m. Unforgettable surprise at the top, a striking 360° view of the surrounding mountains: the Mont-Blanc, Aravis, Belledonne and Jura massifs...

You can access the Platé desert by hiking via the GR 96 (about 3 hours walk) or by the Grandes Platières cable car* from Flaine.

Hikes in Flaine

Other ways of hiking, accompanied hikes, etc.

Hiking App

Little tip: Download the free app, "Flaine Les Carroz Outdoor", available at:

• App Store.
• Google Play.

Video tutorial of how to use the app'