On the Arves massif, there is a vast expanse of greenery, comparable to the steppes of Mongolia, dotted here and there with high-altitude lakes. All around, a ballet of the highest peaks of Oisans frames this exceptional natural heritage.
You will have to climb to 2 m to begin exploring the Plateau d'Emparis, its lakes, its rivers, its mountain pastures, its rocky variations and its panoramas of the Écrins, the Grandes Rousses and the Arves. This site is classified as a protected areaed because of its remarkable biodiversity. Please respect the place and be as discreet as possible.
PLEASE NOTE: In July and August, the Plateau d'Emparis is very busy. We advise you to avoid these periods.
GR54 and other footpaths
Hiking on the Plateau d'Emparis
Unlike other sites, the Plateau d'Emparis is a cross-country trail: on one side the Ferrand valley, on the other the Buffe valley, and in the middle the GR54 which connects the two. Several beautiful hikes are available to you, each with different levels of difficulty. You can even stop at the plateau for a picnic.
Refuges at Plateau d’Emparis
The Plateau d'Emparis refuges offer you the unique experience of living in the mountains for one or more nights. These unusual lodgings can also accommodate you for a break, lunch or snack. Don't forget to let the warden know you're coming!
Emparis Plateau and pastoralism
The Plateau d'Emparis is above all a pastoral site. With thousands of sheep and cows per year, on 5 alpine pasture areas, it is the major economic activity of this sector.
It is during the summer period that the shepherds graze their flocks in this vast high-altitude pasture. For 4 months, they live and work here
So when you come across them, remember that you are at their workplace, greet them and listen to their instructions if necessary.
Did you know ?
All summer long, a team of awareness-raisers travels through the protected sites of Oisans, including the magnificent Plateau d'Emparis. Their mission ? To help you discover the natural mechanisms that shape ces exceptional landscapes and guide you towards actions that preserve biodiversity. Take advantage of their presence: do not hesitate to ask them your questions ! IThey are here to share their knowledge and make your visit even more enriching!
Things to know before your visit
PLEASE NOTE, the Emparis Plateau is very busy in July and August.. To fully enjoy our landscapes, find our most beautiful alternatives in our page dedicated to hiking in Oisans.
Natura 2000 regulations
The Plateau d'Emparis, classified as a Natura 2000 site, is an exceptional natural space, of great beauty but also of extreme fragility. To preserve its richness and biodiversity, specific regulations have been put in place.
The Reflexes of the Super Mountaineer
Hiking in the mountains is an adventure that is both exhilarating and demanding. Are you new to this field and want to learn the basics? Or are you a seasoned mountaineer looking to brush up on your classics? No matter your level, adopt the right reflexes to become a Super Mountaineer and take full advantage of each trail!
Where to find the Emparis Plateau?
To get to the Emparis Plateau, there are several departure points. The most well-known and direct ones leave from Besse, Mizoën and Chazelet (hamlet of La Grave).
on the Emparis Plateau
Pratical information
Where are Lac Noir and Lac Lérié?
These lakes are located on the Plateau d'Emparis, at respective altitudes of 2 and 100 meters.
Is it possible to camp on the plateau?
Bivouacking (setting up a light tent on a site, for one night only) is strictly prohibited in areas classified under the Prefectural Biotope Protection Order (APPB).
However, it is still tolerated elsewhere on the site, but it must respect certain rules: do not leave a trace, do not make a fire, and pitch your tent after 19 p.m. and take it down before 9 a.m.
What animals can be seen on the Emparis plateau?
The Emparis Plateau is rich in terms of wildlife. Here are the animals listed by scientists:
- more than 100 species of birds (golden eagle, griffon vulture, bearded vulture, black grouse, rock ptarmigan, etc.);
- 29 species of mammals (wolf, chamois, ibex, mountain hare, bat, etc.);
- 4 species of fish (Arctic char, river trout, rainbow trout, brook trout);
- 3 species of reptiles (wall lizard, green lizard, asp viper);
- 2 species of amphibians (common frog, midwife toad);
- 5 heritage species of butterflies (checkerspot butterfly, wild thyme blue, Apollo butterfly, semi-Apollo butterfly, Sudeten moiré butterfly);
- 8 species of odonates (rush aeschne, lestre dryad, four-spotted dragonfly, etc.)
If you are quiet and lucky, you might be able to spot them.
When is the best time to visit the Emparis Plateau?
The best time to discover the plateau ofEmparis is in autumn to observeof this vast expanse of vegetation which becomes golden.
Is the Emparis Plateau a protected site?
Yes he is byan area classified as Natura 2000. This protection aims to preserve the biodiversity and the fragile ecosystem of the site. Please respect the regulations.
Are there any services or accommodations on site?
On the plateau you will find mountain huts. It is possible to sleep there and/ory eat and/or have a drink there.
It is strongly coadvised by contact the caretaker a few days before you go there, to be sure that the mountain hut is available.
Can you swim in the lakes of the Plateau d'Emparis?
Swimming is prohibited in order to protect the fragile living beings in the lakes.
What are the peaks that can be seen from the Plateau d'Emparis?
The Emparis Plateau is a magnificent natural viewpoint for observing the mountains at 360°. The most famous peaks are: Meije, the Rake, the Taillefer, the Pic Blanc, the Pic du Mas de la Grave and the Aiguilles d'Arves.
Are dogs allowed at Plateau d'Emparis?
Yes, dogs are allowed provided they are kept on a leash so as not to disturb biodiversity and pastoral activity.
