3-day Tour of the Emparis Plateau
Randonneurs sur le plateau d'Emparis
Randonneurs sur le plateau d'Emparis - © Parc national des Écrins - Carlos Ayesta
Mizoën

3-day Tour of the Emparis Plateau

History and architecture
Lake and glacier
Panorama
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During this 3-day circuit, you can see and admire in the distance the summits of Les Ecrins. A unique part of the mountain range, the Emparis plateau boasts one of the finest views you can enjoy in these mountains. La Meije, the Girose glacier, Le Râteau - names that are the stuff of dreams. But that's not all - such a great panorama is not enough. Mountain pastures, high-altitude villages and panoramas bring diversity to the journey.

Welcome to the land between Isère and Hautes-Alpes. Here, high up in the mountains, the aroma of wild lavender mingles with the freshness of the glaciers. On the way up to the Emparis plateau, each glimpse adds its share of beauty. Below, Lake Chambon; above the majestic summits of Les Ecrins. Tradition, nature and high mountains come together to offer hikers an excursion that will delight both contemplative visitors and fans of mountain heritage.


Description

The first, fairly short stage invites hikers to stroll from villages to hamlets, to go up towards the schist paths around the mountains, and leads them to two areas where peace and quiet hold sway. First of all, Lake Lovitel with its discovery trail, then the hamlet of Les Clots, with, above, one of the most beautiful petrified waterfalls in Isère.

On the 2nd day, you follow a magnificent path along the Pisse torrent, leading you above the waterfall of the same name and the famous petrified fountain. You soon arrive at the Fay and Mouterres refuges along a pastoral path. The path joins up with the GR54 before taking hikers upwards to a unique view over the Emparis plateau and its two landmark lakes: Lake Lerié and Lake Noir. Here the Ecrins glaciers and La Meije are revealed, in one of the finest views over the high mountain summits in the range.

The 3rd stage, gently sloping downwards, goes through mountain pastures and leads through schist paths to Mizoën. We return to civilisation with a glimpse of the life of yesteryear in the ruins of Alpine chalets and farming terraces.

  • Departure : Mizoen
  • Towns crossed : Mizoën, La Grave, and Besse

Altimetric profile


Recommandations

Mountain biking is forbidden on the GR 50 due to the fragility of the natural environment (decree to protect the biotope).

 Camping, fires and water sports (including swimming) are prohibited on the Emparis plateau during the summer. Dogs must be kept on a lead. Bivouacs are permitted between 7pm and 9am.


Information desks

Information center "Col du Lautaret" (summer only)

Col du Lautaret, 05220 Le Monêtier-les-bains

http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/brianconnais@ecrins-parcnational.fr04 92 24 49 74

Under the gaze of the Meije (3983 m) and surrounded by beautiful meadows celebrated in the great names of botany, the former hospice of the Lautaret called "refuge Napoleon" houses the reception and information Park center - Projections, documentation, books of the Park. Accessible to people with reduced mobility. Free admission.

Find out more

Oisans Park house

Rue Gambetta, 38520 Le Bourg d'Oisans

http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/oisans@ecrins-parcnational.fr04 76 80 00 51


Video presentation of the natural resources of the Oisans mountain and its crafts. Information, documentation about the Park, projections, reading space for children. Accessible to people with reduced mobility. Free admission. All animations of the Park are free unless otherwise stated.

Find out more

Transport

By train, Grenoble SNCF station : www.voyages-sncf.com  

By bus : 
Bus lines in Région Sud : https://zou.maregionsud.fr/ 
Bus lines in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes : https://carsisere.auvergnerhonealpes.fr/  
Bus lines in Isère : https://www.itinisere.fr/

Access and parking

From Bourg d'Oisans, take the D1091 to Lac du Chambon. After the bridge, leave the departmental road and turn left onto the road to Mizoen.

From Briançon, take the D1091 to Lac du Chambon. After the bridge, leave the departmental road and turn right towards the road leading to Mizoen.

Parking :

Car park below the Mizoen church

More information


Source

Parc national des Ecrinshttps://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr

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