The Grandes Platières Odyssey
A timeless trip to Flaine!
Here, science meets magical landscapes. Young and old embark on an extraordinary adventure, between reality and fiction, discovery and wonder.
The Grandes Platières, a summit like no other
Accessible to all thanks to the Grandes Platières (or DMC Flaine) gondola lift, this emblematic site of the Grand Massif offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alpine ranges.
Beneath your feet lies a mineral desert carved by time: lapiaz, a limestone formation carved out by water and glaciers. This almost lunar landscape is also the remnant of an ancient seabed, millions of years old. Fossils of shells and other traces of marine life are still visible at this dizzying altitude: a scientific curiosity not to be missed.
Between sciences
And magical landscapes!
Exceptional flora and fauna
in a mineral worldIt’s an exceptional observation area for nature lovers, curious families or photographers in search of unusual landscapes.
The fragile environment of the Désert de Platé is protected and promoted. Thanks to on-site information panels and the Odyssey’s educational materials, young and old alike can better understand the challenges of preserving this unique alpine ecosystem.
Guides will teach you how to recognize gentian, edelweiss and the natural cairns formed by frost and erosion.
2 trails are available:
- L’Odyssée des Fossiles (3-hour loop – advanced level): an immersive journey between fossils and a mineral ocean (lapiaz).
- L’Odyssée face au Mt Blanc (1h return – easy): a contemplative stroll among the cairns with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc (towards the Désert Blanc chairlift).
2 options
For the Fossil OdysseyDiscover the site on your own, taking the time to follow the Fossil Odyssey (blue trail) or the Mt Blanc Odyssey (green trail).
- Normal return ticket (15 to 74 years): €19.50
- Reduced return ticket (5 to 14 years): €16.
- Every day from June 28 to August 29, 2025, 9am to 5pm.
Discovery of the sitewith a guide to discover all the wonders of the site via the Fossil Odyssey: fossils, plants, fauna…
- Odyssée Pass: €43
- Ages 10 and up.
- By reservation the day before the activity (until 12:30 p.m.).
Groups of 12 people maximum.
For more information, contact us on +33 6 87 77 85 98 or by email: Ici.
Follow the shells on the ground to Flaine Forum for the adventure…
I’d like to book my guided Odyssey
In both cases, the aim is the same: to marvel, educate and raise awareness of the beauty of our natural heritage.
- Where to park? Parking P2, Flaine Forum
- What equipment? Water, sunglasses, hiking boots and a fleece. Dress warmly, because even in summer, temperatures plummet at 2,500 meters.
- Where to eat? New this summer, at the Bistrot de l’Odyssée, facing Mont Blanc, a 1 km walk from the arrival station. Otherwise, other restaurants are open all summer in the resort, such as the Bar qui Mange, at the start of the cable car.
- Don’t forget your camera, the panorama is exceptional.
- Check the cable car opening times before you go up.
The Grandes Platières cable car, also known as the DMC Flaine, makes it easy to reach this exceptional site from the center of the Flaine resort. In just a few minutes, you go from alpine forest to limestone desert, with a spectacular ascent offering panoramic views over the valley.
Departures are offered all day during the summer season, with the possibility of combining your visit with other nature activities on offer in Flaine.
The Great Plains, between sky, rock and fossil sea
A veritable open book on the history of the Earth, the Grandes Platières offers a unique experience combining science, nature and contemplation. Whether you choose to experience the Odyssey alone or accompanied, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories… and a fresh perspective on the mountains.
