Morning 18°c
Afternoon 17°c

Take a trip back in time on the Grandes Platières in Flaine

What a fascinating adventure awaits you in Flaine!

The journey back in time with Captain Nemo and his assistant Juliette on board the Nautilus, aka the Grandes Platières cable car, is much more than just a ride to the top. It’s an educational and immersive experience transporting you to an altitude of 2,480 metres to explore the mysteries of the Platé Desert, a geological site unique in Europe.

Here, science blends with the magic of the landscape. Young and old alike will embark on an extraordinary adventure, somewhere between reality and fiction, discovery and wonder.

The Grandes Platières, a summit like no other

This emblematic site in the Grand Massif is accessible to all by means of the Grandes Platières (or DMC Flaine) cable car, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alpine ranges. But that’s not all. 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 well worth discovering. The more observant will notice that some of the slabs bear imprints of the past, as if they were open-air natural archives.

 

EXCEPTIONAL FLORA AND FAUNA IN A MINERAL WORLD

Aside from the rocky terrain, the Grandes Platières site is home to a surprising biodiversity. Endemic plants, marmots, birds of prey and butterflies flourish here in the summer months. It's an outstanding observation area for nature lovers, curious families and photographers in search of unusual landscapes. The fragile environment of the Platé Desert is protected and nurtured. Thanks to the information panels on site and the Odyssey's educational materials, young and old alike will have a better understanding of the issues involved in preserving this unique Alpine ecosystem. The guides will teach you how to recognise gentians, edelweiss or the natural cairns formed by frost and erosion.

NEW THIS SUMMER: A 2ND FOOTPATH HAS BEEN CREATED!

The Fossil Odyssey (3-hour loop - experienced level): an immersive tour between fossils and mineral ocean.

Le Désert Blanc (1h return - easy): a walk among cairns with a breathtaking view of Mont-Blanc.

THERE ARE 2 OPTIONS FOR THE FOSSIL ODYSSEY:

To make this journey even more immersive, there are two experiences accessible to all:

- Discover the site on your own, taking the time to follow the signs on this limestone site.
• Standard return ticket ( aged 15 to 74): €19.50
• Reduced return ticket ( aged 5 to 14): €16.
• Every day from 28th June to 29th August 2025, 9am to 5pm.

Book now your Odyssey on your own

- With a guide to discover all the wonders of the site: fossils, plants, fauna...
• Odyssey Pass : 43€
• For children aged 10 and over.
• Bookings must be made the day before the activity (by 12.30pm).
• Groups of 12 people maximum.
• From 3rd July to 29th August, 9:30am to 12:30pm, Sunday to Thursday.
For further information, please contact us on +33 6 87 77 85 98 or by email : here.

Go to Flaine Forum to experience the adventure, follow the shells on the ground...

Book now your Odyssey with a guide

In both cases, the aim is the same: to amaze, educate and raise awareness of the beauty of our natural heritage.

Useful advice:


• Where to park? Car Park P2, Flaine Forum
• What equipment? Water, sunglasses, hiking boots and a fleece. Dress warmly, because even in summer, temperatures drop quickly at 2,500 metres.
• Where to eat? New this summer is the “Bistrot de l'Odyssée”, in full view of Mont Blanc, a 1km walk from the arrival station. Otherwise, a number of other restaurants are open all summer in the resort, such as the ”Bar qui Mange”, at the bottom of the cable car.
• Don’t forget your camera, the panorama is exceptional.
• Check the opening/closing times of the cable car before going up.


TAKING THE GRANDES PLATIÈRES CABLE CAR: PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The Grandes Platières cable car, also known as the DMC Flaine, makes it easy to reach this exceptional site from the centre of the resort of Flaine. 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 possible throughout the day during the summer season, with the option of combining your visit with other nature activities on offer in Flaine.

Les Grandes Platières, between sky, rock and fossil sea. The Grandes Platières is an open book on the history of the Earth, offering you a unique experience combining science, nature and contemplation. Whether you choose to experience the Odyssey on your own or accompanied, you'll leave with unforgettable memories... and a whole new perspective on the mountains.