Randonnées Grand Massif

Spectacular routes

Facing Mont Blanc
Located in the heart of the Haute-Savoie region, Flaine offers an exceptional setting for discovering the pleasures of hiking. This resort with its atypical architecture boasts one of the finest views of the Mont Blanc chain when you stand at the summit of the Grandes Platières at 2500m altitude.

Take to the trails through the forests or across the lapiaz, in an unspoilt and authentic natural setting. Discover the Désert de Platé, recognized asone of the largest lapiaz in Europe, with the sensation of walking on the Moon. Discover Les Grandes Platières in Flaine and embark on a unique geological journey.

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Platé circuit

Start: Flaine – at the top of the Grandes Platières DMC
Duration: 4 h
Public / Difficulty: Regular walkers / medium
Difference in altitude: 450m

Itinerary :

  • From the DMC, head for the sentier des Ventes, then down the Désert de Platé towards the GR96 alternative path. On your left, you’ll see the Laouchets lakes. Rejoin the GR96, Col de Portettes to the Chalets de Platé. Climb up to the Colonney pass, then return to the Grandes Platières.
    Option to spend the night at the Platé refuge.
Chalets de Sales circuit

Start: Flaine – at the summit of Grandes Platières DMC
Duration: 6 h
Target group/difficulty: Sports walkers/difficult
Difference in altitude: 600m

Itinerary :

  • From Les Grandes Platières, follow the GR96 towards the Chalets de Sales. Take the time to make a short detour to the Pointe du Dérochoir, where you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of Mont Blanc. Return via Combe des Foges, then climb to Tête Pelouse, Col de Platé. 2 options from there: head back up to Grandes Platières or down to Flaine via the Serpentine trail.

Possibility of spending a night at the sales hut

 

Grandes Platières descent

Start: Flaine – at the summit of Grandes Platières DMC
Duration: 2 hours
Public / Difficulty: Family / easy
Ascent: 900 m

Itinerary :

  • From the cable car, head for Tête Pelouse, then follow the track down the Balacha slopes to Flaine.

 

Gers circuit

Start: Flaine – at the top of the Grandes Platières DMC
Duration: 6.5 h
Target group/difficulty: Sports walkers/difficult
Ascent: 792m
Negative altitude gain: 1595m

Itinerary: From the top of the DMC, head for the Col de Platé. 2 options from there:

  • Head towards the Combe des Foges until you cross the GR96, which leads to the Gers basin. To return, follow the GR96 up the Gers basin to the Col Pelouse, then descend to the Forum de Flaine, passing the Chalets de Balacha.
  • Or, from the Chalets des Foges, head towards the Lac Parchet basin, then towards the Col Pelouse and, as above, past the Chalets Balacha.
Some useful tips for your hiking outings: In the event of thunderstorms, the ski lifts close and it is not advisable to use the footpaths.
About pets, especially your four-legged friends:
  • They must be on a leash or harness to protect the flora and fauna on the estate.
  • They are forbidden on the Grandes Platières (DMC) cable car in Flaine because of the nature reserve at the top of the lift.
  • You’ll need to check with shelters or tourist offices to find out whether they can accommodate your pet.