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The Alpine experience facing Mont Blanc

Discover an exceptional experience in the heart of the Alps at the Désert de Platé, a spectacular natural treasure offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. This summer, let yourself be charmed by this unique destination and create unforgettable memories in Flaine.

A true gem of Alpine heritage, the Désert de Platé offers an extraordinary immersion in a striking landscape. Spanning nearly 2,000 hectares, this natural site reveals the full splendour of its karst terrain during the summer months. With its sculpted rock formations, impressive chasms and vast mineral expanses, its moon-like landscape contrasts elegantly with the surrounding green meadows.

Listed for its exceptional scenic value, this iconic site appeals to travellers seeking a break from the everyday and a taste of authenticity. Regarded as one of the largest lapiaz formations in Europe, this glacier-carved plateau offers a unique immersive experience: here, every step feels like exploring another world.

Whether you’re a keen hiker, a nature lover or simply looking for spectacular scenery, the Désert de Platé is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable summer.

Flaine 2500m

One of the most beautiful views of the Mont Blanc massif

Fossil Odyssey

A timeless trip to Flaine!
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.

Here, science meets magical landscapes. Young and old embark on an extraordinary adventure, between reality and fiction, discovery and wonder.

A journey through time with Captain Nemo and his assistant Juliette aboard the Nautilus – also known as the Grandes Platières cable car – is much more than just a trip up to the summit. It is an immersive and educational experience that takes you up to an altitude of 2,500 metres to explore the mysteries of the Désert de Platé, a geological site unique in Europe.

2 trails are available:

  • L’Odyssée des Fossiles (3-hour loop – advanced level): an immersive journey between fossils and a mineral ocean (lapiaz).
  • The Odyssée trail facing Mont Blanc (1 hour return – easy): a peaceful walk amongst the cairns with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc (heading towards the Bistrot de l’Odyssée).

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Le Bistrot de l'Odyssée

Le Bistrot de l’Odyssée est ouvert tout au long de l’été.

With Mont Blanc before you, amidst breathtaking scenery, take a moment to relax at high altitude. Here, between the clear blue sky and majestic peaks, the region reveals itself through moments of tranquillity, where time seems to slow down naturally.

On the terrace, visitors and walkers can enjoy a refreshing break, accompanied by simple, authentic flavours: crispy paninis, refreshing ice creams, thirst-quenching drinks or hot coffee. An affordable and welcoming selection, designed to complement every moment of the day.

An invitation to slow down, reflect and savour the moment to the full, in a stunning natural setting that is what makes this destination so special and appealing.

Exceptional flora and fauna

Beyond the rock, the Grandes Platières site is home to a surprising biodiversity.

In Flaine, observing nature becomes a truly immersive experience, where every moment is a living spectacle. Provided you are patient and keep quiet, young and old alike can set off to explore this unspoilt environment. The nature activities organised by Nelly encourage visitors to explore the area in a fun and educational way, with activities suitable for children.

As for wildlife, it is not uncommon to spot chamois, ibex, marmots, birds of prey and butterflies. They thrive here during the warmer months.

As for the flora, the landscape changes subtly over the weeks: at the start of summer, the mountain pastures are adorned with carpets of brightly coloured alpine flowers, whilst the end of the season reveals another treasure: the wild berries nestled in the undergrowth. A sensory experience in tune with the rhythm of the mountains, combining discovery, contemplation and wonder.

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Practical information

If you’re visiting for the day, car park P2 is the closest, located just before the entrance to Flaine Forum. Once you’ve parked, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Grandes Platières gondola lift.

This alpine experience includes:

  • Your journey on the Grandes Platières cable car (up and down).
  • Access to the two trails: the Fossil Odyssey (blue trail) and/or the Mont Blanc Odyssey (green trail).
  • The nature activity led by Nelly, involving the observation of local flora and fauna (chamois, ibex, marmots, birds of prey, etc.)

Pricing information will be available online shortly!

In the high mountains, it is advisable to wear walking boots and to carry the following with you:

  • sunglasses,
  • rainwear,
  • and a fleece.

Do wrap up warm, as even in summer the temperature drops quickly at 2,500 metres.
And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Why not pop into the Bistrot de l’Odyssée for a break?

In Flaine 2500, at the Bistrot de l’Odyssée, facing Mont Blanc, a 1 km walk from the top station of the Grandes Platières cable car.

Ou en station, au niveau de Flaine Forum et Forêt, d’autres restaurants sont aussi ouverts tout l’été. Vous trouverez également le Bar qui Mange, situé à gauche de la gare de départ des Grandes Platières.

Here are the opening hours for the ski lifts during the summer season:

  • Les Grandes Platières cable car: 9am to 5pm

Check the opening hours of the other ski lifts in the resort by clicking here!