4 days of immersion in the heart of a mountain range with unique biodiversity
Geologically remarkable, with unique biodiversity and stunning views of Mont Blanc, the small Fiz massif is undoubtedly worth the detour. With no luggage transfer, friendly accommodations, and guided by a passionate naturalist, you will feel completely cut off from the world. A guaranteed change of scenery.
You will like
4 days focused on discovering the mountain environment
Guided by a passionate naturalist Mountain Guide
A short, accessible trek allowing the discovery of rich natural heritage and crossing through the Passy Nature Reserve
Nights spent in authentic and friendly mountain huts
Meeting point 1:30pm at Passy Plaine-Joux station.
FROM PASSY PLAINE-JOUX TO PLATÉ REFUGE
The adventure begins here, in the small family resort of Passy Plaine-Joux (74). It starts with a forest path that leads you to the Ugine stream. The vegetation thins out as the slope intensifies. Sweating, we reach the center of the Charbonnière cirque. A final limestone fortress rises before the "Desert de Platé". We finally descend into "la cheminée des Egratz" (which means "stairs") before setting our first foot on the much-coveted desert! Night in a dormitory at the refuge. 3h30 walk / Elevation: +850 m -200 m / 7km
Day 2
NATURALISTIC APPROACH IN THE PLATÉ DESERT
"A GEOLOGICAL TREASURE WITH MULTIPLE FACETS"
Walking in the Platé desert is to admire the grandiose staging of Mother Nature. A vast plateau framed by lush pastures reveals white rocks with large fissures: a lapiaz. Though of oceanic origin, the lapiaz does not retain water but still hosts a rich biodiversity. Beneath your feet, fossils dating back millions of years lie there, bearing witness to the incredible geological history of this desert. Your guide helps you understand this heritage and also allows you to observe the masters of the land: the ibexes. Night in a dormitory at the refuge. 5h30 walk / Elevation: +850 m -850 m / 12km
Day 3
FROM PLATÉ REFUGE TO ALFRED WILL REFUGE
"FROM DESERT TO WATER, THERE'S ONLY ONE STEP!
Today, you leave the desert. Via the Portette pass, new perspectives open up to you: the Sales valley, the western face of the Fiz rock ridge, and the Mont Blanc massif. A long descent leads you into a much greener landscape, where water flows in gentle streams that lead to beautiful waterfalls. Marmots and chamois are not far away! You skirt around the Sales peak to reach the alpine meadows of the Montagne d’Anterne, where nature and pastoralism are in perfect harmony. Night in a dormitory at the refuge. 5h30 walk / Elevation: +750 m -1000 m / 13km
Day 4
FROM ALFRED WILLS REFUGE TO PASSY PLAINE-JOUX
"MOUNTAIN LAKES, ISLANDS TO BE PROTECTED"
Lake Anterne, Lake Pormenaz, and Lake Vert, three natural jewels, each has its own distinct atmosphere. Lake Anterne is dominated by the imposing wall of the Fiz mountains and is home to a unique flora. Lake Pormenaz, hidden in the foothills of the Aiguille Rouge massif, features a change in rock color and hardness, with the water nestled like an island beneath the Pointe Noire of Pormenaz. With the story of the creation of Lake Vert, your adventure comes to a gentle end. Return to the Passy Plaine-Joux station for a last goodbye to the majestic Mont Blanc. It’s also the perfect opportunity to plan another adventure in the Alps… 5h30 walk / Difference in altitude: +600 m -1050 m / 13km
End of the hike in Passy Plaine-Joux around 4.30pm.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Difference in altitude: +/- 600m to 1350m on average per day
Walking time: around 4h to 6h30 per day
Type of hike: mountain itinerary on marked, often stony paths. Some variants with steeper passages requiring steady footness.
You need to be in a good overall physical condition. Regularly practise an endurance sport such as walking, running, swimming or cycling, 3 to 4 hours a week. Your fitness training will make your walk easier and make it all the more enjoyable. Click here for a description of the different levels: levels of difficulty
GUIDING
Number of participants between 6 and 14, supervised by a qualified professional (mountain leader).
As a thank you, it is customary to tip your guide at the end of your hike, depending on your satisfaction. This is not compulsory, but it is greatly appreciated.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Without luggage transfer : you carry your luggage.
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights in a dormitory in refuge. The Platé Refuge is located on the karst desert of Platé. In this context, water is scarce during the summer and is precious. Therefore, there is no shower in the refuge, but you can still wash yourself thanks to the outdoor solar showers provided by the refuge.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each refuge. Picnic lunches are also provided by the refuges. Please inform us about any food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
BY TRAIN
Outward journey: the day before, departure from Paris-Gare de Lyon at 12.18pm, arrival at Saint Gervais les Bains le Fayet at 6.16pm.
Return: the following day, departure from Saint Gervais les Bains le Fayet at 10.44am, arrival at Paris-Gare de Lyon at 3.42pm.
The times given are for information only and must be checked with the SNCF.
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Equipment & luggage
EQUIPMENT LIST
Clothing
Hiking trousers
Shorts (1 swimming costume just in case)
Breathable or merino wool T-shirts
Breathable or merino wool long johns
Fleece or jumper
Windbreaker or Goretex jacket
Rain cape + gaiters or Goretex-type trousers + a sack cape
A pair of gloves and a light hat
Hat or cap
Hiking socks (double layer, looped...1 pair per day)
Hiking shoes that are already broken in and have well notched soles.
1 change of clothes for the evening
A change of shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toiletry bag
Towel (quick-drying, sold in specialist shops)
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or thermos flask (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife and cutlery
An airtight plastic box as a plate for your picnics
Coffee cup
Small personal first-aid kit (painkillers, compeed bandages, etc.)
Survival blanket
Headlamp or torch
Two telescopic poles (strongly recommended)
Valid identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Pack a comfortable 40-50 litre rucksack for your personal belongings for the week (including warm clothing, rain cape, water bottle, picnic box and cutlery, sun protection and identity papers) and a little room for a picnic and snacks.
In the 'weight is the enemy' section, here are some tips on how to save a few hundred grams. For example, for your toiletries: a simple plastic zip bag or a small plastic box to avoid accidental crushing.
Hotel-size soap is generally enough for a week
A tube of toothpaste 3/4 full will do the trick
Shaving foam: a small sample can
A small microfibre towel
A small bottle of shampoo
A travel toothbrush
Pharmacy: in addition to your personal medicines, bring:
Elastoplast or hook-and-loop tape
"second skin" tape to protect against blisters, such as Compeed
A small pair of scissors, thread and needle
A small tube of sun cream and lip balm
Now all you have to do is apply this recipe to your entire bag!
4 Days
Guided / with a guide
Without baggage transportation
Refuge
Level *** 
From 495 €
Next departure on 11/07/25
