The plateau d'Emparis
Location
Park at Mizöen, Besse-en Oisans or Le Chazelet (La Grave) to hike up to the Emparis plateau via the GR 54 trail.
You could also drive up to the plateau on a rough track from Besse-en-Oisans or Mizöen.
GR 54 and other footpaths…
There are a number of hiking trails of varying difficulty up to the Emparis plateau, but the main route is of course the GR 54, which goes through Le Chazelet and Besse-en-Oisans.
From Le Chazelet:
Cross over the Gâ stream and after a long series of switchbacks, you reach the vast pastureland of the plateau. Stay on the GR®, through several small valleys, then turn off to the left on the path signposted Lac Lerié. Continue on to Lac Noir. If the weather is good, you will be able to admire the peaks of the Meije and the Râteau reflected in the lakes. Return down the same path (750m total height gain).
From Mizoën:
As you drive into Mizoën, take the track to the right leading to Singuigneret, where you leave the car and hike up the GR 50-54C to the lakes (1200m total height gain). You can also drive up the rough track to the Chalet du Fay (200m remaining height gain).
From Besse:
Park on the far side of the village and take the GR 54 up to the plateau (1000m total height gain). You can also drive up the non-paved track to the ruined Chalet Josserand, leaving a remaining hike of around 250 m height gain.
Take care as in wet weather, the tracks can become dangerous for cars.
Important: many flocks are watched over by Patou shepherd dogs. Hikers with dogs are therefore strongly advised not to leave the path and keep their dogs “to heel” or on a leash around livestock. When you see one of these mountain dogs, act calmly and passively to reassure it.
A free leaflet on how to behave in the presence of Patou dogs is available from La Grave Tourist Office.