RANDONNEED | The spectacular plateau of Emparis, route and bivouac at Lake Noir.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FROM RANDONNEE:

6 a.m. (A/R)

14.5kms

+750m of elevation

→ DISTANCE : 14.5km round trip (classic route according to the GR50-54 indicated in yellow on the map) OR thematic loop « Lakes by the southern edge of the plateau » 17kms (indicated in red on the map).
→ DURATION 6h for the classic route and 7h for the loop.
→ DENIVED : 750m for the classic route, 1000m for the loop.
→ DEPARTURE POINT : Parking Chazelet 1.770m altitude.
→ DIRECTED POINT : Lake Lérie, 2.374m above sea level.
→ ROAD ACCESSES From Briançon, take direction Serre-Chevalier and follow La Grave. Pass the Lautaret Pass. Just before the tunnel leading to the Grave, turn left onto the D33 towards the Chazelet. Once in the village, you can park at the cable car parking lot.
→ SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS None, if not to learn about the road conditions especially in winter: inforoute05.

DESCRIPTION OF RANDONNEA – PLATEAU D'EMPARIS

> Departure from Chazelet, then climb in laces to the first plateau.

From the Chazelet parking lot, it is impossible to escape what is waiting for you: the well-marked trail goes up in laces under the ski lifts of the ski resort and announces a nice climb to the first plateau. After crossing the torrent of the Gâ, turn left and continue the hike in the alpine pastures following the trail that winds. Once you arrive at the top (presence of two banks appreciated) two options are possible to discover the plateau of Emparis and reach its 2 main lakes: follow on the right the GR50-54, the classical route; or follow on the left the loop passing through the south edge of the plateau.

This thematic itinerary « Lakes by the southern edge of the plateau » was established by the association « Forward Paths » to preserve the history of the region. It is marked with a digital and colour code: 11, red (indicated in red on our map also). Planning to sleep on the spot and wanting to extend our ballad a little, we made the choice to follow this historic route which in addition to being very pleasant to the merit of showing these places off the beaten track. We're talking a little lower in the last part: « bonus ».

> GR50-54 to the Emparis plateau

Once these famous laces are finished, it is sufficient to follow the GR50-54 (always well drawn) for a little more than 3kms before arriving at a first junction indicating the direction of Lake Lérie. The wide path invites contemplation with in the foreground the vast flowery plains and in the background the majestic peaks of the Écrins massif.

Did you know? The emparis plateau is classified Natura 2000 area. This network is a set of European, terrestrial and marine natural sites identified for the rarity or fragility of wildlife, animal or plant species and their habitats. Natura 2000 combines nature conservation and socio-economic concerns.

> Lake Lérie and Lake Noir

Here, one lake can hide another. After reaching Lake Lérie on a gentle slope, you just have to climb a few hundred meters higher to reach Lake Noir, a real esplanade facing glaciers.

> Bivouac at Lake Noir

If as we have decided to take your equipment to spend a night on the Emparis plateau, the shores of Lake Noir or Lake Lérie will surely be the places where you will put your tent.

The practice of bivouac (and hiking) must respect rules to be done in a respectful way (respect for nature, respect for other hikers): the mountain is not simply a campsite. This plateau, these lakes, is a fragile ecosystem that through bad practices could undergo irreversible changes. Do not leave traces (waste, excrement, toilet paper), do not make dishes or laundry in the lakes, do not make fire, do not plant his tent before 7pm and have lifted the camp before 9am... If you're interested, here's a very well built article on best practices for hiking.

> Bonuses, hiking of the Embaris plateau and the Black & Lérie lakes in loop version: « Lakes by the southern edge of the plateau ».

For many years, the inhabitants of the various hamlets have been exploiting the meadows and pastures of the Emparis plateau. To do this, they used different paths to get to their mountain chalet, a real little house to do everything during the summer seasons. Over time and the different evolutions in the region, these trails have gradually disappeared, covered by ever-present vegetation. But the association « Paths Before », well decided not to draw a line on this piece of history recently marked several beautiful hiking trails of which one (#11) that proposes to discover the plateau of Emparis from a new angle.

Since these hiking trails are relatively new and less frequented, signs and traces are less obvious than the GR. However, no fear, the remarkable elements (ruins, sheepfold, creek...) make it possible to orientate in case of doubt. When hiking, do not hesitate to use an offline gps map or application as maps.me to easily spot you.

Useful links to prepare the hike of the Embaris plateau:

→ Find out more about weather conditions: Blue weather.
→ Information on road access conditions: InfoRoute05.
→ The mountain rescue number: first call the 112 to give the alert, you will be put in contact with the mountain rescue unit (PGHM or CRS).
PGHM Hautes-Alpes:
04 92 21 58 58
CRS Briançon:
04 92 23 01 65
Office de tourisme Hautes-Vallées :
04 76 79 90 05