Trek bivouac at Emparis Plateau
Bivouacking on the Emparis Plateau — the wide horizon, the stars within reach.
Duration
4 days
From
€500/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Set off to one of the most beautiful corners of the Alps to conquer the Plateau d'Emparis, a natural wonder between Isère and Hautes Alpes. Over 4 days and 3 nights, Captain Cyril will show you the most beautiful bivouac spots for unforgettable nights in a tent. Fully accessible by public transport via Grenoble's TGV station.
🌱 This trip has a reduced carbon footprint. By choosing it, you support sustainable tourism, respectful of nature, territories and the local economy — a simple and committed approach, driven by our agency's human and professional approach.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
The adventure region
Ecrins
Cap sur les Alpes du Sud : une montagne lumineuse, plus minérale, plus “grand ciel”, avec des paysages qui sentent déjà le sud. Ici, la lumière a quelque chose de spécial : elle accroche les crêtes
Discover Alpes du sud →Day-by-day itinerary
Departure to the Emparis Plateau
Meet at Grenoble train station at 10:15 AM then a 1H30 transfer by shuttle or bus to Freney d'Oisans.
Our journey begins here. We quickly arrive at the foot of the legendary Plateau d'Emparis near Lac des Clôts for our first night under canvas. We will learn how to set up camp, source water, etc...all while leaving no trace.
Elevation gain + 700 m / Elevation loss - 150 m / Distance 8 km
Ascent to Lake Lérié
Plateau d'Emparis → Plateau d'Emparis
Today, as an appetizer, we get to see the magnificent petrifying fountain, a unique geological wonder in Oisans. Then we continue our adventure on the Plateau alternating between streams and alpine meadows. This evening, we will be facing the Meije, a mythical summit and we will enjoy a beautiful night under the stars if weather permits.
Elevation gain + 1000m / Elevation loss - 100m / Distance 8km
Progression through the Emparis Plateau and summit at 3000m
Plateau d'Emparis → Plateau d'Emparis
On this third day, we explore the Northern part of the Emparis Plateau. If we feel up to it (and our legs do!), we will climb the Pic du Mas de la Grave. At an altitude of 3020m, it dominates the entire plateau and offers a magnificent panorama over the Alpes.
Elevation gain +1000m / Elevation loss -400m / Distance 13km
Return to Civilization
After enjoying our last mountain wake-up, we will start our descent along the Gâ stream. The shepherds' huts and alpine chalets we pass through remind us that pastoralism remains a predominant activity on the Plateau. Our journey ends in the village of La Grave. Return by shuttle to Grenoble train station at the end of the afternoon around 6pm.
Elevation gain + 150m / Elevation loss - 1000m / Distance 12km
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Transport to the meeting point (Grenoble train station)
- Down jackets (rental available)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Everything that is not explicitly mentioned as included
Included
- The service and guidance of the guide
- Bivouac accommodation, shared tent, mattresses provided
- Kitchen equipment
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Shuttle transfers from/to Grenoble train station
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Our adventures take place in France: a valid national identity card (or passport) is all you need. No visa or entry formalities required, and no mandatory vaccinations.
Keep an identity document with you during your stay. Travelers coming from abroad should check their entry requirements for France with the authorities of their country of residence.
Our micro-adventures take place in France. Liability insurance and mountain rescue and assistance coverage are highly recommended — they are often already included with a bank card, a FFME / FFCAM membership, or your home insurance.
For fixed-date group departures, consider cancellation insurance. If in doubt, your Captain will guide you toward the coverage best suited to your activity (hiking, bivouacking, climbing, ski touring, etc.).
Required level
- Physical effort: Sustained (trek backpack of 12 to 15 kg)
- Technical prerequisites: None
- Accessibility: From 16 years old if accompanied by an adult
Accommodation
Camping:
Nights will be in 2 or 3 person tents.
Hot meals in the morning and evening outdoors. Lunch is picnic-style.
Self-sufficient for 4 days, no showers or public toilets. A true nature experience!
- Departure confirmation: at the latest 7 days before the stay date
- Departure confirmed: from 4 registrations
- Sales closure: up to 3 days before departure, subject to availability
- Meeting at 10:15 AM at Grenoble train station, Return to Grenoble train station by 6 PM
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
France is part of the Schengen area. French nationals have no procedures to complete, of course. If you invite foreign relatives to join you, the conditions vary depending on their nationality: check with the French embassy in their country of residence before purchasing any tickets.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality custom trip, budget between €200 and €400 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. Paris is noticeably more expensive than the provinces. Our detailed quote allows you to adjust each item according to your preferences and comfort level.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We design itineraries at your pace, with stops tailored to children: Loire Valley châteaux, natural parks, Provençal villages, Breton and Basque beaches. We select family-friendly accommodations and activities that blend discovery and enjoyment for the youngest travelers.
It's simple: chat with our team to define your wishes, dates and budget. You'll receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours, which you can adjust freely. Once confirmed, your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your stay to answer any questions.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Nomadays is a network registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee, which protects all your funds in case of default. Secure payment, English-speaking assistance during your trip and support from A to Z: your peace of mind is our priority.
Let's talk about your adventure — Ecrins
A Nomadays advisor will get back to you to refine this project — itinerary, dates, budget, wishes — and propose a tailor-made version suited to your trip.
