Emparis Plateau stretches at approximately 2,000 meters elevation, facing the Meije massif, in the La Grave sector of Hautes-Alpes. This vast grassy alpine pasture, dotted with glacial lakes, offers one of the most direct panoramas of Meije's north face (3,983 m). It is a hiking terrain accessible in the fair season, prized for its alpine flora, lake reflections and the immediate proximity of glaciers.

Practical info at a glance

• Access : usual departure from the hamlet of Chazelet or from La Grave, on foot or by cable car (La Grave side, serves the Girose sector).
• Recommended season : July to September for a clear plateau; snow-covered the rest of the year.
• Suggested duration : half day to full day depending on the route chosen.
• Level : moderate hiking from Chazelet; sustained climb but without technical difficulty.
• Equipment : hiking boots, windbreaker, sunscreen — the plateau is very exposed.
• Accessibility for people with reduced mobility : not wheelchair accessible.

What to see

The plateau is dominated by the frontal view of Meije and its hanging glaciers. Several small lakes — including Lac Lérié and Lac de la Muzelle on the Vénéon side — punctuate the pasture. In summer, the flora is remarkable: gentians, Alpine anemones, rhododendrons. Marmots colonize the scree slopes along the plateau's edges.

History and context

La Grave and its pastures long lived from transhumant herding. Emparis Plateau was part of the collective summer pastures used by villages of Valbonnais and Romanche. Mont Meije, for its part, was one of the last great Alpine faces to be conquered: its main summit was only reached in 1877 by Boileau de Castelnau and guides Gaspard. This context of pioneering alpinism still permeates the atmosphere of the sector.

Highlights of the visit

Lac Lérié and the reflection of Mont Meije

On calm mornings, the surface of Lac Lérié reflects the ridges and glaciers of Mont Meije. It is the most sought-after photographic spot on the plateau. Arrive early to avoid the wind that ripples the water by midday.

The alpine pasture flora

Between July and mid-August, the pasture is covered with stemless gentians, glacier buttercups and Martagon lilies. The plateau is included within the perimeter of Ecrins National Park, which guarantees the preservation of this biodiversity.

The panorama over Meije and the Ecrins

From the high points of the plateau, the view extends over Meije, Le Râteau, Girose Glacier and, on clear days, to the summits of the Ecrins massif. No wooded obstacle filters the view: the horizon is entirely mineral and glacial.

Photography tips

Morning light (before 9 am) is ideal: it strikes the Meije glaciers directly and Lac Lérié is still calm. In late afternoon, the ridges fall into shadow. Avoid midday in summer, often veiled by cumulus clouds. No known photography restrictions, but trampling off-trail is discouraged in the national park.

Location and access

Emparis Plateau is located on the municipality of La Grave, in Hautes-Alpes (05), bordering the Ecrins National Park. The most common departure point is from the hamlet of Chazelet, accessible by car from La Grave via a narrow road. La Grave itself is on the RN91, between Briançon and Grenoble. No regular public transport to Chazelet in season.

Nearby

• La Grave – La Meije: high mountain village at the foot of the glacier, departure point for the cable car to Girose.
• Girose Glacier: accessible by cable car from La Grave, overhead view of the seracs.
• Ecrins National Park: the plateau is included in this park, one of the largest protected areas in the French Alps.
• Col du Lautaret: a few kilometers away, alpine garden and passage point towards Briançon.