4-day tour of the Plateau d'Emparis from Mizoën
This 4-day trek takes you along the edge of the Plateau d'Emparis, a unique feature in the massif of Les Écrins, and up to the Pic du Mas de La Grave (3,020m).
From Emparis, every view is one of breathtaking beauty. Down below is the Lac du Chambon, with the majestic peaks of Les Écrins up high. The plateau offers one of the finest possible views of La Meije, Le Rateau and the glacier of La Girose. The Pic du Mas de la Grave is majestic; it is an essential destination for the experienced hikers who come to the valley.
Route details
The tour starts with a short stage inviting you to explore the villages and hamlets along the way. The route rises uphill following shaley, overhanging paths, leading to the Lac du Lauvital and its discovery trail, then on to the hamlet of Les Clots, dominated by one of the most beautiful petrifying waterfalls in Isère.
The second stage first follows the banks of the mountain stream La Pisse, taking you above the famous petrifying waterfall. From here, it is a short walk to the refuges of Le Fay and Les Mouterres along a country track. The path then leads to the Plateau d'Emparis and its two iconic lakes, Lac Lerié and Lac Noir, offering a view of the glaciers of Les Écrins and La Mieje.
The third day is dominated by the imposing presence of the Pic du Mas de La Grave (3,020m). From the Buffe valley, the climb up to the Pic is a must for experienced hikers, and offers a 360° view. Then back to overnight in the refuges of Le Fay and Les Mouterres.
The last stage brings this trek to a gentle close. The descent runs through alpine pastures, leading to Mizoën along shaley footpaths. You return to civilisation as you pass by signs of life as it was once lived, through the ruins of alpine pasture huts and hand-crafted terraces.
More details
Informations to download
Tips
Herd protection dogs : In mountain pastures, protection dogs are there to protect the herds from predators (wolves, etc.).When I hike I adapt my behavior by going around the herd and pausing for the dog to identify me.Find out more about the actions to adopt with the article "Protection dogs: a context and actions to adopt".Tell us about your meeting by answering this survey.
Go there
Latitude : 45.049353
Longitude : 6.155799
38142 Mizoën
Go there
Parking recommended : Car park below the church of Mizoën. .
Public transport : By train, Grenoble SNCF station : www.voyages-sncf.com
By bus :
Bus lines in Région Sud : https://zou.maregionsud.fr/
Bus lines in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes : https://carsisere.auvergnerhonealpes.fr/
Bus lines in Isère : https://www.itinisere.fr/ .
Information updated on 03/09/2026
by Parc national des Écrins
