Tour of the Emparis Plateau lakes from Besse-en-Oisans

On this 1,060-meter hike, discover the endless meadows of the Plateau d'Emparis, adorned with marshes, lakes and flowers of every color. All with panoramic views of the Meije, the Grandes Rousses and the Aiguilles d'Arves!

TECHNICAL INFORMATION Start: Beyet parking lot (at the end of the village). Ascent: 1,060 m Duration round trip: 5 h outward journey and 4 h return journey Return distance: 18.5 km Level: Difficult MAP AND TOPO IGN TOP 25 map 3335 ET (Le Bourg-d'Oisans - L'Alpe d'Huez) Topo map OBP n°3 (Oisans au Bout des Pieds) ITINERARY Start at the Beyet parking lot on the outskirts of the village of Besse. Walk straight on for about 2km to the municipal bivouac area at Le Gay. Walk past the bivouac area, take the track, then take the path that climbs to your left. The GR54 signs indicate that you're on the right track. The climb to the Col Saint George (700 m ascent) takes around 2h30. Once at Col Saint George, the climb gives way to a gradual descent to the center of the Plateau ("Plateau d'Emparis" on the yellow signs) over about 2 km. You'll then find yourself in endless meadows, looking like Mongolian steppes. Once you've reached the center of the Emparis plateau, head up towards the Col du Souchet. At the Col du Souchet, leave the GR and head for the lakes (Lac Lérié first). After Lac Noir, rejoin the center of the Plateau d'Emparis, then return to Besse on the GR. WHAT TO SEE ALONG THE WAY - Plateau d'Emparis - Lac Noir - Lac Lérié NEARBY SIGHTS - Besse village - Maison des Alpages