Gros Têt, Petit Têt and the lakes of the Plateau d’Emparis via the Col Saint-Georges

Access: once past the Chambon Dam, turn left towards Mizoën then Besse. In Besse, drive through the village and continue to the hamlet known as Le Gay. Opposite the campsite, take the track to Col Saint-Georges. Please note: this route should be avoided by vehicles with low ground clearance, as they may struggle on the bends.

(S/E) From the Col Saint-Georges car park, turn left towards the ruins of the Chalet Josserand, then continue right along the road.

(1) At the first junction, leave the track leading to the Refuge du Rif Tort on your left and continue down the track on the right. The road ends and gives way to a footpath that follows the Rif Tort and leaves it just before you reach its source.

(2) From this point, the route heads off the beaten track along the ridge overlooking the Vallon de la Buffe; you can soon make out the Chalet de la Grande Buffe below. This ridge marks the border with the Hautes-Alpes. Continue along the ridge, passing close to the source of the Rif Tort. The summit of the Gros Têt is easily reached.

(3) From there, head south down towards the Vallée de la Romanche until you reach the Petit Têt.

(4) Complete the ridge walk by heading towards the Plateau d’Emparis, whose lakes are already visible.

(5) Cross the^GR®50-54path without following it and continue straight on towards the plateau to reach the first lake, Lac Lérié.

(6) Continue along the first lake towards the second, Lac Noir.

(7) After going round the plateau and skirting Lac Noir, head back towards the Col Saint-Georges car park, heading north-west.

(8) At the junction, you can turn left to see the first of the Cristalilns Lakes. The return route, however, heads off to the right and continues down the plateau. Once you’ve passed the rock-filled section, the path joins the^GR®50-54at the fords.

(9) Follow the ^{GR® trails} to the left to reach the car park directly (S/E).

To protect the local flora and fauna, swimming is prohibited, fires are prohibited, all rubbish must be collected (including biodegradable waste) and dogs must be kept on a lead.

There are no water points or designated picnic areas, not even at the start car park, but a chemical toilet has recently been installed there.

Hiking boots are strongly recommended; whilst the gradient is not very steep, the grass can be slippery.

As this route is off the beaten track, it should not be undertaken in foggy conditions.

It is possible to start the return journey from the (5) via the Col du Souchet, but the plateau, just as much as the summits, really adds something special to this route.

Things to look out for along the way include marmots and edelweiss, both of which are very common.