Platé Refuge – Assy Plateau

(S/E) On leaving the refuge, take the path on the right towards the Col de Barmerousse, signposted as a 1 hour 45 minute walk. It is essential to follow the red markers that signpost the route to the Refuge de Varan. You will pass near some ruins, likely former sheepfolds, where, without straying too far from the path, you can take a short break before heading uphill again. You will reach the Col de Barmerousse.

(1) Begin a long descent down the slope, covering 700 metres in elevation, with a view of the hamlet where the Refuge de Varan is situated. At an altitude of around 1,850 metres, ignore a path branching off to the left and continue the descent.

(2) Continue to the left, passing in front of the refuge; the path then joins, from the left below the refuge, a signpost indicating the Plateau d’Assy is 1 hour 25 minutes away. Here, rejoin the^GRP® du Pays du Mont-Blanc until the next junction.

(3) Leave the^GRP® and head down to the right towards the hamlet of Curalla. Do not head up towards the upper part of the hamlet. Continue downhill until you reach a signpost reading “Pedestrian path – Plateau d’Assy 0h35”.

(4) By leaving the forest track to take this fairly steep path, you’ll save a little distance.
Please note! This path does not appear on the 1:25,000 IGN maps; the signpost is not very visible and is easy to miss. However, you can continue along the forest track.

(5) Join the forest track (near two reservoirs), cross it and immediately take a path heading east.
When the path splits into two branches – one going uphill and one on the right going downhill – take the path down to the right.

(6) At the signpost near a stream, head towards the Jardin des Cimes (0h10).

(7) Just before reaching the Chemin de la Charmette (tarmac road), if you’ve been doing the hike over two days, you’ll have returned to the signpost you passed the day before. Head down to your right to the car park (E).

You’ll need suitable footwear and a good supply of water, as there’s nowhere to top up your supplies before the fountain near the Refuge de Varan. There’s no shade along the route to the refuge. An early start is recommended.
This walk should be undertaken in dry weather, given the section through the sharp limestone pavement and the descent to the Refuge de Varan. Do not stray from the red markers that guide your way.
The long descent, where you’ll need to find a firm footing, may put a strain on your knees and/or thighs.
For the average walker, allow 5½ hours to complete this walk, plus or minus a little extra time for eating, drinking and resting.

You’ll encounter sharp limestone pavement during the climb towards the Col de Barmerousse. Be sure to take a look towards the Refuge de Platé before it disappears from view.
As well as the view of the Mont Blanc massif, to your right and then behind you, you’ll be able to admire peaks such as the Tête du Colonney, the Sautet, the Aiguille Rouge and the Aiguille de Varan.