Sommet de la Platte

Sommet de la Platte rises to 1,483 m in the municipality of Val-Buëch-Méouge, in the Hautes-Alpes department, forming the highest point of the ridge overlooking the Méouge gorges. It lies within the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park and ranks among the more popular hiking destinations in this part of the Baronnies massif.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach by car follows the scenic road running through the Gorges de la Méouge. Hikes typically start from one of two villages: Saint-Pierre-Avez or Antonaves. In Saint-Pierre-Avez, parking reserved for hikers is available at the village entrance. The route from Antonaves heads toward an old tuilerie (tile works) and covers roughly 10 km with about 770 m of elevation gain. A longer ridge traverse linking both directions runs closer to 15 km with over 800 m of climbing, usually taking around six hours to complete.

What will you see?

The trail climbs through the Pierre Grosse woods, offering views down into the Méouge gorges, before opening onto the exposed Crête du Travers ridge. From the summit itself, a full 360-degree panorama unfolds: Pic de Saint-Cyr and Mont Chabre to the north, the Dévoluy massif and the Écrins peaks beyond, the Baronnies Provençales and Mont Ventoux to the west, and the Digne foothills together with the Buëch valley toward Sisteron to the east. Many return routes pass through the Gorges de la Méouge, where the river has carved a narrow, dramatic gap through the rock — one of the most photogenic stretches of the outing.

Hikers frequently combine the Sommet de la Platte with the neighboring Pic de Saint-Cyr (1,365 m), turning the day into a loop that bags both summits of the ridge.

When should you visit?

The Baronnies Provençales enjoy a mild, Mediterranean-influenced climate, keeping the trail accessible from spring through autumn. The clearest conditions — with visibility stretching to Ventoux and the Écrins — tend to occur in the early morning and during the shoulder seasons, when heat doesn't complicate the exposed ridge sections. In summer, an early start is advisable, since much of the route runs across sun-exposed terrain with little shade.

How long does it take, and who is it for?

The Antonaves option, at roughly 10 km and 770 m of elevation gain, suits a single afternoon for hikers with average fitness. The full ridge traverse, extending to about 15 km, calls for a full day and better physical preparation given the cumulative climb of over 800 m. No climbing gear is required, but sturdy hiking boots and enough water are essential, particularly in summer heat.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Sommet de la Platte? The summit sits at 1,483 m above sea level, the high point of the Crête du Travers ridge in the Baronnies massif.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The two main trailheads are the village of Saint-Pierre-Avez (reached via the Gorges de la Méouge, with parking at the village entrance) and the village of Antonaves.

How long does the ascent take? The shorter Antonaves route covers about 10 km and takes a few hours; the full ridge traverse runs up to 15 km and takes around six hours.

What can you see from the top? The panorama takes in Pic de Saint-Cyr, Mont Chabre, the Dévoluy massif, the Écrins peaks, Mont Ventoux, the Baronnies Provençales, and the Buëch valley toward Sisteron.

Can the hike be combined with other sights? Yes — many hikers pair the ascent with a walk through the Gorges de la Méouge and a visit to the nearby Pic de Saint-Cyr (1,365 m) as part of a single loop.