Via Ferratas of the French Alps

This guidebook covers 66 varied via ferratas in the French Alps. The routes are spread over six areas: Geneva and the Northern Alps, Chambéry, Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Grenoble and Briançon, amid the Mont Blanc, Vanoise and Queyras ranges. Difficulty ranges from easy, protected routes through to exposed, technical challenges.

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Overview

The 66 via ferrata routes in this guidebook are grouped by area - Geneva and the Northern Alps, Chambery, the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Grenoble and Briancon - and run the full gamut of challenge, from very easy, protected routes suitable for children, through to extremely exposed and technical routes for experienced ferratists only. Routes are illustrated by topo diagrams on colour photographs, and simple sketch maps. Those used to the older Italian routes will find these French routes quite different, closer to scrambling or rock climbing and often seeking out the most vertigo-inducing terrain. But most routes should be within the reach of any strong hillwalker and protection is high and well maintained. Recent years have witnessed a surge in the number of via ferrata routes set up in the iconic mountains of the French Alps. With routes set on or near many classics including the massifs of Mont Blanc, the Vanoise and the Queyras, this guide shows the best of what is now available.

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction
When to go
Getting to the Alps
Getting around
Language
Costs
Accommodation
Maps
Route grading
Equipment
Moving safely
Climbing with children
Dangers
Accidents and mountain rescue
Insurance
Using this guide
Geneva and the Northern Alps
Route 1 Via Ferrata Fort l’Ecluse
Route 2 Via Ferrata Jacques Revaclier
Route 3 Via Ferrata des Saix de Miolène
Route 4 Via Ferrata du Rocher de la Chaux
Route 5 Via Ferrata du Saix du Tour
Route 6 Via Ferrata du Mont
Route 7 Via Ferrata de Curalla
Route 8 Via Ferrata de la Tour du Jallouvre
Route 9 Via Ferrata Yves Pollet Villard
Route 10 Via Ferrata de Thônes – La Roche à l’Agathe
Route 11 Via Ferrata d’Ugine
Route 12 Via Ferrata Le Roc du Vent
Chambéry
Route 13 Via Ferrata de la Guinguette
Route 14 Via Ferrata Roc du Cornillon
Route 15 Via Ferrata École de Rossane
Route 16 Via Ferrata Savoie Grand Revard
Route 17 Via Ferrata La Grotte du Maquis
Route 18 Via Ferrata de Roche Veyrand
Tarentaise
Route 19 Via Ferrata du Cochet
Route 20 Via Ferrata du Levassaix
Route 21 Via Ferrata du Lac de la Rosiere
Route 22 Via Ferrata de la Croix des Verdons
Route 23 Via Ferrata des Grosses Pierres
Route 24 Via Ferrata du Plan du Bouc
Route 25 Via Ferrata de Pralognan
Route 26 Via Ferrata des Bettières
Route 27 Via Ferrata Roc de Tovière
Route 28 Via Ferrata Les Plates de la Daille
Maurienne
Route 29 Via Ferrata d’Andagne
Route 30 Via Ferrata du Col de la Madeleine
Route 31 Via Ferrata du Pichet
Route 32 Via Ferrata du Diable
Route 33 Via Ferrata de L’École Buissonnière
Route 34 Via Ferrata du Télégraphe
Route 35 Via Ferrata de Poingt Ravier
Route 36 Via Ferrata du Rocher Saint Pierre
Route 37 Via Ferrata de Comborsière
Route 38 Via Ferrata de St-Colomban-des-Villards
Route 39 Via Ferrata de l’Adret
Grenoble
Route 40 Via Ferrata de la Cascade de l’Oule
Route 41 Via Ferrata Les Prises de la Bastille
Route 42 Via Ferrata du Croix de Chamrousse
Route 43 Via Ferrata de l’Alpe du Grand Serre
Route 44 Via Ferrata de l’Alpe d’Huez
Route 45 Via Ferrata Cascade de la Fare
Route 46 Via Ferrata Cascade de la Pisse
Route 47 Via Ferrata Les Perrons
Route 48 Via Ferrata de St-Christophe-en-Oisans
Route 49 Via Ferrata des Mines du Grand Clôt
Route 50 Via Ferrata d’Arsine
Briançon
Route 51 Via Ferrata l’Aiguillette du Lauzet
Route 52 Via Ferrata du Rocher du Bez
Route 53 Via Ferrata du Rocher Blanc
Route 54 Via Ferrata de la Croix de Toulouse
Route 55 Via Ferrata de la Schappe
Route 56 Via Ferrata Les Vigneaux
Route 57 Via Ferrata de l’Horloge
Route 58 Via Ferrata des Gorges de la Durance
Route 59 Via Ferrata de Tournoux
Route 60 Via Ferrata du Torrent de la Combe
Route 61 Via Ferrata des Gorges d’Ailefroide
Route 62 Via Ferrata de la Falaise
Route 63 Via Ferrata d’Arvieux
Route 64 Via Ferrata de Fort Queyras
Route 65 Via Ferrata des Rochers de la Clapière
Route 66 Via Ferrata des Orres

Appendix A Routes listed in order of difficulty
Appendix B Glossary of via ferrata terminology
Appendix C Useful French words and phrases
Appendix D Useful contacts

Maps

It is likely that the majority of readers will visit these routes by car; to that end a good, up-to-date, road atlas is highly recommended. Most of the routes cover a small area and make use of their own purpose-built approach and descent paths. For this reason, a topographical map will be of limited use.

However, for a handful of longer mountain routes such as the Via Ferrata d’Ugine (Route 11) or Via Ferrata l’Aiguillette du Lauzet (Route 51), one may come in handy. In any event, if you plan to extend your outing beyond the via ferrata or just wish to have a better appreciation of the surrounding landscape, a topographical map will be useful. The Institut Géographique National (IGN) produces the standard range of French topographic maps, which are of a similar quality to British Ordnance Survey maps. The most suitable series is the IGN Carte de Randonnée TOP25 series, which has a blue cover. These are widely available from newsagents and tourist offices throughout France and can also be ordered online. The IGN website (www.geoportail.fr), which features scalable topographical and satellite maps, is also extremely useful.

Updates

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April 2016

Route Updates and corrections

There has been a product alert for Petzl ASPIR harnesses. Please see the the following link for details: https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/News/2016-4-22/Alert--malicious-acts-carried-out-on-ASPIR-harnesses#.Vxz1NTcrLxB. Readers should bear in mind the issue raised by this alert when making any purchase of via ferrata safety equipment from the internet.'

There has been a product recall for Black Diamond Via Ferrata self-belay lanyards. Please see the the following link for details: https://warranty.bdel.com/ViaFerrataRecall/Landing

July 2015

Route 40 - Via Ferrata de la Cascade de L'Oule

This via ferrata remains closed and is unlikely to reopen during 2015

September 2014

Route 40 - Via Ferrata de la Cascade de L'Oule

This via ferrata has closed due to rock fall. It is not likely to reopen this year but should be usable again from spring 2015.

August 2014

New Via Ferrata Rocher de l'envers

A new via ferrata has opened close to the village of Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze, which is located 10km to the north of Route 40 (page 224). The route is reportedly fairly easy and takes 2-3 hours to complete. It should be avoided in wet weather."

July 2014

New Via Ferrata Bellevaux

A new via ferrata has opened near the village of Bellevaux. This is located 10km south of Thonon-les-Bains, near Routes 3 and 4. It is reportedly free to use with your own equipment, quite large and incorporates a number of bridges and other elements, covering a range of difficulties. The local tourist office contact details can be found at http://ete.bellevaux.com/office-du-tourisme-bellevaux-val-d-hermone.html.

p204; Route 36 Via Ferrata du Rocher Saint Pierre – Stage A: 1ère Partie

An additional section of via ferrata has been added, which provides an easier alternative to the Échelle de Tichodrome.

p219; Route 39 Via Ferrata de l'Adret – Stage B: Le Bastion

This is reportedly closed for the whole of the 2014 season. Stage A is still open.

p300; Route 58 Via Ferrata des Gorges de la Durance

A new section of via ferrata has been added, which is designed specifically for small children (ages four and up).

p327; Route 64 Via Ferrata de Fort Queyras

As of mid-July 2014 this route has been temporarily closed due to an access dispute. Hopefully the dispute will be resolved quickly, but make sure to check with the local tourist office before visiting. Their contact details can be found at www.chateauvillevieille.com/office-tourisme-ete.html.

Reviews

A bargain given the number of hours of enjoyment that could be had by doing all of the routes in the book.

The guide has been compiled by Richard Miller who clearly holds Via Ferratas close to his heart. There are a whopping 43 pages of introduction, detailing everything from safety, equipment and when to go. If you're not familiar with the process of 'doing' a Via Ferrata, or are planning to go yourself without calling at a tourist info centre first, then do take the time to read this section.

It's a bargain given the number of hours of enjoyment that could be had by doing all of the routes in the book.

Matt Heason

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'This new book by Richard Miller is a must for any via ferrata fan looking to explore the ever-increasing spectacular climbs in the French Alps...

This is a comprehensive guide with routes for everyone. The routes are all graded for difficulty, exposure and overall seriousness and each is illustrated with sketch maps, photos and topo diagrams. All the details are here including access information, approach and descent details, length of the route, and expected time. In addition to the routes themselves, Richard Miller also includes vital explanations of the equipment and techniques required to get you started and a glossary of via ferrat terminology to make sure you're in the know. There's even a list of useful French words and phrases included in the book to help you order yourself a stiff drink in a local hostelrie after a day on the mountain'.

Trek and Mountain's Book of the Month, September 2014

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