Via Ferratas of the French Alps

66 routes between Geneva and Briancon

By Richard Miller

Pre-order - Publishing 15 December 2023

This book is available to pre-order. Payment will be taken upfront and your book will be dispatched from our warehouse as soon as it becomes available around the 15 December 2023.

ISBN

9781852846480

Availability

Reprinting

Published

20 Jan 2014

Reprinted

15 Dec 2023

Edition

First

Pages

352

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.90cm

Weight

370g

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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.

Seasons

the bulk of the routes are open from early summer to mid-autumn, with a fair number being open from early spring to early winter depending on local weather conditions

Centres

Geneva, Chambéry, St Jean de Maurienne, Grenoble, Briançon as well as numerous mountain resorts

Difficulty

a wide range of routes from straightforward protected walks ideal for beginners to highly strenuous, massively exposed endeavours suitable only for the most daring. All routes graded for difficulty, exposure and the seriousness of the environment. A full explanation of the techniques and equipment required is given

Must See

Routes on or near the Mont Blanc Massif, Lac Bourget, the Beaufortain Massif, the Vanoise Massif, the Chartreuse Massif, the Écrins Massif, the Queyras Massif and many other scenic highlights of the French Alps

Pre-order

Publishing 15 December 2023

This book is available to pre-order. Payment will be taken upfront and your book will be dispatched from our warehouse as soon as it becomes available around the 15 December 2023.

ISBN

9781852846480

Availability

Reprinting

Published

20 Jan 2014

Reprinted

15 Dec 2023

Edition

First

Pages

352

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.90cm

Weight

370g

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

Mountain safety

Map key

Route listing

Overview map

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

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

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

'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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Richard Miller

Born on Jersey, Richard Miller first discovered a love of high places among New Zealand’s Southern Alps. His passion for travel and exploring has since led to walking, scrambling, mountaineering and climbing across the globe. Latterly, having discovered the pleasures of continental Europe, he has focused on the Alps and Pyrenees.

Like many Brits, his first experience of a via ferrata was in the towering spires of the Italian Dolomites. Having found it much to his liking, he set about visiting as many via ferratas as he could and soon discovered a burgeoning number of new routes across Western Europe.

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