Rock climbing between short and long routes in Orpierre, Ubaye, Champsaur

Rock climbing in the Ubaye Valley offers a truly unique experience in a wild and unspoiled setting.

With its spectacular limestone cliffs and breathtaking alpine backdrop, some sites offering stunning views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the region is a true paradise for climbers of all levels. The routes here range from technical slab climbs to vertical walls and multi-pitch routes, offering numerous opportunities for progression and exploration.

There are several crags to choose from, including Méolans, the local spot in the Ubaye Valley with 151 routes ranging from 3 to 8c, the majority being between 5a and 6c. This historic crag is not easy to master. Despite its so-called "easy routes," it remains a high-level climbing destination. You'll have to place your feet carefully and dig your nails in to spot the anchor! Most of the routes are spectacular, and some even claim that the walls in certain sectors are among the most beautiful cliffs in the south of France.

There's also the Seuil area, one of the most popular climbing areas in the Ubaye Valley, with 81 routes ranging from 4c to 8c, as well as L'Herbez, mainly reserved for experienced climbers, but with a few easier routes. Today's focus will be on climbing technique and putting into practice the rope and belaying skills and techniques learned.

Orpierre is a charming village renowned worldwide for its cliffs and sport climbing.

Completely surrounded by cliffs, the village lives to the rhythm of the climbers, who can be seen from the village square itself, busy on the overhangs of the Château cliff, the slabs of Belleric, or the summit of Quiquillon. It's the "village that climbs." There are over 600 well-equipped routes for all levels, ranging from 3c to 8c, with everything from slabs to impressive overhangs—everything a climber could wish for, so come and try it! There's a variety of multi-pitch routes of different grades and lengths, making it a perfect place for a first multi-pitch climbing experience. Today's focus will be on multi-pitch climbing techniques, including rope management and placing protection when using short multi-pitch routes.

Lunch can be a picnic or a meal in a village restaurant.

At the end of the day, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the village of Orpierre with a drink in one of the bars before your guide takes you back to Gap for your return journey.

Today you will leave the hotel and leave your luggage at the hotel or take it with you in the minibus to save time on your return to Gap (the guide can drop you off at the train station).

This day will be a highlight and an exhilarating experience: the ascent of the Pic de l'Aiguille (2,140 m), a summit overlooking the Champsaur valley. Its east face offers a superb 11- to 12-pitch route (up to 5b), perfectly equipped and ideal as a first major multi-pitch climbing experience. Expect magnificent slabs, some beautiful dihedrals, all with solid protection and the safety of your guide nearby.

You will climb in pairs, alternating the roles of lead and second, while your guide assists and intervenes as needed. It's a true learning experience, an opportunity to consolidate the skills acquired earlier in the week.

Your guide will assess the group's preparation on the day itself; if it is deemed too difficult or if the weather is not favorable, excellent alternative routes are possible.

If you prefer to climb fully supervised, it is possible to arrange a second guide at an additional cost so that everyone can enjoy the climb at their own pace.

At the end of the day, we will take you back to Gap (around 5:30 pm), in time for dinner at a restaurant and to catch the overnight train. If you would like to spend an extra night in Gap and leave the next day, we can help you arrange that.