Via Ferratas of the French Alps. Richard Miller
areas based on whatever criteria suits you best. A close inspection of the route descriptions and accompanying sketch maps and topo diagrams will reveal that a fair number of routes contain stages of different grades, and it is worth taking time to find the option that best suits your requirements. If uncertain of your abilities, do not start with a high-grade via ferrata but pick one of the easiest routes; if comfortable with it, consider trying something harder. Note that any references to the true left or true right of a river or stream should be taken to mean your left or right when facing the direction in which the water flows. Also note that all distances for sections of via ferrata mentioned within route descriptions are approximate.
The sketch map at the top of each route is highly schematic and not to scale. These maps are designed to assist with navigation to the routes by car and then to the start of the route on foot. The large majority of approach and return paths are well marked with signs, waymarks and cairns, so navigation is rarely complicated. For most routes, an annotated photo is also provided. This shows the line taken by the via ferrata together with other details. Readers should use these illustrations, in conjunction with the route description, to assess whether the via ferrata is suitable for them and, in some cases, for navigational advice once on the route.
Lac de Roselend seen from the top of the Roc du Vent (Route 12)
Route descriptions
The following information is given at the start of each route or stage description.
Location
The nearest village, town or resort to the route and the administrative area (Département) in which it is situated, as well as its GPS coordinates.
Length
Unless otherwise noted, this is the estimated length of the via ferrata only and does not include the approach and return paths.
Ascent/Descent
The total height gain and loss that the route or stage involves, taking into account both the via ferrata and its approach and return paths. The figure is not exact and minor undulations have not been accounted for. For some multi-stage routes, the ascent/descent figure stated in the route overview box is not the sum of the figures given in the individual stage overviews (Route 14, for example). This is due to differing approach and return paths.
Route grading
The technical grade, exposure and seriousness of the route or stage.
Total time
An approximate indication of the time needed to complete the route or stage, including a breakdown of the times required for the approach path and return path as well as for the via ferrata itself. Stated times assume that the reader has a reasonable level of fitness and do not allow for anything other than short breaks. Congestion can have a major effect on times, as ‘overtaking’ can be impractical. Should you find your progress blocked by a slow party, the time required to complete the route may be considerably increased. For some multi-stage routes, the total time given in the route overview differs from the combined times of the stage overviews, due to differing approach and return paths (Route 13, for example).
Highest altitude
The maximum altitude gained while on the route.
Map
The relevant map number from the IGN TOP25 series.
Technical notes
Direction: the main direction faced by the route or stage, which will have a bearing on the effects of the weather. For example, on sunny days south-facing routes may be uncomfortably hot, while on cold mornings north-facing routes may be unpleasantly damp.
Escape points: many routes feature one or more places where it is possible to escape from the via ferrata onto easier ground. For routes that are split into multiple stages, the number given in the route overview box is the total number of escape points for the whole route. The number given in each individual stage overview box is the number of escape points within that stage only. As some escape points are located between the end of one stage and beginning of another, the total number of escape points listed in route overviews is not necessarily always the sum of those listed in stage overviews. In addition, as well as escape points leading off via ferratas and onto easier ground, some multi-stage routes feature escapes that lead from a more difficult stage onto an easier stage (Route 4, for example).
When to visit
An approximate indication of the typical season during which a route is open. In practice, this will vary depending on the prevailing weather. Some routes may be closed by the local commune over the winter. If visiting in late autumn or early spring check with the local tourist office as to whether or not the route is open.
Useful websites
In most instances these are for the local tourist office. As well as detailing what the local area has to offer, these are potential sources of up-to-date information on routes regarding alterations or closures and may list places to hire gear or guides. Note that a number of these websites are for ski resorts, which typically have separate front pages for winter (hiver) and summer (été), with information relevant to the via ferrata listed on the summer page.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
Knowledge of basic French will be useful but is not essential.
Before deciding to climb a route, read the entire route description.
If unsure of your abilities, start with an easy route and progress from there (see Appendix A).
Make sure that you understand how to set up and use your personal safety equipment correctly.
Always check the state of your safety equipment before each use, particularly if you have hired your gear.
Do not hesitate to hire a guide if you require extra assurance.
Do ensure that you are adequately insured.
It is a good idea to check in advance with the local tourist office whether a route is open.
Have a back-up plan in the event of a sudden change in the weather.
GENEVA AND THE NORTHERN ALPS
Mont Blanc and Passy, as seen from the second balance beam on Via Ferrata de Curalla (Route 7)
Introduction
Geneva is actually in Switzerland, but serves as a convenient starting point for the routes in the area, being a major regional transport hub. There are air links with a number of UK cities and it takes three to four hours to reach Geneva by train from Paris. Once there, the A41 motorway leads south to Chambéry and Grenoble, and the A40 east to Chamonix and the Mont Blanc tunnel. Located on the Genevois Plain, Geneva is effectively an enclave within France, being separated from the rest of Switzerland by Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). The city is home to a number of national and international organisations and financial institutions, lending the city a cosmopolitan air.
In the event of poor weather, there are plenty of the usual tourist attractions associated with a city; be warned, however, that if you intend spending any time here it can be very expensive. Anyone on a limited budget should consider staying over the border at Saint Julien-en-Genevois or Annemasse. Further afield there are plenty of towns, villages and resorts that would make a good base, with the attractive lakeside town of Annecy particularly recommended.
The Giffre Massif, seen from the top of Via Ferrata de la Tour du Jallouvre