Provence Via Ferrata & Scrambles

Itinerary

Daily Itineraries

1) Via Ferrata Rocher St. Julien, Buis Les Baronnies
Just about our base town of Buis Les Baronnies, the latest addition to the Via Ferratas of the Provence. 4 sections that can be traveled independently or in sequence, in which case it takes about 6 hours to the highest point of this amazing limestone crest. Included are countless rope bridges and one zip line with a starting platform hanging above a vertical wall…..all within walking distance from Buis les Baronnies, a classic “provencale” town with excellent hotels, restaurants, markets and friendly people!

2) Via Ferrata La Grande Fistoire
About 20 minutes north of the town of Sisteron and one of our all-time favorites with some excellent exposure, an exciting hanging bridge and for those who didn’t get enough after the ascending the Grande Fistoire summit, there is an optional exit via an overhanging wall that will for sure get your forearms pumped. The high point is the descent with its three zip lines that span up to 250 meters! Most of the route is south facing it gets warm in the summer months. There is a small entrance fee to be paid at the Tourism Office, conveniently located at the base of the via ferrata hwere you park your car. Rated Difficult plus, 250 meters vertical travel, 930 meters horizontal, takes usually 4 – 5 hours rounds trip when all sections are being traveled.

3)Via Ferrata du Pas De L’Echelle
Close to the town of La Motte Chaloncon, about 1 hr drive North and East of Buis les Baronnies. Since a rockfall a few years ago, only the first part of the via ferrata is accessible, which makes for a fun 1-2 hrs trip that starts with an exciting zip line to the base of a little canyon, from where we can also exit the alternate start to do the zip line again. Overall the ferrata is not too difficult when accessed by the zip line and it largely traverses along a rock cliff proving good exposure. The round trip takes about 2.5 hrs, southern aspect. The day is best combined with swimming in a near-by lake or a great hike to a nearby peak, from where one can watch the enormous resident vultures sail by at eye-to-eye level.

4) Via Ferrata du Claps
Located in the Drome Valley east of the town of Die this via ferrata overlooks a maze of huge boulders that were the result of an ancient landslide and which created a really neat landscape with plenty of swimmable pools along the Drome River. The via ferrata largely traverses along a northern aspect rock cliff with a vertical rise of 200 meters. The crux is found right at the start, one bailout option half-way and the entire round trip usually takes 2 hrs, rated “difficult”. This trip is best combined with some rock climbing, swimming or with the previously described via ferrata Pas De L’Echelle.

5) Via Ferrata du Rocher A La Neuf Heures
Located directly above the traditional spa town of Digne les Bains, this via ferrata does an ascending traverse of an impressive rock cliff to end up on a little summit, which offers great views into the surrounding hill country. Some interesting rope bridges and balance beams – rated “difficult”. Round trip including the 30 minute approach walk from the town center takes usually about 4 hrs.

6) Other Scrambles / Equipped Trails
There are countless other scrambles and trails with cable protection in the hill country of the Provence which are not qualified as a via ferrata but do provide exciting scrambles and hikes through some amazing landscape. Examples are the Sentier De L’Imbut through Europe’s deepest canyon, the “Gorge Du Verdon”, an ascent of the highest point of the “Chaine de Gigondas” in the “Dentelles de Montmirails” and of course various trails and scrambles in the coastal range of “Les Calanques” at the Mediterranean Sea.

Via Ferrata and Scrambles in the Provence / France – 5 Day Itinerary (7 days with travel days)

Pre-Trip Suggestion:
We recommend our guests spend at least one night in Avignon, the old capital of Provence, and visit the numerous historical sites, including the Pope’s Palace and the bridge that is the theme of one of France’s best-known folk songs “Sur le Pont D’Avignon…”.

Day 1
Pick up at 3PM in Avignon, either at the TGV train station or downtown at a prearranged location. Avignon is easily reached by High-Speed Train TGV from Marseille or Paris. We will drive to our base town of Buis les Baronnies, about 1 hr from Avignon.

Day 2
Via Ferrata Rocher St. Julien is only a 5 min drive above Buis, walking to the trailhead from our hotel is also possible. Newly established in 2014, the via ferrata traverses a system of little spires in the north face of the entire ridge to end up on the summit. The via ferrata is divided into three sections of increasing difficulty. Each section can be done independently and the entire trip usually takes about 6 hrs. There is also a warm-up via ferrata, which takes about one hour.

Day 3
Rock climbing and scrambling in the “Dentelles de Montmirails”, two rocky crests rising above the famous growing areas of Gigondas and Chateau Neuf du Pape. There is a large selection of rock climbs of all grades from 1 to 4 pitches. We usually finish the day with a scramble to the highest point of the “Chaine du Gigondas”, a fun route that features remnants of medieval structures from when it was used as a lookout. Afterward, it is a “must” to visit the village of Gigondas and try some of the famous reds of the region!

Day 4
Probably our favourite via ferrata in southern France: La Grande Fistoire. Very exposed route with several options to increase the challenge level. A definite “must” are the three zip lines on the descent, which span over 250 meters in length. A scenic 2 hrs drive from Buis and hence this day lends itself very well to transfer to the Haute Provence (High Provence or to the Cote D’Azur) with lodging in the quaint mountain town of Moustier St. Marie in the Gorge du Verdon Regional Parc.

Day 5
Sentier de l’lmbut through the spectacular “Grand Canyon du Verdon” – Europes deepest Canyon. A trail right above the gushing waters of the Verdon with passages that feature some cables and chains for hand railing. Return by the Sentier Vidal. The entire walk takes about 6 hrs.

Two hours drive to Cassis at the Cote D’Azur for lodging in our little hotel right at the old harbor in the old part of town. For the remainder of the day, we suggest checking out the many shops in town, a winery tour in one of the prettiest wineries in southern France (walking distance from the hotel) or going for a swim in the Mediterranean sea.

Day 6
Traverse of the Calanques from the Calanque Morgioux to Cassis on the lower trail featuring some exposed sections with scrambling.

The contrast of the blue sea and the rugged limestone cliffs along the coastline is stunning. Some of the trails are cut into the rocks and require a bit of scrambling or hand-railing along cables but via ferrata gear is not usually used. Every once in awhile narrow bays (i.e. “Calanque”) with little pebble beaches invite for a swim.

Expect a long day with about 6-8 hrs of hiking, some easy scrambling (at times with chains and cables to handrail) and a fair bit of shorter up and down sections and several opportunities for a swim.

Guests are able to choose whether they spend their last night in Cassis, Marseille, or Avignon.

Day 7
Departure after breakfast. Transportation at the end of the trek is not included but we can assist with the arrangements.

Detail and Logistics

Meeting Point

Transport/Pick ups can be provided from Marseillie airport or Avignon train station the day before your hiking begins

Climate, Weather, Temperatures

Best season for hiking and doing via ferrata in Southern France is either spring or fall, which offer mostly sunny weather with moderate temperatures. The summer month are usually too hot, unless you pick early starts!

Provence Via Ferrata Gear List.PDF

Please download a PDF copy to use as a checklist when preparing for your trip.

Considerations

Arco is a sports enthusiast’s shopping mecca. There are at least 17 outdoor stores along a 300-metre stretch of the old town, intermingled with gelaterias, pizzerias, and coffee shops. If you need clothing, footwear, or gear for the trip, come a day early and shop to your heart’s desire.

Technical Gear

Bring or Rent the Following:

• Rock climbing shoes
• Light trekking boot or sturdy approach shoe with a fairly stiff sole for walking over rocky terrain and for climbing ladders and rungs
• Climbing backpack (25-30 litres) with rain cover specific to the pack
• Good quality, thin, well-fitting leather gloves for via ferrata sections
• Lightweight, collapsible ski poles**

Provided by OnTop Mountaineering, Upon Request:

Should you require the use of this gear, please inform your Trip Coordinator. This rental is included as part of your trip package.

• Via Ferrata Clip In Set
• Climbing harness
• Climbing helmet
• Two conventional locking carabiners

*Optional
**Optional but recommended

Clothing

We recommend the ‘layering system’: Bring light, technical clothing that doesn’t take much space in your backpack and dries quickly when sweaty or wet. Layers must be put on and taken off quickly as weather conditions change during the day. There may be days when you can wear cotton, but your main clothing choices should be synthetic or wool. Merino wool is a nice material for base layers and t-shirts because it is comfortable, warm, and it does not retain odours, even after many days of use.

• Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Lightweight wind and water-resistant over pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Lightweight synthetic trekking pants or zip-offs
• Medium weight Primaloft jacket with hood
• Medium weight fleece sweater
• Synthetic or wool base layers – top and bottom
• Synthetic shorts and t-shirt
• Quick-drying sports bra
• 2-3 pairs good quality trekking socks
• Warm hat that covers your ears
• Lightweight synthetic or wool gloves
• Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim
• Bandana or neck gaiter (eg. Buff)*

Lodging

• Casual clothing, spare socks and underwear, and comfortable footwear for the nightly accommodations
• Toiletries

Other items

• Sunglasses with high UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip protection with high SPF
• Small container bug spray or cream
• One or two, one-litre water bottles
• Headlamp with new battery
• Your favourite hiking snacks – candy bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc. Lunches and snacks can be purchased at the huts or in the villages
• Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
• Pocket knife*
• Passport, health and travel insurance documents
• Light stuff sacs or Ziploc bags to keep your backpack organized and important items dry**
• Camera, spare batteries*
• Maps, GPS, altimeter watch*
• Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Toilet paper – small amount for daytime emergencies
• Telephone with charging cable*
• Adaptor for European charging system*

Getting There

Meeting Point

Our meeting point will be either at our hotel in Buis les Baronnies, about a one hour drive north-east of Avignon in the hill country of the Drome Provencale, or at our pickup location in Avignon – see below.

Getting There

The closest international airports are in Marseille (2 hours driving) and Lyon (3 hours driving). From there, you can take the TGV train to Avignon, Bolene, or Aix en Provence – each about 1 to 1.5 hours drive to Buis les Baronnies.

We can pick you up at the Avignon train station or downtown Avignon at 3PM on Day 1 of the itinerary without extra cost. Alternatively, for a fee, we can pick you up and drop you off at either airport as well as at the TGV train stations of Bolene or Aix en Provence. Other meeting points can be arranged in accordance with your individual travel plans.

You can research your options and make train bookings at thetrainline.com. Try and book your train tickets as early as possible, as they become more expensive closer to the travel date.

Provence Via Ferrata and Scrambles Custom Trips / Private Group Departures:

Provence Private Group Pricing:
Why not find some friends and put together your own group? For private groups, we can offer the following pricing assuming the same inclusions :

2 participants: 60% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
3 participants: 40% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
4 participants: 8% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per person price
6 participants 8% discount from our advertised per person price
7 participants 12% discount from our advertised per person price
8 participants 15% discount from our advertised per person price

For groups larger than 8, please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Custom Trips

Custom trips are available any time from April – November, anywhere in Provence

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here