Orpierre climbing in Haute Alpes, France

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ROCK - CRAGS

Orpierre	Haute Alpes - France

by Nicholas Hobley

Orpierre rates as one of the best low-grade crags in France. Nestled in a valley in the beautiful Haute Alpes, its compact grey limestone boasts over 250 perfectly bolted routes between 3a- 8c, with the vast majority in the 4a-6c range. On the face opposite there are a series of pleasant multi-pitch outings and the crag, just a short walk from the sleepy village center, is a must for many.

Getting there

Orpierre is situated about 130 km south of Grenoble and 170 km north of Marseilles. Take the N75 Sisteron - Grenoble highway and exit at Eyguians. Continue along the D30 for 8km to Orpierre.

The climbing

Orpierre is composed of 8 different sectors, the majority of which face south, south west or south east. All are well-bolted and easily accessable. See map for further details.
Total number of routes up to
4c+: 65
5c+: 92
6c+: 107
7b+: 26
7c+: 10
8a and above: 6

Food and Accommodation

There are various small supermarkets and a bakery in Orpierre. Accommodation is absolutely no problem. Choose from the following:

Camping
Princes d'Orange: +33-4.92.66.22.53, fax -4.92.66.31.08

Gîte d'etape
Les Drailles: +33-4.92.66.31.20, fax -4.92.66.32.76
Saint-Avons: +33-4.92.66.23.68

Hotel
Hotel le Céans: +33-4.92.66.24.22, fax -4.92.66.28.29

Restaurants
Croq'Roc: +33-4.92.66.25.40

For a more complete list contact the Orpierre Tourist Office: +33-4.92.66.30.45

INFO

Portfolio

The routes

Click to enlarge

Location: Orpierre

Province: Haute Alpes

Best time of year: Spring and Autumn. It can get too hot to climb in summer.

Rock: Compact grey limstone

Gear: Full set of quickdraws.

Rope: 70m

Beauty:

Height: 30- 200m

Orientation: S, SW, SE

Grades: 3a - 8c

Number of routes: 306

Bibliography: "Orpierre et Val de Meouge" published in French, English and German.
Available in Vertige Sport in Orpierre: +33-4.92.66.28.50

France : Haute Provence by Adrian Berry, Rockfax