Via Cordata - of ropes & rocks in the Vercors
6 days from 895 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
FRVC01 
Maximum altitude 2200 m
Stamina level : 3 
Direct train from Paris Pros
- Varied itineraries
- A truly original experience: see the mountains in a whole new way
- Comfy and welcoming accomodation
- Travel light: our minibus is accessible every day
- Easy access: take a train to Grenoble (TGV Paris - Grenoble) where we pick you up with our minibus
- No worries: our minibus is used to get around and about; if you've rented gear it'll be delivered at the start of the trip
In a nutshell
This is all about vertigo trails in the Dauphiné Alps.
Though little known via cordata is a mix of hiking and rock climbing. You venture among and on rock walls to reach a summit. You’ll progress along ledges, natural terraces and mountain ridges using ropes. Sometimes, some equipment originally designed for via ferrata is used, including some abseils… The Vercors mountain range is cut out for this type of activity. The itineraries are full of surprises and the scenery is stunning. Looking for a thrill ? Come and challenge yourself on real vertigo trails.
You're a group of friends, family or just colleagues ? You wish to customize a trip, do a trip among yourselves at your convenience ? Contact us and we will tailorize a great adventure together. Our trips are all home made and we can easily adapt them.
Day to day
Day 1 - Via cordata - Gresse en Vercors
Halfway between hiking and climbing, the via cordata in Gresse-en-Vercors will allow us to discover an exceptional panorama with breathtaking view of the East Vercors barrier. This introductory route allows you to take in techniques to progress along via cordatas, to do some easy climbing, and to experience real abseiling.
Ascent: + 250 m
Meals included: picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: gite
Day 2 - the Gerbier ridge (2109 m)
Halfway between hiking and mountaineering and already closer to the sky than the mainland, this route on the ridge is a real trip in wallcreeper's country, small troglodyte birds nest in the walls of this area.
A nice warm-up to help master belaying techniques on steep trails, anchoring and abseiling (20 m) !
« Vertigo trails » type of route with two sections along via cordatas, including one quite impressive one; the rest is just walking though on exposed terrain.
Difficulty: PD/3c max (easy going)
Ascent: + 1000 m
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: gite
Day 3 - The Petit Veymont (2120 m)
From Gresse or the famous Mont Aiguille the elegant North Eastern ridge leads to the small Veymont and will not fail to impress you... Among the chamois and away from the crowd, this wild route has magnificent views.
« Vertigo trails » with two via cordata sections, including an impressive one; the rest is just slightly exposed walking.
Difficulty: PD / 3c max (quite easy)
Ascent: + 1000 m
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: gite
Day 4 - Big ledge of the big Baconnet (1744 m)
In the heart of the Trièves, this immense via lines the cliff for nearly 3 km ! Vertigo trails really make sense here ! We can not miss the incredible collapse of the marly base above the hamlets of Le Fau, 500 m high up, one of the largest abysses of the Vercors.
Difficulty: PD / 3c max (quite easy)
Ascent: + 500 m
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: gite
Day 5 - Archiane Cirque - the huge ledge (1600 m)
We are in the Drome, Southern Vercors, and the Archiane cirque, probably one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Alps. Known to mountaineers and climbers, this 400 m high wall offers major routes on a extremely steep limestone rock. A ledge of nearly 3 km crosses the face. Not extremely difficult but the isolation and the few technical sections make it a must !
Difficulty: PD (quite easy)
Ascent: + 1170 m
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: gite
Day 6 - Southern End of the Vercors (1800 m)
Kind of like Cape Horn for the locals, we are in Diois country, Provence is nearby but beware the complexity of the itinerary requires some experience ... And beware of the awesome views ...
Ascent: + 1200 m
Difficulté: PD / 3 (quite easy)
Meals included: breakfast and picnic
Please note this itinerary is an example of a via cordata trip in the Vercors. The guide may adjust certain itineraries according to weather conditions and/or participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision.
Meeting and leaving
Meeting points
-
Briançon in front of the Train Station
Meeting time: 7.30 am
Leaving time: late afternoon
-
Grenoble train station
Meeting time: 9.45 am
Leaving time: late afternoon
-
Gresse-en-Vercors - in front of the accomodation
Meeting time: 11.15 am
Leaving time: in the afternoon
Get together - practical information
Please wear your outdoor clothes on day 1.
We always do our best, but we can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at the one of the indicated meeting points, or at one of the drop of points where you'll be able to leave your car during the entire trip.
Access
Train & TGV access: www.voyages-sncf.com
Car access: www.mappy.fr
Car sharing: www.blablacar.fr
Parking
Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended) or just in front of our accommodation.
How technical does it get ? How fit should I be ?
Skill level
We progress on ridges, climb up chimneys and other steep terrain independantly. Some sections are technical and demanding.
Stamina level
You should be used to outdoors' sports and do endurance sports on a regular basis.
Good to know: If you haven't got the level required, the guide will be able to ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us!
Group size
5 to 7 participants
Guiding
You'll be led by one of our mountain guides.
All AZIMUT mountain guides are certified. We choose them for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.
Meet our guides and instructors just around the corner
Daypack
Bring a small day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) layers, a few snacks, your picnic and security equipment.
Pricing
The price includes
- Trip arrangements & organisation upon arrival
- Minibus transfers upon arrival at one of the indicated meeting points
- 5 nights accommodation on half-board basis and picnics for 6 days
- Safety & rescue equipment training/reviewing
- Certified and expert mountain guide services for 6 days (including all his expenses: meals, accommodation, transportation, ski lift fares)
The price does not include
- Transportation to/from the meeting point
- Gear rental if required
- Personal insurance
- Drinks (including those with meals at the hotel), personal extras, and any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the price includes”
Payment
A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance due latest 30 days prior to departure.
Insurance
We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity. You should be covered for medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.
Repatriation and research insurance are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur.
Tipping
Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.
Getting around
Azimut's minibus is used throughout the whole trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant and open: we can chat, sleep and listen to our own music !
Accommodation & meals
During the trip
- Depending on the size of group, you may share a room with someone of the opposite sex
- Half board in a gite, shared showers and toilets. Bed sheets, linnen and towels supplied.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner: we have breakfasts and dinners at the gite, and provide picnics for lunch. Picnics consist of good quality products including charcuterie, cheese, bread, a chocolate bar and a piece of fruit or a compote
- Snacks: to boost your energy we've chosen to provide Mulebar, tasty and great quality cereal bars
Before & after ski touring trips
Once we've received your booking, we'll provide you with a list of accommodation in case you need to book a night before or after the trip. All accommodation listed is close to the meeting points. You may often benefit from preferential rates.
Phone & WiFi
In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
Wifi is free of charge in our accommodation.
Good mobile & 4G coverage.
Equipment - clothing & gear
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and gives photos a funky edge !
Technical gear
- Harness, helmet, via ferrata set
- 35/40 liter backpack with hip belt
If you don't have the adequate equipment for the trip, don’t worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our equipment is relatively new, if not brand new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.
| Via ferrata kit (harnes, helmet, lunges) | € 50 |
Clothes
This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start. Always have in mind that good, comfortable, light and warm gear contributes to the success of a trip !
Headwear
- Light hat or buff
- Light cap for approach walks
- Sunglasses: photochromic glasses adapt to light intensity, varying from factor 2 to 4, and optimize visibility between sun and shade. Very useful.
Bodywear
- Upper layer: light fleece jacket
- Outer layer: jacket with a breathable waterproof membrane (Goretex type), light and compact so it doesn't take up too much space in your backpack
- Bottom layer: hiking or mountaineering trousers (softshell type fabric)
- Hands: light gloves (such as cycling gloves)
A tip: merino wool is breathable and has anti-bacterial properties and is therefore less likely to smell as opposed to synthetic fabrics. Take this into consideration if you need to update your wardrobe.
Footwear
- Hiking socks
- Light and comfortable hiking boots
Odds & ends
- a 1 litre flask (thermos or Camelback)
- a pocket knife
- factor 50 suncream
- a duffle bag holding up to 90 litres to leave at the hotel or in a vehicle. No suitcases.
- headlamp and spare batteries
Toiletries and first aid kit
- Personal toilet bag
- To make your a first aid kit, please find all information on Ifremont's website.
In partnership with
Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:
And last but not least...
Don't forget to
- Leave contact details with your friends and family
- Bring your papers and I.D. (passport and visa if necessary)
- Bring your contract number and documents related to your insurance (if you've chosen not to have insure coverage with us)
- Bring your “carte vitale” and your European health card (EU member states) - if you don't have one you can order one for free online www.ameli.fr
- Check that you have the right equipment
- Take spare batteries and a charger for your electronic devices (camera, video recorder, tracking devices etc)
- Bring some cash and your credit card
- Bring a delicacy from your home country or area to share with the group
- Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we may not happen to not make it to the summit !
- Before leaving: water the plants, empty the rubbish bin, turn off the water and gas, and tell your partner that you're going to have a great time (not by text message), that you've well deserved it... If you don't follow the latter recommendation, you'll may kick yourself when you get back !
We look forward to seeing you very soon !
Have great fun with AZIMUT !