Via Ferrata de Chironne

Topo and location map used with the kind permission of the guides of  Col de Rousset

Access/location: There is a small parking area with an interpretation panel to the right (north) of the road just beyond the Die side of the Col de Rousset tunnel. From here a short walk (10 minutes) brings you to the start of the route and the very picturesque donkey track which is part of the return route.

It is anticipated that anyone attempting this via ferrata will have the necessary skills and equipment to do it safely as getting it wrong is going to hurt!

The route: The route is in 4 distinct sections. The first section “La Chandelle”  which goes straight up to a shoulder.

The shoulder leads to the next pitch which is a slightly overhanging corner...

...which tops out behind a large slab, the route continuing via two entertaining planks bolted to the wall!

The route then diverges. Going right is “La Traversee des Toits” (the Crossing of the Roofs) which is overhanging and strenuous in sections (and is not recommended for those short in stature or lacking upper body strength)...

...whilst continuing upwards leads to La Grande Vire (the large ledge). Turning left at the ledge is the return to the start of the via ferrata. Turning right soon picks up the top of the Traversee des Toits route and continues on an ever narrowing ledge to the start of  La Sortie des Dalles - the final section of the route.

The section is splendidly exposed, with superb views, but not especially difficult. It consists of two reasonably long sections separated by a short traverse before topping out with even better views.

The route back to the start of the via ferrata is well marked, but can be a bit vague at the start of the wooded section.

Images by Paul Johnson, Andy Pryke and Glenn Jones

Other via ferratas in this area:

Pas de l’Echelle                         du Claps                                         de le Berche