Climb your way through Provence on this week-long adventure, featuring a mix of iconic and hidden rock-climbing destinations. Scale legendary limestone walls in Saou, tackle sandstone routes surrounded by vineyards, and enjoy unique experiences like lavender distillation and beekeeping on a rest day. With river swims, yoga, and artisan villages to explore, this trip is about more than just climbing—it’s about embracing the Provençal way of life. From via ferrata circuits at Mont Ventoux to Eyzahut’s towering routes, every day brings new challenges and stunning views. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just starting out, this guided journey blends adrenaline with relaxation in one of France’s most beautiful regions.
Welcome to France! Today, you’ll arrive in Portes en Valdaine and get settled in your accommodation. Tomorrow will be the first day of rock climbing, so get some rest and get ready for the amazing adventure that follows.
Accommodation: Apartment or cabin
The day begins with a hearty breakfast before we head into the Saou forest. We’ll be climbing in the heart of the famous syncline (unique rock formation), where a multitude of limestone walls have seen legendary climbers, such as Patrick Berhault.
After climbing the La Graville rock several times, we’ll take a refreshing dip in the La Vèbre river at the foot of the routes before strolling through the narrow streets of the village of Saou, filled with craftsmen, local producers, and artists. Later on, we’ll grab some refreshments at the bar on the village square.
Climbing area: La Graville, 40 routes, from 3a to 7b
Rock: Limestone
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Elevation: +20 m/ +65 ft
Accommodation: Cabin Les Palmitas Drômoise
Day 3 marks a change of scenery as we arrive in the land of vines and famous wines. After a morning visit to the village of Dieulet, famous for its many poets and ceramists. We’ll head for the small village of Rousset les Vignes, where a magnificent rock climbing site is hidden between vineyards and olive trees. On our way back, we’ll stop at the Domaine des Caminoes for a wine tasting directly from the winemaker.
Climbing area: Rousset les Vignes, around 30 routes, from 4b to 6b
Rock: Sandstone
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Elevation: +20 m / +65 ft
Accommodation: Apartment or cabin
Today, we’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of our accommodation for a day of well-being and discovery. Yoga, beekeeping, and lavender distillation are on the menu. There’s nothing like a good muscular recovery after several days of climbing, and yoga is the perfect tool! Your guides will teach you strengthening exercises adapted to your climbing progress.
After a good meal, between a swim and a game of pétanque, we’ll go and learn how to distill the famous lavender in the nearby village. We’ll continue with an introduction to beekeeping, where you’ll handle and learn the secrets of the precious bees. We can also practice new climbing techniques on the climbing wall by the pool.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Accommodation: Apartment or cabin
Get some height on the via ferrata du rocher Saint Julien at the foot of famous Mont Ventoux. This huge limestone slab is home to 4 shaded circuits of varying levels. Accessible to all, it gives us a bird’s-eye view of the land of olives and cicadas.
We’ll then head for lunch and a refreshing dip in L’Ouvèze, home to the Lou Passo climbing site. Swimming and climbing go hand in hand here, as you can belay right in the water!
Via ferrata: 5 routes
Climbing area: Lou Passo, between 50 and 100 routes, from 3a to 8b
Rock: Limestone
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Elevation: +35 m / +114 ft
Accommodation: Apartment or cabin
Surrounded by lush vegetation, we’ll enter a unique universe at Eyzahut. The climbing here is particularly beautiful, with sporting routes of up to 55 m / 180 ft! It’s a veritable vertical journey, with breathtaking views over the Valdaine plain and the foothills of the Vercors.
After a great day of climbing, your guide will invite you to enjoy a drink at La Fontaine Minéral, just a few minutes away. Enjoy shows, concerts, workshops, events, a bar, and a restaurant while relaxing by the river.
Climbing area: Eyzahut, between 25 and 50 routes, from 6a to 8a
Rock: Limestone
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Elevation: +100 m / +328 ft
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
This Provence climbing guide adventure is suitable both for beginners and advanced climbers. All levels of climbing are accepted, and the climbing sites chosen are suitable for beginners through to advanced climbers in the 6th and 7th degrees. Basic climbing techniques you need to know will be covered, as well as all the major routes and reclimbing and rescue techniques anyone may require.
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On this Provence climbing guide adventure, we’ll be staying in a waterfront apartment with 2 bedrooms that have a kitchen and a bathroom.
There are also 2 comfortable cabins with a kitchen and a bathroom, based on double occupancy. Communal areas include a swimming pool, pool house, relaxation area, and a small climbing wall.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Rock climbing in France can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has rock climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Provence climbing guide adventure is Portes en Valdaine. To get there, most people fly into Lyon Saint Exupery Airport (LYS). From there, you can use public transport or rent a car to reach Portes en Valdaine.
For those coming by train or bus, a shuttle will be available from Montélimar.
Once you’re at Portes en Valdaine, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time in your accommodation. Your guide will provide more details before the adventure begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!