Via-ferrata of St Christophe en Oisans – Section 1

TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS :
Time : 2h30
Difficulty : D+
Start : 1200 m
Heigh gain : 180 m
Orientation : South-West

GUIDES, MAPS :
- Top 25 IGN, 3336 ET, Les 2 Alpes.
- Les via ferrata autour de Grenoble et Briançon, éditions Glénat.
- Toutes les via ferrata de France, éditions Libris.

This route gets off to a great start: a small rocky overhang above the turbulent Véneon! You then gain height until you reach a swinging footbridge (15 m) that looks a bit like a bridge from the depths of Columbia… You pull yourself over a fine rock-step, followed by some slabs, before reaching the road to Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, and the second part of the route to the Vierge du Collet.

This first section offers a very varied and playful route in the cliff overhanging the torrent. The start puts you in the mood straight away: a small rocky bar overhanging the tumultuous Vénéon... You then gain altitude until you reach a footbridge with a strong roll that evokes bridges from the depths of Colombia. You cross a nice jump, then some slabs before joining the road to Saint-Christophe en Oisans.

To continue on the second part of the via ferrata to the Vierge du Collet, simply cross the road and take the start. The rest of the via ferrata is a separate route (30 mins.) that is ideal for budding climbers, eager to tackle a rock face for the first time. Children from the age of 6 can put on a harness and learn to move along the cable without any fear. There are escape routes that allow you to shorten the climb if they feel tired.

This second section is very easy, with escape routes allowing children from 6 years old to try out the practice.

To return to your car: 2 options
- Return by the Vénéon 1h: go down to the hamlet of Granges, cross the Vénéon then turn right along the Vénéon to the footbridge which will take you directly to the Plan du Lac footbridge where you will be parked.
- Return via Le Puy 1h40: from the vierge du Collet go to the left, this path will take you to the village of Le Puy. From there, continue in the direction of Les 2 Alpes until the Perrons/Plan du Lac intersection. Take the path on the left which goes down to Plan du lac, you will arrive at the car park next to the gite.
- We strongly advise against returning by road!

Via ferrata equipment can be hired at the white water base located at the Plan du Lac bridge.

Minimum age: 8 years