Multi-day walks, climbs, via ferratas, refuges, bivouacs and mountaineering - it’s all here

Vaujany is the perfect base from which to access incredible climbing in the French Alps as well as French Alp mountaineering. Several great multi-day walks are accessible from the top of the cable car or the village itself. The great system of Refuges in France, means an overnight or two up amongst the peaks is perfectly feasible, even for less experienced climbers. In the Oisans valley below several walls can be taken on. There are even practise walls in Vaujany and Allemont. The magnificent Ecrins National Park with iconic climbing destinations such as La Berade and St Christophe en Oisans are easily reached. Here is a selection of some of our favourites...

Refuge de Pilatte and Gioberney

Up the valley past St Christophe en Oisans the walk from La Berarde 1740m up to The Pilatte Hut 2577m takes a good half-day. The path climbs gently at first along the valley floor beside the river and then steeply at the end up to the refuge where you are rewarded with spectacular views of Les Bans 3669m and Pointe de la Pilatte 3476m with its impressive glacier below. The walk to the hut is a worthy outing in itself and fully justifies a stay overnight at the refuge together with a delicious dinner.

For those of a mountaineering inclination the normal route up Mont Gioberney 3352m (via the Col du Gioberney) is a relatively easy, mixed mountaineering route.

Refuge Temple Ecrins and Pic Coolidge

Having acclimatised on The Gioberney or Pilatte another superb endeavour nearby is the Pic Coolidge 3774m approached from Refuge Temple Ecrin 2410m, in the heart of the Ecrins National Park. This is a classic mixed route with some easy roped rock climbing pitches and a satisfying climb up a steep glacier to reach a summit that gives you an unrivalled view of the Barre des Ecrins south wall 4101m and also of the north face of The Ailefroide 3953m. A really brilliant expedition- climbing in the French Alps at its best!

Bivouac in the Lavey valley and on up to the Col de La Lavey

You could stay in the charming Refuge de La Lavey or bivouac at the head of the valley before a challenging walk up snow and ice to the Col de La Lavey which at 3309m must be one of the more demanding cols around. On the way up you pass beside the Lac des Rouies 2722m which may tempt you on your return and from the Col you gain brilliant views of Olan to the west and Gioberney and Les Bans to the south-east. You can even see the Aiguille Dibona nestled amongst the Soreiller Massif to the north.

A long walk in Le Cerces

Head over towards Italy, pass La Grave where you might like to stop and study La Meije, on over The Lautaret pass and then to your left is Les Cerces which is rich in grassy meadows, old pine forests and spectacular Dolomitic limestone cliffs. A good starting point is the Pont de L’Alpe de Lauzet 1710m. From here there are some wonderful walks and also one of the best via-ferrata in the area, the Aiguillette du Lauzet.

For the more adventurous climb onwards and upwards over the Col du Chardonnet 2638m and float down to the Auberge du Chardonnet 2223m, a truly delightful spot where you can linger, relax, eat and sleep. They even have a yurt here. If you have time then drop down into the valley the following day, play in the River Claree and stay at the Refuge Ricou 2115m. Just above the hut are two gorgeous lakes, Lac Laramon and Lac du Serpent 2448m, with views back to Les Agneaux and the Ecrins National Park.

Via-Ferrata in Les Cerces

The Aiguille du Lauzet is one of the more challenging via-ferrata in the French Alps and an awesome day out. Set off on foot from the Pont de L’Alpe du Lauzet (1710m), between the Lautaret Col and Serre Chevalier. Maybe stop at the Cabane de Roche Robert for refreshments and then walk a little further and you’ll see the start to the route on your right. The first 100 metres or so is a scramble and then you follow the fixed cable to the top. You need equipment specially adapted for via-ferrata and be warned, there are a few scary places! It is also a long route with nearly 600 vertical metres of climbing from the start of the via-ferrata (2020m) to the top (2611m). The final pitch is absolutely exhilarating and the top has wonderful views in all directions. You can walk off the top and you’ll generally see a few chamois here. Top climbing in the French Alps.

Bivouacing

If you really want to get touchy feely with nature then sleeping out in the hills under the stars is the ultimate pleasure! The only problem is you need a good sleeping-bag, a mat, ideally a bivvy-bag and warm/waterproof clothes etc so something of an investment if you are not already kitted out!

There are of course infinite bivouac sites but a couple we have enjoyed include beside one of the many pools along the Plan des Cavalles between 2800m and the Col du Couard above Vaujany (you may prefer to return via the Refuge de la Fare and Alpette as it’s a very arduous descent to La Villette with all your kit). Another is beside the stream between the Col du Glandon 1924m (to which you can drive) and the Lac de La Croix 2415m. A paradise with grassy meadows and boulders beside the bubbling brook! The whole area is awash with truly great climbing in the French Alps.