Three days in the mountains with Manu and family: climbing at Le Chambon, via ferratas, a hut night and a chilly sunrise shared with the children.
A complete change of scene for these three days! Away from austere north faces, I meet up with Manu — my companion on a previous outing around Les Bans — who has brought his whole tribe to discover the mountains: his partner Manue and their lively offspring, Nathanaël, Mathilde and Titouan.
Day 1 — First climbing steps at Le Chambon
After a short night following a rather complicated return from the Pschitt gully, the family picks up a slightly diminished guide!
We take things gently at home before heading to the Le Chambon climbing crag. A first for the whole family! We split the day with lunch back at the house. Working locally has its advantages!
This first day gives the children a chance to get used to ropes, climbing and their guide. The parents try to keep up with the children, but it isn’t easy!
Before long, I’m adopted by this wonderfully warm-hearted tribe. We spend the evening together at home.
Day 2 — Ailefroide gorge via ferrata and a night in a hut
Today is all about discovering via ferrata! We explore the route through the Ailefroide gorge, which is new to me too.
The route has been thoughtfully equipped without detracting from the beauty of the place: footbridges, cable bridges, ladders… The children race along! Six-year-old Titouan and eight-year-old Mathilde lead the way.
The first section is soon behind us. On to the “sporty” section, which is more physical and more exposed, passing through a narrowing above the river.
A cable bridge takes us about ten metres above the water, followed by a traverse ending in an overhang. All accompanied by the roar of the river. Quite an atmosphere!
A little assistance is needed here and there: at six, some of those rungs are a long way apart! We leave the third section for another time. The day isn’t over: we’re sleeping in a hut tonight.
We pack our bags, try not to forget anything and reach our little mountain hut after dark.
The tribe quickly rediscovers its basic instincts: chopping wood, lighting a fire, eating… The young artists invent a thousand games while the adults daydream and chat.
We still go to bed early, ready for sunrise. With the clocks changing, it will come a little earlier by the clock! A mischievous garden dormouse does its best to disturb our night.
Ten-year-old Nathanaël’s verdict: “What a pest, that dormouse!”
Day 3 — Sunrise and the Les Vigneaux via ferrata
Five o’clock: ready for action! We set off into the chilly darkness towards our little lookout, with 300 metres of ascent ahead.
Up there, we eat breakfast while waiting for the sun. There’s a little wind, and it’s freezing. Everyone finds their own way to keep warm!
Our patience pays off. The sun rises, bringing a little warmth and some beautiful views. Wonderful!
We leave our perch and return to the human world. By 9 a.m., we’re back in the valley. Some people are only just starting their day; we already feel we’ve lived several little adventures!
And we’re not finished. To round off the trip, we tackle a second via ferrata. I hesitate between a very easy, playful route and a more exposed one I haven’t tried yet: Les Vigneaux.
We choose the latter! The exposure certainly delivers a few emotions, especially for the parents! Taking our time and adapting the support to everyone’s needs, the whole family does very well.
See you this winter for the tribe’s next adventures!
Practical Info / Route Topo
Day 1 — Climbing at Le Chambon
- A first family climbing day at Le Chambon, with lunch at the house and a gentle introduction to ropes, climbing and the guide.
Day 2 — Ailefroide gorge and a hut night
- The first two sections of the Ailefroide gorge via ferrata, followed by a walk to the hut, an evening around the fire and a night disturbed by a garden dormouse.
Day 3 — Sunrise and Les Vigneaux via ferrata
- A 5 a.m. start and 300 metres of ascent to watch the sunrise. Back in the valley, the Les Vigneaux via ferrata rounds off the trip.
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