Orpierre (France)
Location: South East France (South of the Hautes-Alpes).
Family rating: Excellent.
Charming medieval Oprierre is a very typical and picturesque French village (14th century). Groceries, a bakery, a restaurant, pizza and locals playing jeu de boules on the village square. It’s a kind of a climbers village in summertime (including a climbing shop).
Access:
Most crags are at walking distance from the campsite and accessible for very young kids. Little waterfall and pool between the Château and Belleric crags.
Topo guide:
Topo guide is updated nearly every year and is available in the local shops.
Best season:
Spring-Summer-Autumn. Mediterranean climate (sunny and bright) but tempered by the altitude (750 m ).In Summer one has to climb in the shade (from 4pm onwards on the”château” for example).
Routes:
Ranging from 3 to 8b. Slabs and overhangs. Mostly single pitches but there are some interesting multi pitches as well.
http://www.orpierre.fr/escalade/fr/les-falaises/vue-generale.html
The bolting is very friendly, so perfect for kids and beginners. But there are also many challenges for top climbers.
Take the chance to make a day trip to the famous crag of Céuse (1,5 hour drive + 1,5 hour approach). Topo available on the campsite of Céuse: http://goo.gl/maps/WOIht
Accomodation:
Campsite: Les Princes D’orange (with swimming pool). Situated in the village at walking distance of the crags. Separate place for climbers (reduced prize).
Gîtes in the village.
On rest days:
- Mountain biking.
- Visit the canyon of La Méouge. This little cristal clear river is a perfect playground for kids: http://goo.gl/maps/sJ4go
- Super market in Eyquians.
- Culture: Orpierre itself, Sisteron etc.