Via Ferrata Adventure in the French Alps
Via Ferrata Adventure in the French Alps
5 Days Starting and ending in Gap
Visiting: Mon Hotel A Gap, Ancelle, Serre Eyraud, Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy, Gorges d'Agnielles, Freissinières, Vallouise-Pelvoux, Via ferrata des Alpes : La Grande Fistoire et Les Ammonites
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VIA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 8
Age range:
14-70
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchTrip Styles:
Activities:
Private Available:
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From:
$935
$893 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$42
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the Southern French Alps, a region renowned for its dense concentration of via ferratas. This unique adventure invites you to conquer towering cliffs, navigate across wire bridges spanning breathtaking gorges, and experience the thrill of descending along zip lines. Our carefully curated via ferrata short break features a selection of the finest routes, including the historic first French via ferrata constructed in Freissinières (1988), and the renowned Grande Fistoire, celebrated for its grand Tyrolean zip line. You will climb 7 via ferratas in 5 days! Your journey begins in Gap, a picturesque town located in the Southern French Alps, amidst a plateau encircled by stunning mountain ranges. Gap's vibrant atmosphere is perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure, with its pedestrianised squares, charming cafes, bars, and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of elegant fountains. Each day, your guide will collect you from your hotel, leading you to explore various valleys and an array of via ferratas. This blend of thrilling activities and stunning Alpine scenery promises an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival
Location: Mon Hotel A Gap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mon Hotel Gap
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive in Gap and check into your hotel from 16:00, with luggage storage available for early arrivals. Explore its charming streets before meeting fellow travellers at 18:30.
Day 2 : Via Ferratas In The Champsaur Valley
Location: Ancelle, Serre Eyraud
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
At 8:30, your guide will take you to Champsaur Valley to explore two unique via ferratas.
Via Ferrata of Ancelle:
Starts at 1600m, offering a high-altitude adventure overlooking Rouanne Valley. It features 250m of climbing and 170m ascent, including a wire bridge.
Lunch:
Choose between a restaurant meal in Pont du Fosse or a picnic at Ancelle. Decide en route and we'll arrange bookings or a bakery picnic.
Via Ferrata Arthouze:
A dramatic route with three sections, each more challenging. It includes a 40m pillar climb, a natural tunnel, and a vertical cliff, culminating in a near-vertical 500m ascent.
Day 3 : Via Ferratas In The Devoluy Massif
Location: Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy, Gorges d'Agnielles
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
ChatGPT
Devoluy:
A wild, untouched limestone massif, home to wolves and Alpine wildlife.
Via Ferrata Gorges D'Agnielles:
A 500m route over a gorge, suitable for children aged seven and up. It has an easy start, followed by a sportier, more vertical second section.
Lunch:
Options include dining in St Etienne or picnicking by the stream after the morning activity.
Via Ferrata Les Etroits:
An 1100m challenging route through a narrow gorge, featuring caves and unique formations. An easier route is available before the more athletic section.
Day 4 : Via Ferratas In The Ecrins Massif
Location: Freissinières, Vallouise-Pelvoux
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin with a scenic drive by Serre Poncon lake towards the Ecrins Massif's east side.
Via Ferrata La Falaise, Freissinieres:
France's first recreational via ferrata, created in 1988. Offers panoramic views of the Freissinieres valley. This 1000m route, with a 200m ascent, starts easy and becomes challenging towards the summit.
Lunch:
Choose between a picnic or restaurant lunch between the two via ferrata sites.
Via Ferrata Gorges d'Ailefroide:
Selected for its granite rock, offering a unique experience. Features two levels: an easier 300m section with monkey bridges, and a tougher 350m route with a technical wire bridge and steep climb.
Day 5 : Via Ferrata La Grande Fistoire And Return Home
Location: Via ferrata des Alpes : La Grande Fistoire et Les Ammonites
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Check out from the hotel this morning, with an option to store bags or book an extra night.
Today's highlight is La Grande Fistoire, the finest via ferrata in the French Alps.
Via Ferrata La Grande Fistoire:
A half-day adventure, starting with a cliff face climb and a wooden swing bridge. Face a wire bridge leading to a steep ladder ascent. Enjoy lunch with spectacular views at the summit, followed by an exhilarating descent via three Tyrolean zip lines, spanning 150m, 130m, and 220m.
Return to Gap by mid afternoon for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
You will be staying in a 3 star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
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Fully Guided
Your guide is an experienced and fully qualified UIAGM high mountain guide local to the area.
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Transport
You will be transported to the via ferratas each day in a minibus
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Carbon offsetting
A tree planted on your behalf to help with your carbon offsetting
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Smartphone App
A personalised App with all the details and practical information for your holiday for your smartphone.
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Equipment
All specialist via ferrata and safety equipment provided (helmet, harness, shock absorbing cows tails, ropes)
What's Not Included
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Your journey to Gap
You will need to make your own way to Gap but we can help you plan your journey
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Picnic or restaurant lunches
Some days will include the possibility of a restaurant lunch and others will require a picnic which you will be able to pick up en-route from a local baker
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Evening meals
Restaurant evening meals and drinks in Gap in the evenings - we will help organise restaurant bookings so you can explore the best local eateries
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Tips for the guide
at your discretion
Mode of Transport
Minibus
Accommodation
3 star hotel situated in the heart of Gap
Check out our Q&As
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
For those who relish a vertical adrenaline rush, this trip is perfect! No prior via ferrata experience is required, but a good head for heights and climbing skills are beneficial. A moderate to high fitness level is needed for a day of via ferrata climbing. Regular physical activity, be it gym workouts, hill walking, running, climbing, or football, will prepare you well. Participants must be at least 14 years old.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
The prices are based on 2 people sharing a room. If you prefer a room to yourself, you will need to pay a supplement. This is reflected the pricing when you choose your rooms. We do not put solo travellers with strangers in rooms.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If the minimum numbers are not reached, you will be given the choice of a full refund, an altered itinerary or the possibility to pay a supplement to cover the additional costs. This would be offered to all participants so the outcome for the last two options also depends on their agreement too.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 16 but in this case we would have 2 guides so in effect would operate like two groups.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
The guides are local and french but speak English. The language of the tour is English.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
We achieved Travelife certification in July 2023
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will give you a smartphone app with your itinerary, all your travel documents, weather and everything else you might need for your holiday.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Sally Guillaume has been operating Undiscovered Mountains, previously under the brand name Undiscovered Alps, since 2005.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we vet all our accommodation to make sure they meet local health and safety requirements and offer quality and value for money with friendly welcome.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Dates & Availability
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Thursday - Monday
Jun 06, 2024 - Jun 10, 2024Thursday - Monday
Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Thursday - Monday
Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Friday - Tuesday
Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Undiscovered Mountains requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered mountains charges.
Up to 43 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 16 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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