Recent years have witnessed a surge in the number of via ferrata routes
set up in the iconic mountains of the French Alps. With routes set on or
near many classics including the massifs of Mont Blanc, the Vanoise and
the Queyras, this guide shows the best of what is now available. The 66
routes in this guidebook are grouped by area - Geneva and the Northern
Alps, Chambéry, the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Grenoble and
Briançon - and run the full gamut of challenge, from very easy,
protected routes suitable for children, through to extremely exposed and
technical routes for experienced ferrataists only. Everything you need
to know to take up this exciting sport is covered here, including
techniques and equipment required and glossary of specialist
terminology, and all the routes are graded for difficulty, exposure and
seriousness. Routes are illustrated by topo diagrams on colour
photographs, and simple sketch maps. Those used to the older Italian
routes will find these French routes quite different, closer to
scrambling or rock climbing and often seeking out the most
vertigo-inducing terrain. But most routes should be within the reach of
any strong hillwalker and protection is high and well maintained.
