Via Ferratas of the French Alps

Clip on and climb into some of the most spectacular mountain terrain in Europe on 66 via ferrata routes across the French Alps, from the lakeside crags above Geneva and the dramatic gorges of the Chartreuse to the high alpine routes of the Vanoise, Écrins, and Queyras massifs near Briançon. The French Alps offer one of the most varied and rewarding via ferrata destinations in the world. Suitable for a wide range of abilities, this comprehensive Cicerone guide describes 66 via ferrata routes across six distinct areas of the French Alps between Geneva and Briançon. Routes can be enjoyed in 1 to 9 hours and are graded for technical difficulty, exposure, and the seriousness of the environment, from easy protected routes ideal for children and beginners to massively exposed technical challenges for experienced ferratists only. Choose from 66 via ferrata routes across six areas of the French Alps, covering Geneva and the Northern Alps, Chambéry, the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Grenoble, and Briançon, with routes taking in some of the finest alpine scenery in France. Discover highlights including routes on or near the Mont Blanc massif, the Beaufortain and Vanoise massifs, the Chartreuse and Écrins massifs, and the dramatic Queyras range near the Italian border, with many routes offering spectacular views across the surrounding alpine landscape. Prepare thoroughly with a full introduction covering equipment, moving safely on via ferratas, climbing with children, dangers, accidents and mountain rescue, and insurance, giving you everything you need to tackle the routes safely and confidently. Plan your French Alps via ferrata trip with practical information on getting to and around the Alps, accommodation in key centres including Geneva, Chambéry, Grenoble, and Briançon, and a full glossary of via ferrata terminology in French and English. Navigate each route with confidence using sketch maps and topos included for every via ferrata, alongside a full appendix listing all 66 routes in order of difficulty to help you plan a programme of routes suited to your experience and ambition. Plan your visit for the best conditions on the via ferratas of the French Alps, with the bulk of routes open from early summer to mid-autumn and a good number accessible from early spring to early winter depending on local weather, making this one of the most flexible via ferrata destinations in the Alps. Take on the via ferratas of the French Alps with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From beginner-friendly protected routes above the shores of Lac Bourget to the exposed technical challenges of the Écrins and Queyras, this is the essential companion for via ferrata in the French Alps.