French Alps 1-week multi activity holiday in France

Itinerary

French Alps 1-week multi activity holiday in France: Itinerary.

OVERVIEW

This itinerary gives you a taste of what’s in store, though our guides may adjust the routes and sites during your trip to ensure the best experience based on weather, conditions, and group dynamics.

We’ve handpicked stunning climbing limestone locations in Orpierre famous around the world for its limestone cliffs, the Ubaye known for its wild and quiet quality climbing spot, and the Champsaur on the edge of the Ecrins National Park. These sites offer a wide range of grades and styles, from delicate slab climbs to athletic overhangs, across both single and multi-pitch routes—ideal for climbers of all levels looking to improve and explore different techniques.

Beyond offering top-class climbing on the iconic cliffs of the Alps, this trip is designed to boost your skills and confidence. With expert guidance on safe and efficient rope work, you’ll gain the knowledge and habits for more independent, secure climbing on big multi-pitch routes.

All routes on this trip are bolted routes so the focus will be on using quickdraws correctly, belaying safely with different techniques, rope management and belay set up on multi pitch belays, leading and seconding.

To add some extra adventure and break up the climbing, we have included some other bucket list adventures into this itinerary including a super fun canyoning experience, paddleboarding on the magnificent Serre Ponçon lake and the via ferrata, La Grande Fistoire, a magnificent and challenging via ferrata with three giant zip lines for getting back down.

Day 1 Arrival

Arrive in Gap at your own pace and check into your hotel. Our team is happy to assist in planning your journey—our speciality!

At 18:30, we recommend gathering in the hotel reception to meet fellow adventurers before heading out to dinner. We’re also pleased to recommend and reserve restaurants for you in advance.

Rooms are available from 16:00, but if you arrive earlier, we can arrange luggage storage so you can start exploring. Gap’s charming alpine town centre offers a Provencal atmosphere with pedestrianised streets, bustling squares, and unique boutiques waiting to be discovered.

For those arriving after 21:00, please let us know so we can arrange your late access to the hotel.

Day 2 Climbing at Dauphins and Corbières

In the morning, your guide will pick you up from the hotel and lead you to a stunning limestone climbing spot on the south-facing slopes of the Champsaur Valley, nestled at the edge of the Écrins National Park.

This site offers two distinct sections with 102 routes ranging from 3a to 8a, providing a wide selection for all abilities. Route heights vary from 8m to an impressive 84m, with an average single-pitch route of around 12m—ideal for getting familiar with the unique French alpine rock.

To kick off the day, the guide will set up a variety of climbs tailored to each person’s level, adjusting the choices as the day unfolds. You’ll have the chance to experiment with different belaying devices, explore rope techniques, try your hand at leading (if you wish!), and push your climbing boundaries—all with the backdrop of incredible mountain views under the warm sun.

Skills development will focus on belaying techniques, quickdraw placement, and leading, while techniques will centre on route-finding, footwork, and rock holds—a perfect introduction for those new to outdoor climbing.

Lunch will be a picnic at the site. By day's end, your guide will take you back to the hotel for a relaxing evening out in Gap.

Day 3 Climbing at Orpierre - multi pitch skills

The village of Orpierre, known worldwide for its superb climbing, is surrounded by cliffs that draw climbers from every corner. From the village square, you can spot climbers tackling routes on the Château cliff, Belleric slabs, and the summit of Quiquillon. It's a lively hub for climbing enthusiasts, affectionately called the "village that climbs."

With over 600 well-maintained routes ranging from 3c to 8c, Orpierre offers everything from technical slabs to impressive overhangs—an absolute haven for climbers. The area is also ideal for those new to multi-pitch routes, with options suited to a variety of abilities and lengths.

Today’s focus will be on mastering multi-pitch climbing techniques, including rope management and setting up belays, with practical experience on shorter multi-pitch climbs.

Lunch will be either a picnic at the site or a meal in one of the village’s restaurants. Round off the day by relaxing in one of Orpierre’s charming bars, soaking up the atmosphere, before your guide takes you back to Gap to wind down for the evening.

Day 4 Paddleboarding and Canyoning

Today is all about water sports and splashing fun in the Alps!

In the morning, you’ll head to the stunning Lake Serre-Ponçon for a paddleboarding session led by our amazing guide, Pepito. Not only will he take you on a tour through the lake’s beautiful coves, but he’ll also teach you some fun moves and tricks on the board—expect surprises and plenty of laughs!

After a relaxing picnic by the lake, prepare for an exhilarating canyoning adventure with Bernard. Combining climbing and water thrills, canyoning takes you through natural watercourses with a mix of challenges—abseiling down waterfalls, jumping into clear pools, and sliding down rock-carved toboggans. Each section brings a unique thrill, from adrenaline-pumping jumps to intricate ropework, all set against the stunning alpine landscape. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and mountain excitement.
Day 5 Via Ferrata La Grande Fistoire

The morning is yours to unwind or explore as you wish.

In the afternoon, Bernard will take you to the spectacular via ferrata at La Grande Fistoire, one of the most breathtaking routes in the Southern French Alps and a must-do for thrill-seekers.

Situated on the towering cliffs near the village of Le Caire, this 600-metre route is designed for those who crave an adventurous climb with stunning scenery. Featuring vertiginous ladders, suspension bridges, and exhilarating zip lines, the course offers an unforgettable experience as you scale the dramatic rock face with secure iron rungs and cables.

With several escape points along the way, climbers can tailor the route to match their comfort and skill level. This journey culminates in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Durance Valley — an unforgettable way to end the day.

Day 6 Climbing in the Ubaye

Rock climbing in the Ubaye Valley is a truly exceptional experience, set in an untamed, pristine landscape. With dramatic limestone cliffs against an alpine backdrop—and some sites overlooking the stunning Serre Ponçon lake—the valley is a dream for climbers of all levels. Routes here range from technical slab climbs to vertical walls and adventurous multi-pitch routes, offering endless opportunities to progress and explore.

Among the best climbing spots are Méolans, the valley’s top site, boasting 151 routes from grades 3 to 8c, with most between 5a and 6c. This historic area challenges climbers, with even its ‘easy’ routes demanding precision and focus. Many consider these walls among the most beautiful in southern France. Other popular locations include Seuil, a busy base with 81 routes from 4c to 8c, and Herbez, known for more challenging climbs with a few accessible routes.

Today’s focus will be on refining climbing techniques and practising rope work and belay skills you’ve developed so far. Lunch will be a picnic onsite, and on the way back to Gap, if time allows, you might even enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake.

Day 7 Big Multi-Pitch Day in Orpierre

An exhilarating highlight of the trip —a big multi-pitch route on Orpierre’s renowned cliffs. After days of honing your skills, today is your chance to put everything into practice on a long, sustained climb that will challenge your endurance, technique, and rope work.

You will be four to a guide today which allows you to be two climbing pairs per route with a guide. The guide will help you choose the perfect route tailored to your ability and the conditions on the day and will be there to check you are managing your rope work safely and efficiently. The focus today will be on mastering efficient rope management, communication between climbers, and belay transitions on multi-pitch routes, ensuring a safe and smooth ascent.

As you reach the top, the sense of accomplishment and the stunning panoramic views will be unforgettable. Lunch will be a picnic on the summit to make the most of the views.

It’s the perfect way to wrap up an epic climbing adventure in the Alps, leaving you with new skills, confidence, and incredible memories.

Day 8 Return Home
Today is the sad day we say goodbye but we hope you have all had a fabulous time and are going home with some amazing memories of your adventures to share.