Climbing in Ubaye, Southern Alps

"Today is your day ! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way."    — Dr. Seuss (1904?1991).
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The cop's hat


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The 'Chapeau de Gendarme' behind a thistle field. Yeah, that cliff supposedly looks like a cop's hat. Maybe when they used to make them out of granite...

Left: The 'Chapeau de Gendarme' behind a thistle field. Yeah, that cliff supposedly looks like a cop's hat. Maybe when they used to make them out of granite...

It was supposed to be a 4-day WE of climbing but the weather collaborated only on the first two days. This place is remote and certainly not overflowing with climbers. The guidebook is very recent.


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Climbing 'A cloche-pied' on the Chapeau de Gendarme.

Right: Climbing 'A cloche-pied' on the Chapeau de Gendarme.


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An enjoyable route but with many ledges.

Left: An enjoyable route but with many ledges.


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General view of the cliff. A large ledge crosses the entire face.

Right: General view of the cliff. A large ledge crosses the entire face.




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Most of the approaches for long routes in Ubaye are longer and 90 minutes. Hence there are few climbers on them.

Pierre Andre


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South face of the Pierre Andre summit, named after the first ascender, a sheep herder from the tiny village below. A visit of the tiny cemetery will inform you that most everybody were named 'André' and that a good proportion of the males of that time were named Pierre...

Right: Most of the approaches for long routes in Ubaye are longer and 90 minutes. Hence there are few climbers on them.

Left: South face of the Pierre Andre summit, named after the first ascender, a sheep herder from the tiny village below. A visit of the tiny cemetery will inform you that most everybody were named 'André' and that a good proportion of the males of that time were named Pierre...


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Stupendous granite on the route.

Right: Stupendous granite on the route.


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Climbers on a route farther to the left.

Left: Climbers on a route farther to the left. Image available as a free wallpaper


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Reaching the summit of 'Marmottes Givrées'. One of the many places were climbers have had all their gear eaten by crazy marmots, so beware what you leave at the base.

Right: Reaching the summit of 'Marmottes Givrées'. One of the many places were climbers have had all their gear eaten by crazy marmots, so beware what you leave at the base.


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Summit of the Pierre Andre peak with the Chambeyron in the distance.

Left: Summit of the Pierre Andre peak with the Chambeyron in the distance.