Rebinelle is surrounded by a multitude of limestone crags just waiting to be climbed. Most climbs in the topo guides are bolted, perfect for family climbing or if you want to push yourself to your limits. We have all the topo guides available to borrow.
The best known local climbing site is Orpierre, a sports climbing mecca, about 20 minutes away. Planet mountain says ‘Orpierre rates as one of the best low-grade crags in France. Nestled in a valley in the beautiful Hautes Alpes, its compact grey limestone boasts over 250 perfectly bolted routes between 3a- 8c, with the vast majority in the 4a-6c range. On the face opposite there are a series of pleasant multi-pitch outings and the crag, just a short walk from the sleepy village center, is a must for many’.
As well as Orpierre, there are lots of other great crags – the closest just 5 minutes from Rebinelle are in the Gorges de Meouge while opposite at Antonaves 30 new routes, mainly 5c-7a, have been bolted in the last couple of years, they don’t yet feature in any guide book, so are virtually empty even during mid summer (but Paulo who bolts the climbs up has given us a copy of the routes).
Other local crags include Sisteron (10 mins), which has a stunning rock ‘La Baume’ opposite the town, climbs range from 4a-8b with fantastic views of the Citadel across the valley. Also there is a lovely little crag just 6 m high, 4c-5c, perfect for kids and beginners. Hidden in the backstreets of Sisteron is an amazing little climbing shop, run by a fascinating american who has invented all sorts of climbing gadgets that you never even knew you needed - until you saw them...
And then of course there’s Ceuse. Its world class rock attracts the best of the best – if you want stunning 6a-8b/c routes, then this is the place for you. Checking the guide, one climb is described as ‘superbly violent’ Hmmmm, but there are sectors with 4’s and 5’s too, for the mere mortals among us.
And if that’s not enough, there’s Sigottier, Savournon and Chateau-Arnoux, all within half an hour.
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