not as difficult
Grand Vallat
v3 a1 III
2h30
1h15
45min
30min
865m
765m
100m
14m
16m
600m
Rating:
★★★★★
2.5 (1)
Info:
★★★
0 ()
Belay:
★★★
0 ()
Summary:
Beautiful but short descent (2 waterfalls) in a truly magnificent gorge.
Summary:
Beautiful but short descent (2 waterfalls) in a truly magnificent gorge.
Access:
From Sisteron, reach the Jabron valley via the N85 and then the D946. Pass Bevons and then Noyers-sur-Jabron, then shortly after turn left towards the hamlet of Piedguichard. Cross the hamlet; the road becomes a track that you follow to a small parking area on the right (max. 2 cars), without blocking the way, just before the track (right branch) starts to climb.
Approach (1 h 15):
From the parking, follow the track uphill until it joins the GR 946 (an IGN map is useful). Follow the GR 946 up in switchbacks to a small col. Continue on the GR, which turns left, and descend until it crosses the riverbed, the starting point of the descent. Note: the approach may seem long given the short length of the canyon, but the gorge is really worth the detour if you are in the area.
Tour (45 min):
Beautiful but short descent (2 waterfalls) in a truly magnificent gorge.
Return (30 min):
Follow the torrent bed to the start of a path on the left that leads back to the car.
Coordinates:
Canyon Start
Descente Canyon Info
Hydrology:
Floods in this torrent must be monstrous (the bed is up to 30 m wide, filled with blocks and stones). Check the water level in the Grand Vallat before committing to the approach. Re-equipping material is mandatory, as the anchors are put under severe stress by the torrent's floods.