Plagne ****

Plagne: the large climbing area with one of the oldest histories of rock climbing and route development. The first route climbed here was on the 140 meter high “Face de Plagne” as early as November 1951 by Paul-Henri Girardin and Martial Perrenoud. Today, it is mostly Giradin’s two sons Boris and Christophe who have continued to establish and retrofit the majority of the long routes. Expect an alpine ambience as well as occasional chossy rock. Labor intensive installation of Via Ferrata-like ladders and steel cables also ensure safe passage on the approach. Boris equipped practically all of the many routes in the smaller sectors. One can only imagine how many hours of brute passion and effort went into equipping these more than 800 routes on the walls high and tucked away above the concrete factory! He was meticulous and thoughtful and took great care creating these lines. The routes are well bolted and the approaches are well marked and secured with chain where exposed. Expect variable rock quality and exposed approaches. The walls are west facing and afford plenty of morning shade. Once on top, the views and sunsets are amazing! Great place for a snack. Have fun in the biggest climbing area of the Jura!