Avignon Soleil Topo Guide

LOU PASSO

The village of Buis-les-Baronnies is seems just about the last post of civilization before you head into the mountains travelling East. Only a few kilometers out of town upstream, the river has cut through the limestone ridge to form what is known as the Pass of Hannibal.

The rive gauche of this offers a cliff with 4-6 sectors or fun climbing. There are very good climbs at every grade 5a-8a, but only about 50 in total.

There is also a small amphitheatre 12 metres high with grade 2-3 routes, perfectly bolted for 7 year olds to get cranking and clipping.

Some of the routes start from the water, so you are best off doing the dry ones first, and then lowering into the others. It seems a bit weird to lower in - to top rope a climb, but the quailty of rock here and the style of moves make it well worth it.

Unfortunately, the water is not deep enough for DWS.

Photo: Secteur Soupir, LOU PASSO