Avignon Soleil Topo Guide

VENASQUE

Weird is the best surmise of this whole area. Venasque is a lovely hill top village, and a photographers postcard dream. Old quiet streets and a very nice restaurant, but not very touristy and off the main Luberon trail, so it remains quiet and secluded.

The village perches on rock that looks frightening. The cliffs opposite are of the same rock, and have the climbing on. The rock is scary in parts, and comes off when a gros-lardie tries to levitate.

There are several sectors called different names, Quinsan, Source, L'Ascle, St. Pierre and Colombier. All of these are covered in the guidebook and will offer a whole range of fun outings.

The rock is vertical - or much steeper, and doesn't suit anything below 6a. Even low six's are pretty thin on the ground. If you can crank 7a technically, then it is worth a trip here, even though the routes are darstardly onsight.

Most of the holds are rounded, so it is pump city time; those good or recently trained on comglomerate will enjoy these seemingly easy routes.

Photo: EH TARDADO MUCHO: 7a Climber: Camile Verdot