Avignon Soleil Topo Guide

ROCHER DE L'AIGUIER

This is the big wow factor crag of the distant valley of Bellecombe Tarendol. Another remote spot that you are unlikely to get crowded out, and especially since the routes are not easy in the slightest.

Nearly all of the 40 or so routes here are wall-slabby, and bring on incredible pump feelings to the forearms in the first half of the routes, the second half usually resulting in flying time and working out the technicality of the moves required. If you are jug gorilla, you will be in immediate trouble here.

The position is fine, with the walls facing West and getting the full afternoon sun. The routes on the front of the needle are all multi-pitch, so come with 70-80m ropes to abseil off.

A 60m rope works well here, but be careful since many belays a equipped for a 70m rope.

Photo: NEEDLE of Rocher de l'Aiguier