Avignon Soleil Topo Guide

COMBE OBSCURE

One of the most perfectly positioned crags in the South of France. About 15 mins walk up a gentle valley leads you into this remote and quiet combe. The bottom is shaded by small and leafy oak trees, where hammocks can be strung up and belayers can choose either shade or dappled sunshine. Ideal base for picnics and general relaxed outing for the day.

The cliff is in two parts - both having around 20 routes in the 6a-7a category - and mostly 35m long. A 70m rope here is essential for comfortable enjoyment on the longer routes. The left wing has a giant apron slab with very technical moves; the right side is a vertical wall with superb holds nearly everywhere. Daunting routes succumb nicely and easily. Both cliffs face South East, so they get early sunshine to warm up, but then go into the shade from 2.30 onwards, and usually cool down very quickly. Even after midday, the sun is just glancing and it is quite a cool place. It's a cliff that just seems to work well.

Photo: LE BRISE DE LA PASTILLE 6b- Climber: Hervé Pichon