A grand, aesthetic route to the historic summit of Mont Aiguille
The Via des Gémeaux on Mont Aiguille is a beautiful way to discover the world of the Vercors' great limestone routes, while also accessing one of the most iconic summits in the history of mountaineering.
Mont Aiguille holds a special place in mountaineering history. Its first ascent in 1492 is often considered one of the founding acts of alpinism. Its slender silhouette dominates the Vercors high plateaus and immediately catches the eye.
The ascent of Mont Aiguille via the Gémeaux route offers a varied and complete climb, with an accessible approach, beautiful vertical climbing, a more alpine exit onto the summit plateau, followed by a descent by abseil and path.
The route has five pitches at grade 5, with a short 6a section that's easily protected to help a second if necessary. The rock is very pleasant: sculpted, compact and often grippy limestone, featuring a superb crack on the final pitch.
The atmosphere quickly becomes airy. Some sections are particularly vertical, with a real sense of exposure underfoot. This exposure remains progressive, however, and the route provides an excellent first experience of a fully equipped adventure scramble.
After the main ascents, the route joins the summit plateau of Mont Aiguille in a more alpine atmosphere. You then progress between small rocky steps, ledges frequented by ibex, and easier passages to the summit.
The descent is via the arch, then the tubular abseils before rejoining the Vercors paths.
Typically, allow between 6 and 8 hours for the whole day, including travel to and from.
The ascent of Mont Aiguille via the Voie des Gémeaux is aimed at climbers drawn to steep climbs, beautiful summits, and full mountain tours.
This is an excellent way to discover the world of long alpine routes before progressing to longer, more technical or more committing routes.
It is preferable to be comfortable at French grade 5 on rock and to have already practiced outdoor climbing. The "Voie des Gémeaux" on Mont Aiguille is a good first multi-pitch route for a single day.
The whole trip, including the approach, climb, crossing the plateau and descent, generally takes between 6 and 8 hours.
Yes, for climbers with existing experience on crags who wish to discover a complete route blending multi-pitch climbing and an alpine atmosphere.
The ideal period is generally between spring and autumn, depending on the weather conditions in the Vercors.
Live with your guide, from first contact to the summit.
Creative and flexible
A flexible framework for devising the most appropriate itinerary or activity for each day, depending on the group and the conditions.
