Pointe Claire - South ridge
Thirsty for horizons? A wild, soaring ride in an intimate corner of the Écrins.
With Aude.
Wanting some peace and quiet, we go up to set up our bivouac on the wonderful Plan de Valfourche. The bluish waters of the Romanche bubble there amid a flowery vastness under the austere gaze of the north faces of Roche Méane and Roche Faurio. The wonder is always the same when I discover the peaceful Plan de l'Alpe coming out of the Voûtes gorge.
The Pointe Claire unfolds a splendid 700m south ridge, a dazzling setting for a pure-pleasure classic route. The approach, sometimes exposed, cleverly threads its way into the steep Vallon Claire and probably helps keep this route away from the crowds.
In the saddle for this ride in the sky: this fortress is climbed tower after tower with relish. Moving together on a tight rope makes for fluidity and speed on terrain where pitching would be tedious. The golden rock is surprisingly good for the Oisans.
This mineral backbone also has its flowers, which punctuate the ascent with colourful clumps of discreet, hardy petals.
The summit is soon reached, and the Claire glacier, currently completely snow-covered, allows a quick and easy descent.
An enchanting bivouac, a route that flows, pleasure climbing in a superb setting, far from the crowds: what more could you ask for?
Photo gallery...