SPORTS
Cliff of Céüse
HIGH MOUNTAINSA long rocky bar of nearly 4 km that can reach 300 m in height, the Céüse cliff is easily spotted in the landscape surrounding Gap. Nearly 400 routes equip the cliff and make it a vast playground for climbing enthusiasts, but not only. The sector is also very popular with all sports enthusiasts who practice hiking, mountain biking and skiing. This is a site with multiple sports activities not to be missed for great days of adventure!
The Céüse cliff, champion of climbing in the Alps
Overlooking the town of Sigoyer, a stone's throw from Gap, the Céüse cliff is above all famous for its climbing routes. Its limestone is indeed renowned throughout the Alps and well beyond the borders of France, thanks to the great diversity of routes it offers: slab, slopes, short or long routes, orientations running from east to the west passing by the south… Each athlete will find a type of climbing that he likes!
The routes of Céüse are organized into several sectors. Some are among the most difficult routes in the world, such as "Biographie", the first 9a+ in the history of climbing. Adventure is definitely on the way! Especially since it takes about an hour's approach walk from the Col des Guérins car park to reach the cliff, with the equipment on your back. The rock is nonetheless accessible from 5c. At the foot of the cliff, on the west face, are also the bouldering sites of Céüse, which offer another facet of climbing.
Added to the charm of the sector is the aesthetic character of the Céüse cliff, which stands out like a ribbon in the landscape of Gap, gateway to the Hautes-Alpes. Arrived at the top of the routes, the climber can admire a wide panorama of the Alps in Ventoux, and at his feet the lake of Pelleautier, the village of Sigoyer and the town of Gap.
Discovery of Céüse by mountain bike
Céüse also lends itself very well to mountain biking. Many courses allow everyone to embark on the adventure, whatever their level. It is indeed possible to discover many riches by staying at the foot of the cliff. This is an opportunity to approach Lake Pelleautier, climb the Guérins or Garduolle ridge, admire the view of the cliff from the Col de la Baume... The complete tour of the However, the mountain of Céüse is reserved for seasoned mountain bikers, as is the ascent to the summit, which cannot be reached by bike strictly speaking. The crossing of the plateau leads to the famous cliff and offers a magnificent panorama.
The mountain of Céüze can also be savored on foot
Hiking takes you to the Pic de Céüse, the highest point of this small, horseshoe-shaped mountain so recognizable near Gap. The ridges can impress, as can the passage of the Pas du Loup. As you walk along the cliff, perhaps you will see climbers in full ascent of their routes? From Sigoyer, it takes a little less than 1 meters of vertical drop. A sporting route, therefore, which rewards adventure lovers with a superb view of the Bure mountain, the Ecrins, the Dévoluy, the Ventoux, the Monges massif on the Alpes-Maritimes side...
Straddling the Alps and Provence, the Céüse cliff offers hikers limestone terrain covered with an alpine lawn and wooded in the lower part. For more adventure, do not hesitate to mix hiking and via ferrata. Between walking and climbing, this via ferrata requires specific equipment (which you can rent at the campsite) for safety reasons but is accessible to all and allows a more direct ascent of Céüse.
Enjoy these different sports from your base camp at Camping du Lac, located about half an hour's drive from the famous cliff and equipped with all the necessary equipment for a charming stay near Gap! Young and old alike will enjoy having fun and relaxing in its water park after discovering Céüse and its varied activities.
