Grand Clot mines Via Ferrata

Cultural, because you'll discover the old galleries and entrances to a silver, iron and lead mine, as well as a coal mine, which was very active in the 1830s. But also sporty, as it's a fairly long itinerary that leads to the Emparis plateau for a breathtaking view of the Écrins massif.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Duration: approx. 5h30 (10 min approach, 4 to 5h ascent, 1h30 walk back)
Difficulty: D
Departure point: 1330 m
Ascent: 750 m
Exposure: south
Rock: Gneiss
Length of via: 2000 m

TOPO, MAPS :
IGN top 25, 3436 ET, Meije, Pelvoux.
Les via ferrata autour de Grenoble et Briançon, éditions Glénat.
All via ferrata in France, Libris editions.

A Via ferrata with a long history: it runs on the site of the old silver mines, which were finally closed in 1926. Along the first lengths of cable, you'll find all the reliefs of this activity, ramps and ore cableway anchors. We cross galleries dug by hand as far back as the 6th century. The rest of the route is easier up to the Emparis plateau. Return east on the GR 54, the Tour de l'Oisans. Pass through the village of Le Chazelet. Turn right along the path to the Notre-Dame de Bon Repos chapel. Reach the road and then the parking lot.

Description of the environment: facing the Meije glacier, with an exit onto the Emparis plateau in the middle of vast alpine pastures, a Natura 2000 protected area, this via ferrata is a spectacular itinerary. To keep it that way, remember to take good care of this wilderness: follow the paths, don't cut corners, take your garbage with you and keep your dog on a lead, among other good practices.

Culture: mining in Oisans
In the 14th century, the mines of the Oisans region were very popular. Everywhere, the land was drilled and excavated. Lots of silver, iron, lead, coal and slate. The Grand Clot mine probably existed during the Roman Empire, but it was not until the 10th century that it really took off. One hundred and fifty people worked there. Production was high until the 1830s, when it gradually declined due to changes in ownership and mining difficulties. Grand Clot silver lead was used to make pottery glazes. If the ore was too low in silver, only the lead was sold. The vein looked promising, but as was the case throughout the Oisans region, disappointment set in... At the same time, gold fever had taken hold of the Oisans... Numerous attempts failed to yield any real production, and certainly not the immense riches so coveted. The Oisans Eldorado is begging to be discovered.

Several outings supervised by mountain professionals allow you to explore the Grand Clot site, while facing up to your fear of heights. You can choose between the via cordata for young and old, a short version of the via ferrata with a return via cordata or, for a truly vertical experience, the integral route leading to the vast grassy expanses of the Emparis plateau. The panorama of the summits and glaciers of the north faces is sumptuous, for those who have the heart to look.

(!) Don't forget to park a car in the village of Le Chazelet (where the Via ferrata ends), so you don't have to walk all the way back to your starting point. Otherwise, count on a 2-hour walk.

Welcome: There is no equipment rental on the site but you can rent it in Villar d'Arene or La Grave's sports shops
The Mountain Guide office in La Grave on the square of the cable car, provides accompaniment for Via Ferrata