Via Ferrata “Le Voile de la Mariée”

TECHNICAL INFORMATION :
Duration: 3h30
(20 min approach; 1h30/2h ascent; 1h return via another via ferrata route or 2h via the Parizet path)
Difficulty: D+ climb
Start: 1240 m
Vertical drop: 250 m
Exposure: south

TOPO, MAPS :
- Top 25 IGN, 3336 ET, Les 2 Alpes.
- Les via ferrata autour de Grenoble et Briançon, éditions Glénat.
- All via ferrata in France, Libris editions.

The route follows the waterfall without interruption, with no way out, but a rocky ledge at mid-height provides a resting point. This is a very vertical via, so get your arms ready for 250 m of cable climbing. Once at the top, you can reach the refuge des Clots in 5 minutes. The return journey can be made via the via on the other side of the refuge. It's very rare to be able to do a via loop (return time 1h). Alternatively, take the chemin des Aymes down to the road, then join the parking lot (walking time 1h30).

The Plateau d'Emparis:
The origin is Celtic, from "Par" meaning "exposed to the sun". In the wettest areas, the plateau is rich in an aromatic plant known as fragrant oats, used in Central Europe to flavor vodka. It is, of course, the famous buffalo grass. This mysterious plateau, which resembles steppes and arctic tundra, is a vast, sun-drenched balcony ideally positioned to face the icy, mineral chaos of La Meije. This exceptional area has been listed and protected since 1991.