Les Eaux-Claires, Rock climbing

4A 4B 4C 5A 5B 5C 6A 6B 6C 7A 7B 7C 8A 8B

Map

11 8 7 15 17

7 La Petite Vallée 8 Zap 11 Le solitaire 15 La Brioche 17 The Hard Stuff

Directions in Google Maps

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Seasonality

Summary

Pocket lovers' paradise

Description

Close to the city of Angoulême, a beautiful and quiet green valley

Topo : Escalade Vallée des Eaux Claires, CAF Angoumois, 2012, 12€

Access issues

Although the place is not a national park it is classified as Natura 2000, a european label for places of natural interest. Some plants and small animals are unique here so be careful, don't damage anything, take away your garbage.

The valley is also shared with walkers, runners and bikers who come to enjoy this peace of heaven. Please respect everyones need of calm and quietness.

Approach

<5 min

Park on the parking lot just at the enter of the Les Eaux Claires Vallées. It is conveniently situated just under the main crag and all the other areas are under 15' walking distance.

Ethic inherited from France

Park where indicated, take care of the environment, buy the local guidebook when possible (this is one of the ways you can help local route setters), clean up your shoes before climbing, don't spray beta, be polite.

History

History timeline chart

Some of the first French 8as have been opened here like La Crépinette or La Brioche.

The area earned a lot of interst thank to the famous Fred Rouhling who opened the first french 9as and the first world 9b with Akira in a cave not far away from les Eaux Claires.

A lot of new routes have been

The area remains quite confidential as it's off the road from the most famous french crags of the south east and as the style of climbing on one or two finger pockets is quite demanding.

Still an amazing place to climb !