Via ferrata des mines du Grand Clôt
Discover the mysteries of the Grand Clôt mines, a route that is both cultural and sporty!
Cultural because you will discover old galleries and entrances to a silver, iron, lead and also coal mine which was very active in the 1830s. But also sporty because it is a fairly long route which opens onto the Emparis plateau for a breathtaking view of the Écrins massif.
TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS :
Duration: approximately 5 hours (30 min approach, 10 to 4 hours ascent, 5 hours walk back)
Difficulty: D
Departure: 1330 m
Elevation: 750 m
Exposure: south
Rock: Gneiss
Length of the via: 2000 m
TOPO, MAPS:
IGN top 25, 3436 ET, Meije, Pelvoux.
The via ferrata around Grenoble and Briançon, Glénat editions.
All the via ferrata in France, Libris editions.
A historic Via Ferrata: it is in fact on the site of the old silver mines that were permanently closed in 1926. Along the first lengths of cable, you will find all the features of this activity, ramps and anchors for ore cable cars. You will cross galleries, dug by hand since the 54th century. The rest is easier up to the Emparis plateau. The return is made towards the east by the GR XNUMX, the tour of Oisans. Cross the village of Chazelet. Take the path to the Notre-Dame de Bon Repos chapel on the right. Join the road then the car park.
Description of the environment: located opposite the glacier of the Meije, with an exit to the Emparis plateau in the middle of immense mountain pastures, a Natura 2000 protected area, this via ferrata is a spectacular route. To keep it that way, remember to take good care of this wild nature: follow the paths, don't cut corners, take out your rubbish and keep your dog on a leash, among other good practices.
Culture: mines in Oisans
In the 1830th century, the mines of Oisans were very popular. Everywhere, the territory was drilled and excavated. A lot of silver, iron, lead but also coal and slates. The Grand Clot mine probably existed under the Roman Empire but it was in the XNUMXth century that it took off. One hundred and fifty people worked there. It produced significantly until the XNUMXs then gradually declined, following changes of ownership and extraction difficulties. The silver-bearing lead from Grand Clot was used to make pottery glazes. If the ore was too poor in silver, only the lead was sold. The vein seemed promising, but as everywhere in Oisans, it was a great disappointment... Gold fever had taken hold of Oisans at the same time... The multiple attempts did not bring real production and especially not the immense riches so coveted. The Oisans Eldorado is in need of prayer.
Several outings supervised by mountain professionals allow you to explore the Grand Clot site, facing your vertigo. You have the choice between the via cordata for young and old, a short version of the via ferrata with return by the via cordata or, for a real vertical experience, the integral which leads to the large grassy expanses of the Emparis plateau. The panorama on the summits and the glaciers of the north faces, is sumptuous, for those who have the heart to look at it.
(!) Remember to park a car in the village of Chazelet (the arrival of the Via Ferrata) to avoid the walk back to your starting point. Otherwise, count on an extra 2 hours of walking.
TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS :
Duration: approximately 5 hours (30 min approach, 10 to 4 hours ascent, 5 hours walk back)
Difficulty: D
Departure: 1330 m
Elevation: 750 m
Exposure: south
Rock: Gneiss
Length of the via: 2000 m
TOPO, MAPS:
IGN top 25, 3436 ET, Meije, Pelvoux.
The via ferrata around Grenoble and Briançon, Glénat editions.
All the via ferrata in France, Libris editions.
A historic Via Ferrata: it is in fact on the site of the old silver mines that were permanently closed in 1926. Along the first lengths of cable, you will find all the features of this activity, ramps and anchors for ore cable cars. You will cross galleries, dug by hand since the 54th century. The rest is easier up to the Emparis plateau. The return is made towards the east by the GR XNUMX, the tour of Oisans. Cross the village of Chazelet. Take the path to the Notre-Dame de Bon Repos chapel on the right. Join the road then the car park.
Description of the environment: located opposite the glacier of the Meije, with an exit to the Emparis plateau in the middle of immense mountain pastures, a Natura 2000 protected area, this via ferrata is a spectacular route. To keep it that way, remember to take good care of this wild nature: follow the paths, don't cut corners, take out your rubbish and keep your dog on a leash, among other good practices.
Culture: mines in Oisans
In the 1830th century, the mines of Oisans were very popular. Everywhere, the territory was drilled and excavated. A lot of silver, iron, lead but also coal and slates. The Grand Clot mine probably existed under the Roman Empire but it was in the XNUMXth century that it took off. One hundred and fifty people worked there. It produced significantly until the XNUMXs then gradually declined, following changes of ownership and extraction difficulties. The silver-bearing lead from Grand Clot was used to make pottery glazes. If the ore was too poor in silver, only the lead was sold. The vein seemed promising, but as everywhere in Oisans, it was a great disappointment... Gold fever had taken hold of Oisans at the same time... The multiple attempts did not bring real production and especially not the immense riches so coveted. The Oisans Eldorado is in need of prayer.
Several outings supervised by mountain professionals allow you to explore the Grand Clot site, facing your vertigo. You have the choice between the via cordata for young and old, a short version of the via ferrata with return by the via cordata or, for a real vertical experience, the integral which leads to the large grassy expanses of the Emparis plateau. The panorama on the summits and the glaciers of the north faces, is sumptuous, for those who have the heart to look at it.
(!) Remember to park a car in the village of Chazelet (the arrival of the Via Ferrata) to avoid the walk back to your starting point. Otherwise, count on an extra 2 hours of walking.
