This stunning limestone wall of over 400 vertical meters attracted the cream of the climbing community in the 1960s. The classic routes are la Coupé opened by local Serge Coupé and la Grotte.

The Grotte was first climbed in 1963 by so called “Beatnik of the Cimes” Gary Hemming in the company of Stewart Fulton. Hemming is best remembered for the American Direct route on the Drus climbed with Royal Robbins. Using big wall techniques adopted from Yosemite both the Grotte and American Direct were ahead of their time. Gary Hemming became a hero in France for his participation in a dramatic rescue of two German climbers on the Drus in 1967.

A number of interesting and accessible routes have been equipped on the west face of the Dent de Crolles.

Situated at the start of the Sentier du Facteur this cliffs can be reached after ten minutes walk from the car park at the center of the village of St Pancrasse. There are some 200 equipped routes from 4+ to 8a/b of around 25 meters vertical on average. In the Tambour sector there is a route of 100 meters in three sections between.

The path is exposed and there is a risk of rock and equipment falls. Wear a helmet if you are below the climbers. After a couple of major fires BBQs are forbidden in the zone.

An interesting sector for families and beginners. There are 30 routes from 3a to 6a/b offering up to 40 meters of climbing and oriented to the east. The rocks are good but holds are polished in places.

• http://www.guide-grenoble.com/ - mountain guides and leaders
• Rochers du Midi- Voie Hemming
• BUREAU DES GUIDES
  

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