MASSIF DE LA CLAPE, NARBONNE
The south of France Easter Meet next year will be based at Gruissan and the Massif de la Clape, situated in a beautiful location between the city of Narbonne and the Mediterranean coast.
La Clape is a lovely, tranquil hill range containing six major sports crags with multiple sectors offering climbs spanning a grade range from F3 to F7c+, all covered in the topoguide “Escalade dans le Massif de la Clape” by Andre Berche, available from the Office du Tourisme in Gruissan. The guide lists 10 routes graded F3, 33 F4s, 87 F5s, 190 F6s and 33 F7s. There is also a bonus crag not far away, Fontjoncouse, with routes upto 30 metres in a shady NW orientation for hot afternoons when some of La Clape crags can become challenging.
In addition to the excellent climbing, there are waymarked walks and mountain bike circuits in the hills, with stunning views over the sea, and a network of paved cycleways along the coast from Gruissan which link into hillier routes on the small roads cutting through the massif. A few miles inland there is excellent cycling to be had going east and west along the towpaths of the famous Canal du Midi, for which gravel and hybrid bikes are ideal.
Gruissan itself is a very nice coastal resort, modest in size, with a picturesque marina surrounded by bars, cafes and restaurants. There is good, free parking with easy access to the old centre, marina and beaches.
We will be staying at Camping LVL Les Ayguades, Gruissan, a large campsite with direct access to the beach and plenty of accommodation. There are 130 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, 90 mobile homes and 50 chalets with a choice of 2 or 3 bedrooms. We have contacted the Reception of the campsite and they will take bookings from January 1st onwards. We would prefer it if individuals make their reservations without mentioning FRCC as some French sites aren’t keen on clubs.
Here’s to a good turnout after the disruptions of the Covid years!
All the very best,
Rob and Christine Smitton, Meet Coordinators
Planning to make the meet but struggling to view the correct web site for accommodation at Camping LVL. Maybe too son?
Gerard
I will be in the Langedoc in April, no fixed dates yet. I will climb in the Caroux both trad and bolts. As far as I know, no sites are closed in the Caroux, tho there are other sites closed nearby.
There is a good campsite close to the entry of the Gorge du Heric.