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Where can I buy an Ardeche guidebook/do I need one?

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Hi folks,

I'm going to the Ardeche Gorge for a week and hoping to take my younger brother climbing for one or two days, his experience is very limited so looking for family friendly crags with routes in the 4's and 5's.

We are staying near Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and I have found the following nearby crags that look suitable:
Salavas-Fontgarnide: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=1931
Salavas-Jeau: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=17067
La Sainte Beume: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=17565

Does anyone know where I can buy the guidebook Escalade in Ardeche either in London or in the local area in France?

Do I need a guidebook or are the route grades painted on the rock?

Any other crag recommendations?

Sorry for mega-post, thanks for the help!
 John2 24 Jul 2013
In reply to becoming-stranger: You might be able to buy the local guide at one of the tourist offices in the Ardeche. You may also be able to buy it at a local Decathlon of Intersport. Failing that, you can definitely buy it at S O Escalade in Avignon http://www.soescalade.com/ .
 GrahamD 24 Jul 2013
In reply to becoming-stranger:

At this time of year you need to follow the shade around so the guidebook is very useful from that point of view. I'm sure I bought my copy in a Tabac in the area - I think they are readily available.
In reply to becoming-stranger:

Thanks, good point about the shade.

Are routes generally marked with paint there do you know?
 Enty 24 Jul 2013
In reply to becoming-stranger:
> (In reply to becoming-stranger)
>
> Thanks, good point about the shade.
>

Very good point - it's roasting at the moment. Impossible to climb in the sun.

> Are routes generally marked with paint there do you know?

Yes and no. But the local guide is good enough. I bought mine from the Office de Tourisme in Ruoms but you can get it in Vallon Pont d'Arc.

E

 silhouette 25 Jul 2013
In reply to becoming-stranger:
> Thanks, good point about the shade.

I was at Salavas-Fontgarnide yesterday and the day before; it stays in the shade until after 1pm which should give you some opportunity. There are several routes in the 4's. The grades are not painted on but the route names often are.
Climbing in the direct sun is impossible; however after about 6 pm you may be able to climb east-facing crags. I don't know if you have the facility to drive. One early evening we went to Chantadu near the village of Lanas which is about 30 minutes drive from Vallons. Other evening places include Chaulet. A morning place is Mazet Plage; the "Petit Aguilles" sector is good. On the whole though, I would not go there again at this time of year.

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