In reply to Somerville:
the bolts and anchors are generally very good indeed- not necessarily as spaced as verdons reputation might suggest. i would echo the warning about heat, it would be pretty easy to get in over your head and spend longer than you expect extracting yourself (been there, done it and climbed la demande without water accidentally...!)
it can be a great introduction to bigger/harder routes (had a quick look on your profile and couldn't get a good idea of what you've done/where you've been so apologies if I'm teaching you to suck eggs!) but it can also catch you out as it did me.
my advice would be stay at chez maurice (small campsite 5/10 min walk from la palud) owned the inimitable maurice and drink at lou cafetie (friendly bar with a barman called Fab who is very helpful with route info)
guidebook wise, the rockfax is good but you should buy the local guide which is excellent and to be found in the green parrot climbing shop (support the locals, they put a lot of hard work into re-equipping these monster faces!)
wear a helmet, stuff gets chucked/ dropped by tourists over the edge. or more likely italians launching their ropes down your line without checking first (sorry to single them out, it just always seems to be italians with me)
wear factor 50 on your back, you will need it.
last but not least, don't underestimate the grades, and totally ignore anyone who tells you la demande is hvs........
Post edited at 19:58