Climbing Discovery & Initiation in the Vercors
Climb to the summits
The Vercors massif, a veritable limestone fortress between the Isère and Drôme rivers, is world-renowned for its breathtaking cliffs. But you don't need to be an expert to touch the rock: our Escalade Découverte / Initiation package is the ideal way to get to grips with verticality. Whether you're in Grenoble, Valence or Lyon, come and enjoy a unique sensory experience where balance and concentration replace the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
.A Pedagogical and Reassuring Approach
Climbing is often perceived, wrongly, as an extreme sport served by an elite. At Rêve de Cimes, we break this myth. Our instructors, who are all passionate climbers, have designed sessions lasting 2.5 hours and 3 hours specifically for novices. The aim is not performance, but the pleasure of the gesture. You'll learn to trust your equipment, your belayer and, above all, yourself. It's the perfect activity for an outing with family or friends, allowing you to discover breathtaking landscapes while having fun.
From Beginner to independent Climber
Our courses are tailored to your actual skill level. Level 1 focuses on the basics: putting on your harness, tying a figure-eight knot, and belaying on top rope (with the rope already installed). This guarantees a stress-free climbing experience. For those who have already climbed indoors or want to go further, Level 2 introduces you to lead climbing techniques, top-rope handling, and even abseiling. The Vercors region then becomes your playground, offering a diversity of holds and terrain that only nature could sculpt.
INITIATION LEVEL 1
For both initiation levels, teaching will be done on routes of one rope length indoor and/or outdoor. (maximum 20 to 30 meters high)
- Get to know the gear: harness, helmet, rope, belay device (gri-gri or reverso)
- Learning how to use that gear
- Learning how to do the “eight knot” on a rope
- Safety: double check between the climber and the belayer
- Belay a climber top rope, first during the way up, then down
- Learning the climbing specific movements: how to move on a vertical wall, several techniques to discover and acquire in order to progress
- Learning to deal with one's fear and apprehensions.
INITIATION LEVEL 2
Initiation level 1 must be mastered before trying initiation level 2.
For both initiation levels, teaching will be done on routes of one rope length indoor and/or outdoor. (maximum 20 to 30 meters high)
- Get to know the gear for lead climbing: quickdraw, cow's tail, autobloc device, string (machard knot)
- Learning to put quickdraws and to clip them with a rope
- Learning the specific belay techniques for lead climbing
- Learning the specific manipulation on top of the route
- Learning to belay dynamically
- Learning to move more accurately
- Learning of abseil technique: make both rope parts equal, knot at the end of the rope, put an autobloc device
- OPTIONAL for the most enthusiast ones: how to put nuts, friends and tape sling
The experience
Technical and Sensory Workshops
Far from artificial walls, cliff climbing offers a sensation of unparalleled freedom. Your session will be punctuated by several fun and educational highlights:
Safety Basics (Mandatory): Everything starts on the ground. You will learn the fundamentals of safety: adjusting your helmet and harness, and most importantly, tying the figure-eight knot, the climber's vital connection. You will master belaying systems to confidently secure your partners.
Rock Climbing Techniques: Once on the rock face, forget about arm strength! Our guides will show you how to use your legs and position your feet to conserve energy. For Level 2, the adrenaline rush increases with learning how to fall safely (freefall training) and managing your fear of heights.
Abseiling and "Manipulation": For more advanced climbers, the session may include learning how to rappel independently and "top-of-route manipulation", key skills for becoming an independent outdoor climber.
Safety and Professional Equipment
Your safety is our top priority. You will be supervised by state-certified instructors, experts in the local cliffs (Drôme and Ardèche). We supply all technical equipment to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) standards:
Adjustable, comfortable harnesses.
Standard climbing helmets.
Certified belay systems and dynamic ropes.
Crash pads if you are bouldering (climbing without ropes at low heights).
Equipment included
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Harnais
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Cow's tail
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Belay device
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Helmet
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Crash Pad
only for outdoor bouldering
Equipment to bring
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Good walking shoes
Tied with shoelace with rigid sole (like sport or wandering shoes) -
A small backpack
For your personal stuff -
Warm and waterproof clothes
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Snacks, drinks and a change of clothes
For the way back to the car -
For day outings, bring something to eat at the cliff.
Location and Logistics
See on Google MapsAccESS and Travel Time
The Vercors is ideally situated in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Depending on your chosen site (determined by your instructor according to the weather and your level), you should expect to spend around
From Grenoble: 45 to 60 minutes drive.
From Lyon: About 1h30 via the A48 autoroute. The cliffs are set in rustic surroundings, offering total immersion in nature from the moment you step out of the car.
Meeting point
The exact meeting point will be communicated to you at the time of booking. We choose our areas (Lans-en-Vercors, Presles, or sites drômois) to guarantee the best conditions of sunshine and tranquility. Take a car to get to the site (carpooling is often possible).
EMAIL: contact@revedecimes.com
TELEPHONE: +33 (0)6 28 79 89 47
