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Cliffs of Sinsat, Quié de Sinsat

Publié le 13 March 2021 | Ariege, France Eng

At the entrance to the Ax valley, between Tarascon-sur-Ariège and Les Cabannes, the Quié de Sinsat cliffs rise up in shades of gray and orange, in stark contrast to the verdant surroundings of the Haute-Ariège forests. South-facing, they offer incredible climbing potential in almost all seasons. The Club Alpin Français des Montagnards Ariégeois (CAFMA) lists a large number of equipped rises and long routes on their website. The Quié is divided into 2 main sectors: Quié de Sinsat 1, with the sport climbing zones at the bottom and the upper level on the west side, and Quié de Sinsat 2, which includes the upper zones on the east side. Well-frequented because of its easy access, the Sinsat cliffs offer numerous routes from level 4 to 7c+. There's something for every level, and the often sunny location is ideal for a great day's climbing!

Technical summary

Type ✦ Sport climbing (rind)
Location ✦ Quié de Sinsat, Sinsat
Region ✦ Haute-Ariège
Country ✦ France
Direction ✦ South
Routes ✦ 4a to 7c+
Rock ✦ Limestone
Equipment ✦ Mainly sealed pins
Interest ✦ ★★★

Access to the place

On the N20 between Tarascon-sur-Ariège and Les Cabannes, in the small village of Sinsat, turn north towards the cliffs along the route de Padalis. Cross the Ariège on a sky-blue metal bridge and park on the right in the climbers' parking lot.

Map & topo

Voir en plein écran

Itinerary description

Hiking to the start 20'

From the parking lot, return to the bridge and continue along the small road on the right bank of the Ariège. After a few dwellings, you'll find the path on the right that leads up to the climbing areas (signposted). Climb steeply for about 10 minutes and you're at the fork: straight ahead to the upper sectors (Pubis in particular) and left to the Sinsat cliffs (Grande Dalle and Lac). Another 10-minute traverse, this time slightly uphill then downhill, leads to the foot of the distinctive Grande Dalle. Continuing eastwards along the wall, we find the other sectors. Further down, a small fork leads back up to Odin (the easternmost sector of Les Couennes) and Le Lac further on.

Course Les voies

The routes described below are those we tested during our climbing sessions. New routes will be added as we discover them. So far, the equipment in place is very good: fairly close points (usually sealed pins), belays equipped and chained, and any suspect rock protected. The rock is excellent, with a slight patina in places on the most accessible routes. The foot of the routes are between sun and shade, as they are close to small shrubs. All routes face south or south-west in some sectors.

The routes are described from left to right in each sector. Lengths and ratings are those of the CAFMA topos, except for some routes where we have a slightly different assessment.

Please note that access to certain sectors may be restricted at certain times of the year. See signpost at parking lot.

GRANDE DALLE SECTOR

In this sector, track names are indicated on a small metal plate at the start.

Deodanthrope (5a, 25m, 7 points)

The starting wall is worth more than 4c: vertical climbing, slightly weathered rock, 1 small step to recover on the upper ramp. Huge hand and foot holds. At the top, you come out onto a flat area facing a large hole in the cliff where the belay is located.

Los Bire Firéal (5c, 30m, 10 points)

Just to the right of Déodanthrope. A long route that climbs straight up the slab. No really difficult steps, but good continuity. Fine passages to negotiate, all with good foot placement. A very nice, homogeneous route.

COUENNES - ODIN SECTOR

This small sector is at the end of the climb up to the Lac sector. A small wall with 6 equipped routes from 8 to 15m. Although the routes are very easy, the equipment is very good, ideal for beginners to lead climbing.

Courte patte (4a, 8m, 4 points)

The furthest left. Very short, sloping, then more vertical at the end.

Short right (5a, 10m, 5 points)

Climbs up a small crack with a more vertical mini-dihedral at the top.

Odin (5a, 10m, 5 points)

Climbs straight up to a rock plate secured by 2 rusty pins.

Dingues et les Paumés (5a, 15m, 7 points)

The first point is high. Then more distant points, but a great climb that makes you feel good!

Courte dalle (5b, 15m, 7 points)

The first part is finer (first 3 points) but the rest is easier.