Roche Pertusa : The Cathedral in the Mountain

One of the tallest natural arch of France has yielded to a group of intrepid arch hunters. On August 9, 2010, a party of five enthusiastic arch hunters (included Cathy Icard, Raf Rodon, Pat Adam and the author) lead by mountaineer expert Pascal Sombardier visited the spectacular Roche Pertusa after an unsuccessful attempt some days before due to very hot weather. On this day, the cool, bright weather was perfect for negotiating the ten rappels that are needed to access the arch. The huge opening is situated half way down a sheer cliff about 400 meters high on the south face of Grande Tete de L'Obiou (Obiou peak) in Devoluy Massif in Isere department of France. For some years, trip leader Pascal Sombardier, who has acquired specialized knowledge of this area, has wanted to know if Roche Pertusa is a true natural arch. "Pertusa" is actually a local name for "pierced". During one of his numerous hiking treks in this wilderness, Pascal spotted light coming through the opening and became exciting about realizing this trip. One of the major rappel inside the double arch is about 45 meters high, so the major opening must be at least 35 meters high, which makes the arch a potential candidate for the top 3 of the biggest natural arch in France ...but also the most difficult to visit. IGN topographic map number 3337 west Devoluy pleat C2. Roche Pertusa is named on the topo map but not spoted.


photo and diagram by Pascal Sombardier


photo by the author


Photo by the author


photo by the author


photo by the author