Mont Aiguille is located on the eastern edge of the Vercors: it is a section of Urgonian limestone slab that has been separated from the plateau by erosion—an isolated “spire” with steep cliffs and a meadow at its summit.

The first historic ascent of Mont Aiguille took place in 1492 (on the orders of the King of France) using ladders, ropes, and anchors—it is certainly one of the earliest feats in the history of mountaineering. The ascent was not repeated until 1834. In 1878, the Isère section of the CAF had chains installed at the most difficult sections, making access to the summit easier—today, climbing it is considered a form of “local mountaineering,” combining a short approach hike with easy-to-moderate climbing.