Babsi Zangerl in one of the toughest trad routes in France (Le Voyage, E10, 7a)

In 2021, Babsi Zangerl climbed the mentally demanding trad route Le Voyage (E10, 7a). In the video, she takes the viewers into the sandstone wall, which has just enough structure to climb on and lay the most necessary safety devices.

The Journey (E10, 7a) is a 38 meter long route in the sector Le Chambre du Roi in the French climbing area Annot, first climbed in 2017 by Trad masters James Pearson. "This relatively new route is definitely one of the best trad climbs that France has to offer," enthuses Babsi Zangerl. A tough test piece that combines wall climbing with holes, cracks and ledges with challenging placements.

Video: Babsi Zangerl's journey through Le Voyage (E10, 7a)

Le Voyage: mentally demanding

In the UK rating system, Le Voyage is rated E10, 7a. If you're wondering what the E stands for, check out the 2008 climbing film The Sharp End. There, Alex Honnold answers exactly this question as follows: "E stands for extreme." Of course, his answer is not meant to be taken seriously, but it does not miss the mark completely. "In principle, this rating system should rate the danger of a route in combination with the purely technical difficulties," explains Babsi Zangerl.

"I was extremely nervous about accommodating my fuses because you also use the holes as climbing holds."

Babsi Zangerl

The Trad specialist describes Le Voyage as difficult, but fairly safe - at least from the key point. "The higher you go, the better the safety options you find there." Nevertheless, she found it mentally quite challenging to climb the traverse in the lower third of the face. "I was extremely nervous about accommodating my fuses because you also use the holes as climbing holds."

Barbara-Zangerl-Trad-Route-Le-Voyage-across
Barbara Zangerl in Le Voyage, one of the toughest trad routes in France. Image: Andrea Cosu

“This natural line is a real gift, with no beaten holds and just enough structure to climb unaided. For me she is just perfect.”

Babsi Zangerl

Babsi Zangerl only managed to get through in the last few days before returning home. "It was a real fight," she recalls. At the same time, the line is a real gift, with no beaten holds and just enough structure to be able to climb it without any additional equipment. "Such routes are a real rarity."

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Credits: Cover picture Andrea Cosu

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