Chomérac is a village near Privas in the Ardèche, in southern France. Just outside it, old limestone quarries have been bolted as a small, open-access climbing site. The walls are about 20 m high, with slabs and big cracks, and a smaller quarry at the west end, La Vialatte, suits children well.

The honest family verdict: a handy little crag for a short family session, especially in winter. The approach is under five minutes, and there are routes from 4b. It is small, it turns into an oven in warm sun, and climbers report broken glass at the base.

We have climbed here over the years.

Family crag snapshot

Check access before you go

The commune of Chomérac lists the quarry climbing site as open access (accès libre), with 54 routes from 4b to 7b on limestone slabs and cracks. For questions, the commune gives the town hall (mairie) as the contact. theCrag lists access as tolerated and suggests checking with the French climbing federation (FFME) for any restrictions on privately owned sections. Park where indicated and respect the site.

Getting there with kids

From Privas, take the D2 toward Chomérac, then follow signs to the stadium and the Vialatte sector (Yadugaz07). Park at the main quarry entrance. The Vialatte sector is 200 m further along a small side road. theCrag gives the approach as under five minutes.

That short walk makes Chomérac an easy after-school or half-day crag. The car and snacks are never far.

Which walls work best for families

The site has two main parts.

Les Carrières, the main quarry, has about 54 to 63 routes on a wall of about 20 m, depending on the source. The climbing is slab and flat faces cut by large cracks (Commune de Chomérac). Yadugaz07 says the wall near the parking suits beginners and groups. It also has a big roof of about 7 m for strong climbers.

La Vialatte, the smaller quarry at the west end, is where to take children. Yadugaz07 says it works better for kids, and theCrag lists about 14 routes there from 4b to 6c.

Most routes across the site are 5c to 6c (theCrag), so the very easiest lines are few. Start kids on the 4b and 5a routes at La Vialatte, on top-rope.

A short family session at La Vialatte

Because the crag is small and close to the car, it suits a two-hour visit. A simple plan: one adult leads an easy line and sets a top-rope, the kids take turns, and the adult moves the rope to a second easy route once everyone has had a go. With slabs, coach the kids to keep their weight over their feet and to look for footholds before handholds. Slab climbing builds good habits that pay off on steeper rock later.

If the quarry floor looks messy, do a quick sweep for glass with your shoes before you set up, and keep bags and snacks on a tarp. Leave before the kids are tired, and the next visit will be easy to sell.

One climber review on Yadugaz07 called the routes “somewhat overrated”. It is a practical local crag rather than a destination.

Safety notes for parents

Broken glass. Climbers report broken glass at the base and even on routes (Yadugaz07). Check the ground before you put bags down or let kids sit. Proper shoes for everyone.

Heat. The walls face south and east and get sun all day. Yadugaz07 warns the quarry becomes an oven in the first warm sun. Come on cool days.

Quarry walls. Old quarries can have loose blocks. Wear helmets and keep the kids’ waiting spot back from the wall.

Rims. Keep children away from the top of the quarry walls.

Our what to pack for a family crag day list covers helmets, shoes and first aid.

Best time to visit

Winter. The south and east aspect and the enclosed quarry make it warm in cold months and too hot from spring onward (Yadugaz07). On sunny winter afternoons, it can be one of the most pleasant crags in the area.

Toilets, water and food

We could not confirm toilets or water at the site. Plan a stop in the village, and bring water and snacks. Privas has supermarkets.

Where to stay

Most families who climb here live nearby or stay in the Rhône valley or around Privas, so it works best as a local crag for a short outing rather than a holiday base. The Ardèche has many campsites and holiday rentals.

Things to do nearby with kids

The Ardèche is full of family outings: old villages, rivers for swimming in summer and, further south, the Ardèche gorges and the Pont d’Arc. Chomérac makes a good short session to combine with a village market or a picnic.

Is Chomérac La Vialatte good for families?

For a short session, yes. The approach is under five minutes, La Vialatte has easy routes that suit children, and the crag is warm on winter days. It is a small site, the easiest routes are limited, and broken glass and summer heat need managing.

Go on a cool or winter day. Head to La Vialatte. Check the ground for glass. Keep it short and sweet.

New to climbing outside? Read how to choose your first outdoor climbing area with kids and our family climbing gear guide. Then see Font Garnide, Grand Charmasson, or all kid-friendly climbing destinations.