Ascension Chronicles

September 1, 2023. The end of summer is approaching and I can feel the mountains calling me. A new adventure awaits me in the heights of the Valais. Before the wind changes, bringing with it the first snows of autumn. Accompanied by my guide, Johann Filliez, I decide to head for the edge of the Swiss Alps, in the Haut-Giffre massif, to traverse from Tour Sallière to Mont Ruan. A timeless journey to the peaks overlooking Lac d'Emosson, to summit these giants of rock forgotten by the world. Where no path leads our footsteps, ...

June 2023. I'm about to climb the Rimpfischhorn. The mountain rises to 4199 meters between the valleys of Saas Fee and Zermatt, in the Valais Alps. I embark on this adventure without really knowing where it will take me. What is this imposing yet little-known colossus? I learn that its name comes from the unique shape of its northern ridge. Covered in dark teeth, it was formed by an ancient lava flow that erupted from the ocean millions of years ago. An incredible force of nature! A hidden Valais treasure.

June 2023. A new day dawns at summit . At the start of the new season, I've decided to climb the massif via Italy. Surveying the mountains I've admired for so many years is an opportunity to reacclimatize my body to alpine sensations. I have many plans for the coming months. Accompanied by my guide, Johann Filliez, I'm setting out to conquer 7 giants over 4,000 metres in altitude in just two days. Taking up the challenge of covering part of the famous Spaghetti Tour, which crosses the most beautiful summits of Mount Rose by their ...

July 2023. I'm getting ready to return to Dents du Midi, the emblematic massif of the Valais Alps. Already 9 years ago, I climbed the Haute Cime, 3257 meters above sea level, via the normal route. After bivouacking overnight at summit, I remember admiring the sunrise over one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Alps. For Dents du Midi occupies a unique position in the heart of the Alps. A landmark on the horizon, they offer a breathtaking view of the mountains, from the Écrins to bernese alps. But today, the stakes are quite different. ...

July 2023. It's already been six years since I met him. Six years that his regal beauty has fascinated me and that, with a vibrant heart, I've photographed him. After so many years, I'm finally going to realize one of my greatest dreams. To cross Lyskamm and its magnificent ridge. Suspended between heaven and earth, on the borders of the Valais Alps and the Aosta Valley. To complete this new ascent, I'm lucky enough to be accompanied by my guide, Johann Filliez, as well as my friend Alexis and his guide Antoine. Our steps will take us from Lyskamm occidental, which rises ...

August 2023. I tackle Dent du Géant. This rocky peak culminates at 4013 meters in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif. It is one of the summits 4000-meter peaks most climbed in the Alps. A mere 14 meters lower, it fell back into the shadows. Unnoticed by record-seeking mountaineers. I've admired this mountain for many years. Its silhouette evokes the immensity of a world dominated by titans of stone. I've painted some fabulous portraits of it. The sharp fang of a fantastic creature determined to devour the sky. But I hadn't ...

July 2023. I'm about to climb the Weissmies. The mountain is beautiful, but nothing really connects us. And I had no immediate plans to join him at summit. Our meeting was the fruit of chance, a will of nature. Because today, the conditions are just right for climbing it. Culminating at an altitude of 4017 metres above Saas-Grund, the mountain is one of the giants of the Alps at over 4000 metres. And I took up the challenge of exploring them all. So it was time to head off with my guide, Johann Filliez, to the valley ...

July 2023. I face the Eiger. The bernese alps ogre peaks at 3967 meters above sea level at Grindelwald. The mountain owes its ominous reputation to the many climbers who have lost their lives attempting to scale its merciless north face. I have no pretension today of tackling this gigantic cliff. But it is possible to follow another, more accessible and welcoming route. Climbing the Eiger via the Mittellegi ridge has long been a dream of mine. For the role the mountain plays in the history of mountaineering. For its charismatic stature too, it ...

June 2023. I'm ready to set off and meet Mount Rose. From the valley of Zermatt, the high summits of this massif catch my eye. Now it's time for me to climb them. At the start of this summer, I've decided to do part of the Spaghetti Tour, the famous Italian side of the Monte Rosa giants. On the program: the ascent of Punta Giordani, Pyramide Vincent, Corno Nero and Ludwigshöhe. Thanks to the sound advice of my guide, Johann Filliez, my expedition will then take me to the summit of Parrotspitze, Zumsteinspitze and ...