Taxi isn't actually that bad but I cant really see why you don't want to hitch? the locals are really friendly towards climbers and the gear etc. won't be an issue. If however on your way back down a local lady stops who drives some battered old peugeout (that doesn't really rule a lot of the french out does it?) estate DO NOT get in, she seems to thinks she's a distant relative of Alain Prost.