Discover the most beautiful via ferratas in the Southern Alps
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationGap / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions65.88 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on a climb of the most beautiful rock faces ! The Southern Alps offer the widest selection of via ferratas in France , and in 3 days you'll discover 6 of them! You'll have the opportunity to climb the very first via ferrata installed in France and the Via Ferrata La Grande Fistoire , famous for its impressive limestone wall and three zip lines for the descent. Challenges await you: vertical walls , suspension bridges , rappels , and long zip lines ! This adrenaline-fueled trip offers captivating challenges for both beginners and experienced via ferrata climbers! And after the adventure, return to the tranquility of discovering the charming town of Gap, where you'll stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.
The highlights
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Experience the most beautiful via ferratas in the Alps
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Explore a wide variety of landscapes, from narrow gorges to majestic cliffs
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Discover the charming town of Gap, capital of the Southern Alps
Photos
Sport
Level
Rock climbing
The expert's opinion
This via ferrata weekend is for sporty people, comfortable with mountain activities and drawn to vertical thrills. No prior via ferrata experience is necessary: your guide will explain the progression techniques and the use of the equipment.
However, it's important not to be prone to vertigo, as you'll be working on routes equipped with fixed ropes, sometimes with sheer drops below. A taste for climbing, high ropes courses, or thrilling activities is therefore a real advantage.
Physically, a good general fitness level is required. The program remains fun and accessible to people who regularly engage in sports, but the days can be quite intense with approach hikes, climbing on rock faces, and sustained efforts in the mountains.
Minimum age requirement: 14 years .
Management
English
French
Your via ferrata adventure is led by a certified and experienced mountain guide, qualified to navigate and accompany groups in mountainous terrain. Throughout your stay, they will teach you essential climbing techniques, equipment use, and safety rules, while adapting the routes to the group's level and the day's conditions.
You will be accompanied by a qualified French UIAGM high mountain guide. He speaks English and French.
Program
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Arrival
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will arrange your travel to Gap and check into your hotel today. We can help you plan your journey—we've become experts at it! We suggest meeting at the hotel reception at 6:30 p.m. to meet the other participants on this trip before heading out for dinner.
Your rooms will be available for check-in from 4pm, but depending on your arrival time, we can arrange a place to leave your luggage at the hotel so you can go explore Gap.
Gap is a magnificent Alpine town with a Provençal atmosphere. There is a charming pedestrian zone with bars and restaurants spilling out into the streets and squares, as well as narrow alleyways with shops and treasures to discover.
Day 1 -
Via Ferratas in the Dévoluy Massif
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 46km
- Activity Via ferrata
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Dévoluy massif, a valley with spectacular limestone walls where the wolf has reappeared in recent years, represents an unmissable wonder of the Hautes-Alpes.
Agnielles Gorge Via Ferrata: This impressive via ferrata, stretching for nearly 500 meters, overlooks the Souloise gorge, the river of the Dévoluy region. The first section, considered easy, nevertheless offers plenty of thrills with its vertigo-inducing character. The second section, considerably more challenging, begins with a 50-meter vertical cliff, traverses fascinating undulating limestone strata, and concludes with exposed sections before returning via the trail. It is possible to choose a rappel descent after the easier first section.
Lunch: You will have the choice between a picnic on site after the morning via ferrata or a meal in a restaurant in St Étienne en Dévoluy.
Via Ferrata des Étroits: This via ferrata is distinguished by its length of over one kilometer. It takes you on a fascinating journey, deep within a narrow and deep gorge, winding through caverns and around enormous boulders wedged between the walls. For those less adventurous, an easier alternative route is available, offering the opportunity to take a detour before tackling the most demanding section.
Day 2 -
Via Ferratas in the Écrins Massif
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 85km
- Activity Via ferrata
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your third day begins with a scenic minibus journey along Lake Serre-Ponçon, heading east towards the Écrins mountain range. And the good news is, a swim in the lake might even be possible on the way back, weather permitting!
Via Ferrata La Falaise in Freissinières: Inaugurated in 1988 by Lionel Condemne, this via ferrata was the first in France designed for pure enjoyment! You'll delve into its history and quickly understand, as you discover this exceptional site and its breathtaking panoramas, why Mr. Condemne was inspired by these places, which now attract climbers from all over the world. With a 1 km route and 200 meters of elevation gain, it begins with a relatively easy section before gradually increasing in intensity to the summit. It's a must-do, a classic that you absolutely must experience!
Lunch: Just like the day before, you have the choice between a picnic or a meal at a restaurant. The decision will be made as a group.
Ailefroide Gorge Via Ferrata : We selected this via ferrata for its route along a granite cliff face, offering a different experience from anything we've done before. It offers routes suitable for all levels, with an easy option and a more challenging one. The first section, approximately 300 meters long, winds along the cliff overlooking the gorge and includes three suspension bridges. The second, more technical section extends for 350 meters and crosses a concrete bridge.
Day 3 -
Via Ferrata de la Grande Fistoire and Departure
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 38km
- Activity Via ferrata
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, you will need to vacate your rooms and remove your belongings before departure. You will have the option of leaving your luggage at the hotel during the day. If you wish, you can also extend your stay by one night and depart the following day.
As the highlight of your stay, today we will take you to the via ferrata of Motte du Caire, which we consider to be the most spectacular in the region.
The Via Ferrata La Grande Fistoire: This via ferrata, situated in a breathtakingly beautiful location, is well worth a good half-day of your time. It begins with a direct climb up the majestic main face, before leading you to a first wooden suspension bridge, followed by a steep ascent to a narrow ridge. Next comes a thrilling cable bridge, which guides you to the final and most demanding section, including a sheer wall equipped with a ladder leading to the summit.
The summit is the perfect spot for a picnic, with its breathtaking panoramic views. The descent then takes place via three separate ziplines, the true highlight of this extraordinary via ferrata – and of your adventure! At 150, 130, and 220 meters long, these ziplines are not for the faint of heart. Unlike more modern ziplines with full-body harnesses, here you'll be seated the old-fashioned way, offering an intense and exhilarating experience with the void beneath your feet – a sensational conclusion to your via ferrata adventure!
You will return to Gap in the mid-afternoon, perfectly in time to catch your train or bus and go home.
Day 4
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants requires it.
The difficulty level of the via ferratas we will use on this trip will vary from easy to difficult. Some routes begin with an easy section and gradually become more challenging, with options to retreat, thus offering the flexibility to adapt to the different abilities of the group without penalizing anyone!
Accommodation
Your accommodation is a 3-star hotel located in Gap, very close to the pedestrianized city center of the capital of the Southern Alps. Ideally situated right at the entrance to Rue Carnot, Gap's main shopping street, the hotel offers excellent amenities, recently renovated rooms, a superb breakfast, and attentive staff. Beyond the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and the excellent breakfast, featuring pastries and other local products served every morning, it is above all the hotel's location that makes it one of our top choices in Gap.
Access
Go to the starting point
Gap, the capital of the Southern Alps, is well-served by a train station and a bus station with frequent connections (from Grenoble, Aix-en-Provence TGV, Marseille, Marseille Airport, Valence TGV, etc.). The hotel is about a ten-minute walk from the train station. Our partner will provide you with full instructions before your arrival. They can also take care of your travel arrangements.
Price details
The price includes
- 3 nights in a 3-star hotel, in a twin room
- Breakfasts
- 3 guided via ferrata days led by a high mountain guide
- All the equipment specific to the activity (helmet, harness, shock-absorbing cow tail, ropes, etc.)
- Transport between the accommodation and the via ferrata
- A personalized travel app available on your smartphone, containing all your trip details and all the necessary information.
The price does not include
- Picnics or lunches at the restaurant
- Evening drinks and meals in Gap
- Your transport to Gap
- Tip for your guide
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
Options
- Extra night before stay - Single room : CHF105.20 / unit
- Extra night before stay - Double room : CHF164.66 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Single room : CHF105.20 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room : CHF164.66 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- The harnesses
- The helmets
- All safety equipment
Equipment to bring
- 25-liter backpack
- Large water bottle
- A lunchbox
- SPF 50 sunscreen for your face and neck
- Lip balm with sun protection.
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunglasses ideally category 3 or 4
- Hat or cap for the sun
- Approach shoes or walking sneakers
- Sandals to air your feet after the via ferrata
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof jacket
- Lightweight T-shirts and thermal underwear
- Three-quarter length trousers and stretch full trousers
- Warm layers (fleece jackets and long pants)
- Buff or neck warmer
- Fingerless cycling gloves to protect your hands
