Grand Vallon Via Ferrata

Located in a deeply incised gorge, the trail begins with two footbridges and crosses a fairly steep cliff face that leads to a rope bridge providing access to the gorge, which grows increasingly narrow. Several rope bridges span the gorge.

Description

Difficulty: A route suitable for children ages 13 and up, with a few athletic and exposed sections, but featuring two escape routes.

Access: 10 minutes; below the Charmasson chairlift, cross the wooden bridge and follow the trail on the right bank down to the route’s starting point.

Elevation gain: 50 m.
Route length: 300 m.
Duration: 2 hours.
First third: AD (fairly difficult), or blue
Second third: D to TD (difficult to very difficult), or red
Third third: AD (fairly difficult), or blue.

Route:

Follow the trail downstream from the path to reach the first 28-meter footbridge, which you cross. A cable-assisted path leads to the second 40-meter footbridge, which runs along the right bank of the canyon. Cross it (very exposed section) and continue by traversing to the left (possible escape route on the left that leads to the pedestrian footbridge), until you reach an acrobatic footbridge that crosses the torrent, ascending for 20 meters in length; a second escape route provides access to the pedestrian footbridge on the left bank. You enter the narrowest part of the gorge and navigate a series of via ferrata sections, Nepalese footbridges, and rope bridges until you reach the trail’s exit below the Charmasson chairlift.

WARNING:

Do not attempt these routes without mountain experience. Anyone using the Via Ferrata must wear a helmet. It is up to you to decide whether you are capable of tackling this route on your own.

Supervision by a professional is recommended.
Shops offering via ferrata equipment rentals: information and rates are available at the Valfréjus Tourist Office.

Equipment

• Parking nearby
• Via ferrata

Additional welcome

• Minimum age: 10 years

Environments

• Mountain location

Rates

Free access.

Opening period

Open from mid-May to mid-October (dates subject to change based on the opening notice).

Location

To access it, you must go by car or on foot at the arrival of the chairlift of Charmasson, then park at 50 m above. After the small wooden bridge, turn left and go down 350 m.

Animals

Pets allowed : No