5 places for via ferrata and rock climbing in the Gorges du Verdon

Because there are a thousand ways to visit a place, discover via ferrata and rock climbing in the Gorges du Verdon!

A sporty yet fun activity, via ferrata is a powerful alternative that combines climbing and hiking. On a mountainside, you can move through natural settings, away from or close to the ground, but above all, enjoy! The Gorges du Verdon is an exceptional place, with a wide range of outdoor activities on offer.

A true French beauty, they promise breathtaking, colorful landscapes. So via ferrata in the Gorges du Verdon is a way of combining the pleasure of sport with the satisfaction of discovery. So what are you waiting for?

Via ferrata in the Gorges du Verdon

1. La Main Morte

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marina VN

La Main Morte is a well-known dry canyon in the Verdon region. With its vertiginous walls and high cliffs, it opens onto the Grand Canyon du Verdon, but above all promises great sensations.

Thanks to its rather intense route, where abseiling alternates perfectly with climbing and Tyrolean traverse, this is the ideal spot for via ferrata in the Gorges du Verdon. In fact, it’s more akin to a via cordata, since it’s the fixed ropes that allow you to move along the natural trail.

You’ll start by taking a short walk, about a quarter of an hour, to get used to the place and gradually take possession of it. Then you’ll head straight for the abseiling, sometimes up to 30 metres. Don’t be afraid of heights! Once you’ve reached the bottom of the Dead Hand, you’ll gradually climb back up the limestone walls.

2. Le Trou du Renard with zip-line

Photo credit: Shutterstock – totajla

Going via ferrata in the Gorges du Verdon is as much a pleasure for the eyes as for the rest of the body. In fact, 200 metres above the Verdon, discover the Trou du Renard, an adventure course dedicated to nature and the sensations it can give you.

The aim here is to challenge yourself while exploring the region. Balance on a rope along the limestone walls that are typical of Provence. This is what earns the route the name of via cordata, a sort of variant of the via ferrata. As the walls are limestone, it’s not a good idea to attach metal hooks or ladders.

Along the way, you’ll gradually discover the Trou du Renard (Fox Hole), which gives you a glimpse of the beauty of the Gorges du Verdon along the cliffs. Get ready to leap, jump and abseil! You’ll even have access to an almost 40-metre-long zip line, for even more thrills!

3. Fox’s Hole for all

Photo credit: Shutterstock – kavram

Still in the spirit of adventure via ferrata in the Gorges du Verdon, the Trou du Renard can be discovered in several ways. This one is particularly good because it’s accessible to everyone, including children aged 12 and over.

Of course, you’ll need to be able to resist vertigo, as you’ll find yourself 200 metres above the ground. You’ll enjoy all the sensations of climbing a cliff face. Against the backdrop of the Verdon and its spectacular Provencal landscapes, of course.

The program includes via cordata, climbing and zip-lining. You’ll evolve in this incredible natural space, guided by experts in the practice, who will make you experience unforgettable sensations.

Via cordata and ferrata routes are always surprising, because they’re specially designed to show you around, but also to make you feel the pleasure of being in the middle of nature. Your reward after so much effort? The Verdon and its gorges!

Climbing in the Gorges du Verdon

4. Climbing at sunset

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nejron Photo

If you’d like to visit the Gorges du Verdon in a different way, this is the excursion for you. This climbing tour takes place at the end of the day, until sunset. This is when the gorges take on their golden, orange and red hues, just for you. These hues contrast particularly well with the blues, greens and whites of the region.

Take up the challenge and climb the limestone cliffs, enjoy the scenery and let yourself be swept away by the emotions. In this totally natural environment, you can observe gorges and lakes, including the Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon lake.

You will also be familiarized with the mandatory and safety techniques (belaying), and will be able to progress independently. The course is accessible to all, including children aged 6 and over.

5. Climbing courses in the Gorges du Verdon

Photo credit: Shutterstock – gumbao

For those who love intense climbing! For 1 to 5 days, guide Simon Montmory will take you along the limestone walls at the summit of the Gorges du Verdon. Sharing his passion for climbing, he offers several types of excursions to suit your needs.

The best climbing routes have been selected, and all you have to do is follow them, accompanied by your guide. Want to see everything of the Gorges du Verdon? It’s perfectly possible! Perhaps you’d prefer private coaching in the heights? That’s possible too!

In all cases, the result is the same: fascinating experiences as you reach the peaks overlooking the Verdon. Nature in Provence is waiting for you, and all you have to do is climb!

Practical information

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ivica Drusany

Free practice, yes, but not for everyone

Although via ferrata is a sport that can be practised freely and without restrictions, it is still preferable to do it under supervision. With a professional guide, you reduce the risk of accidents and, above all, you’ll be accompanied and advised throughout your excursion. Free practice is reserved for experts and cannot be considered without preparation during a tourist stay.

Rates

For a unique experience on a mountainside, you’ll need to set aside a small budget. A via ferrata in the Gorges du Verdon will cost you between €25 and €65, depending on the option you choose. Climbing, on the other hand, costs between €30 and €50.

Further information

Before you go via ferrata or rock climbing in the Gorges du Verdon, here’s some information you might find useful and need to consider:

• via ferrata and climbing require a certain amount of physical preparation. You need to be in top physical condition to be able to complete all the stages of the routes;
• levels of commitment range from F (Easy) to ED (Extremely Difficult). They determine the difficulty of a course. We’ll show you the style and difficulty of each one, so you can better understand how they are rated;
• As with any outdoor activity, always bring sun cream, water and the right equipment (cap, sunglasses, lace-up shoes, comfortable clothing, etc.);
• being a sporting activity subject to weather conditions, your course may be closed in the event of past or forecast bad weather;
• If you’re a minor, you’ll also need parental consent. In some cases, a medical certificate may be required if you are over 55. On the other hand, you have nothing to worry about if you have no contraindications (osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart problems, pregnancy or epilepsy).