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VIA FERRATA in Pyrenees-Orientales

  South of France, Catalonia, Spain…and other faraway destinations

Via ferrata

  

Hiking in the world of vertical, following a route built to facilitate advancement.

Via ferrata comes from the latin (the iron-route), in analogy to the metal bars installed to facilitate progress on the route and go vertical jumps without being an ACE of climbing. If activity dates from the 19th century, it is especially the Italian army who developed the concept, in the 20th century, in the massif of the Dolomites, to allow his troops to monitor its borders in the heart of the Alpine massif.

Since then, the activity via ferrata has been democratized to become a full-fledged sport and allow, first mountain communities and the general public access to heights, advance on large rock faces without being an extreme mountaineering. If the via ferrata Dolomites remain a reference for the activity, many courses are developed in France in the Alps and the Pyrenees and now average-mountain areas. More modern designed, these routes of via ferrata favour the side entertaining, sports and spectacular, with often the suspension bridges, zip lines, etc…

There are routes of different levels of difficulty, starting with the introduction and initiation course for beginners, family, children, until much more technical and steadfast very sporting courses for those looking for thrills.

 

  via ferrata in Pyrenees-Orientales 

Via ferrata in the Pyrenees-Orientales has acquired its letters of nobility with its first route created in the mountains on the Cerdanya. Since 2010, a new via ferrata was opened in the foothills of the Corbières. Next Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet and close to the castles of the country Cathare Queribus and Peyrepertuse, Via Ferrata of Fenouilledes is ideally located on the Valley of the river Agly, at short distance from Perpignan. It is composed of two main coursesthe Pichona for introduction and the Panoramique more sports.

Other via ferrata are also planned in the Department.

 

via Ferrata of Fenouilledes

By a path along cliff ledges and ridges, course climbs to the top of this large limestone bar to offer a panorama at 360 ° on the Cathar country and the Pyrenees. Several hanging bridges spice up the sports course for a few moments of adrenaline.

Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, the via ferrata in the Fenouillèdes is passable throughout the year. Between these landscapes of sea and mountain, the “air trekker” has here all the ingredients for a rich and varied experience in our Mediterranean sunshine.

Three different courses are offered:

• Introduction course, the Pichona allows a first approach in family, for children or for beginners / 2 h accessible route from 9 years.
• Intermediate course, progress a bit sportier than initiation, with passage of a monkey bridge. Sensations while being very affordable / 2 h approximately from 12 years(>1m30)
• Sporting course, the Panoramique, It is aimed at the more adventurous. It is the great course with suspension bridges. Longest route that spans the 200 m the Valley. Two monkey bridges and a Himalayan bridge impressive “the panoramique” / 4 h accessible route from 12 years (>1m30)

Another asset of the Pyrenees-Orientales is the proximity of Spain with its region of Catalonia, our neighbour. It is also an ideal playground for the via ferrata, with sites accessible by the day or for a few days.

via ferrata in Catalonia

In Catalonia the activity via ferrata is well developed, with few historical courses in the Montserrat massif. There are also many courses of via ferrata more modern, developed by the local Catalan developers, notably on the Costa brava.

via Ferrata on the Costa Brava

A selection of interesting itineraries on the Costa Brava, close to the beaches (Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Platja d’Aro) in the Empordà Baix, East of Girona (the Gavarres massif).

• via ferrata de cala del Moli at Sant Feliu de Guixols, very nice intermediate course over the sea
• via ferrata de Agulles Rodones near Sant Feliu de Guixols, expert course over the valley

 

Professional qualified Instructor guide, more than 15 years of experience in coaching and teaching

Specialist of outdoor & adventure  activities: Canyoning, climbing, Via ferrata, hiking, mountain biking

in the Pyrenees-Orientales, South of France, Spain and abroad

Competence and good mood, to give the tone to your sporting adventures

SabléO is certified “Qualité Sud de France” & “Qualité Tourisme“

Via ferrata in Pyrenees-Orientales