THE VIA FERRATA AT PUGET-THENIERS
LESS THAN AN HOUR FROM NICE AND THE VERDON
A new route managed by our guides
Equipped with new large zip lines, this is an exceptional route to discover as soon as possible, on your own or accompanied by our guides!
Open almost all year round!
The via ferrata at Puget-Théniers, although located close to the Verdon, is practicable. almost all year round except for a few days in winter.
An "old-fashioned" course with a 460m zip line!
This via ferrata offers a traditional route with verticality, gas, a Nepalese bridge, a monkey bridge and now 4 zip lines (80, 50, 100 and 460m) to finish. It's not overly physical, but it's tough because there are few rest areas.
Well equipped, with clear signs along the way, it offers two levels :
– Green for a 1h30 experience.
– Red for a 3-hour adventure.
The "Demoiselles du Castagnet" via ferrata in Puget
This elegant, logical route winds its way up a large sloping limestone ridge to the summit of some superb, hitherto inaccessible and little-known needles. These particular geological formations were probably named "demoiselles" because of their similarity to the slender, capped damselflies found in many Alpine valleys.
The word "Castagnet" refers to the name of the district, itself derived from the centuries-old chestnut forest on the sandstone slope where the return path winds.
In the clearing at the end of the via, just behind the summit of the Needles, are the remains of an old farmhouse flanked by a beautiful water cistern, a reminder of how these areas were used for farming before they were reforested at the beginning of the last century.
The "demoiselles du Castagnet" via ferrata was inaugurated by Patrick Berhault, an illustrious mountaineer and climber from Nice who died in 2004.
Features :
Level: beginner with an athletic profile and capable of read and understand instructions.
Rating of green route
- Verticality: 2/5
- Athletic passages : 2/5
- Commitment: 3/5
- Length: 2/5
- Difficulty: 2/5
Rating of red route
- Verticality: 3/5
- Athletic passages : 2/5
- Commitment: 4/5
- Length: 3/5
- Difficulty: 3/5
Recommended period : from spring to autumn. Very often, in the shoulder seasons, the route can be climbed in the sunshine at mild temperatures, while the valley floor remains in the shade with a layer of white frost.
Personal equipment : helmet, harness, lanyards with energy absorber, pulley, suitable gloves.
Don't forget to drink plenty of water in summer!
Important to know
- Reception only between 8.30am and 11am, depending on the season, at the Hôtel des Alizés.
– Advance booking required for organising equipment.
- New 100m zip line.
- 460m long zip line, open under supervision.
- Full set of via ferrata equipment and suitable gloves (available on site) are compulsory for the zip lines.
This is private land and a private via, and accessing it without paying the fee is a criminal offence. A gate prohibits access outside opening hours.
Reservations and access
Open since 13 April
Book online below or by telephone.
STAND-ALONE PASS: €10
Do you have your own equipment, in good condition and already familiar with our activity? Discover this via ferrata without a guide.
Note: the one and only valid pulley is the Petzl Speed Tandem (grey) or Track for cable, which you can hire on site for 15 euros (pass included). Tandem (yellow) or other pulleys that are not strictly equivalent: strictly forbidden.
Before you come, don't forget to watch the video on how to use the zip lines by clicking here.
ENTRY PASS + PULLEY: €15
Includes entrance and pulley for the zip lines. Discover this magnificent via ferrata without a guide.
RENTAL PASS 1: €25
Includes hire of all necessary equipment (excluding gloves). The via is done without a guide.
RENTAL PASS 2: €30
Includes hire of all necessary equipment, including gloves. The via is done without a guide.
MANAGEMENT PASS: €50
For greater safety, to learn how it works or simply to reassure yourself, you can choose to set off with a guide or instructor. If you book in advance, we can provide you with an instructor who knows the route well.
Book an activity
The best way to book? Just give us a call and we'll work out the best route for you, depending on your location, level of experience and budget. Payment can be made at Castellane or at the start of the activity.
You can also book by clicking on the buttons below
As our instructors are often working, it's best to text them for the first contact. They'll get back to you very quickly! Click on the icons to initiate a call or write a message.
If you wish to book the Puget via ferrataplease visit this dedicated page.
Our equipment is inspected and strictly complies with regulations.
A long history
Initiated in the 1990s by the Alpes-Maritimes département, the via ferrata at Puget-Théniers was forced to close in 2014, following the withdrawal of the département council, which was responsible for its management.
After four years of inactivity, our guides (who make up the local Bureau de Guides) have committed to in a process of reopening. This involved cleaning up, replacing cables, dealing with the authorities, updating information panels, acquiring the necessary equipment and finding suitable insurance. Certification was obtained to validate the work carried out, enabling the via ferrata to be reopened.
