Via ferrata holiday in France
Description of Via ferrata holiday in France
This spectacular via ferrata holiday in France will have your pulse racing, as you negotiate a series of high wire circuits, crossing gorges by narrow bridge, scaling granite and limestone peaks, and swooping down huge ziplines. And all in perfect safety, with top-quality equipment provided along with the services of an expert mountain guide.
Via ferrata means ‘iron road’ – these networks of cables bolted into the rocks have been used to get around at high elevations for centuries, but now they’re best-known as form of climbing route. The southern French Alps boasts the highest concentration of via ferratas in France, with some classics including the Grande Fistoire, which takes around four hours to complete and includes some absolutely exhilarating zipline descents.
Based in the picturesque town of Gap, which provides easy access to all routes, your group will head out in the company of an expert local guide. Not only will they ensure you’re safe, but they’ll provide a running commentary on life in the French Alps. These are fragile mountain environments that need to be explored sensitively, which your guide will be trained in. As an example, trips are arranged so that they avoid bird breeding season, so as not to cause any disturbance.
Sociable, and motivational with everyone cheering each other on, small group trips depart between May and October. This helps to extend the tourism season which, combined with using locally owned hotels and restaurants, means your holiday is of significant benefit to remote communities that rely on tourism income.
No experience is necessary, but as you might expect, a good level of fitness, and a dose of courage, are both vital. You’ll be climbing up and along vertical rock faces for four days running, but there’s always time for a rest and to soak up the incredible views. The minimum age is 14, which makes this an ideal holiday for intrepid teens. And anyone else with a head for heights!
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Reviews
2 Reviews of Via ferrata holiday in France
Reviewed on 13 May 2025 by Lesley Stephenson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The guiding by Bernard on the Via Ferratas was exceptional
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do some strength training beforehand!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent
Reviewed on 08 Jun 2022 by Lesley Stephenson
5 starsResponsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONWe encourage guests to travel to the Southern French Alps by train wherever practical. Gap is accessible by rail, including connections from major French cities. Guests stay in the same hotel in Gap throughout the short break. Transport to the different via ferrata sites is organised for the group, rather than requiring everyone to drive separately.
As a Travelife Certified tour operator, we use Carmacal to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our holidays. We also make a contribution on behalf of every traveller to rewilding projects through our partner Mossy Earth, supporting initiatives focused on habitat restoration and biodiversity. These contributions are not presented as compensation for the emissions associated with the holiday.
We provide itineraries, maps and practical holiday information through our smartphone app, reducing the need for printed travel documents.
ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE
This holiday takes guests through the limestone landscapes of the Dévoluy and the dramatic mountain scenery of the Écrins, with via ferrata routes offering a different perspective on the region's cliffs and gorges. Our qualified local guides share their knowledge of the geology, flora and wildlife of the Southern French Alps throughout the trip.
Guests follow established via ferrata routes under the supervision of their guide, who takes account of local access regulations and any applicable restrictions.
We encourage participants to respect wildlife, avoid disturbing vegetation, use designated access paths where appropriate and take all litter away. These practical measures help guests explore the mountain environment respectfully while enjoying the climbing experience.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYWe work with independent accommodation providers, restaurants and activity partners in the Southern French Alps. Guests stay in Gap throughout the holiday, with opportunities to enjoy local restaurants and explore the town's cafés and shops.
The itinerary also takes guests through different mountain valleys and villages, where stops for meals and refreshments provide opportunities to spend money with local businesses.
By working with local guides and service providers wherever possible, we help direct part of the holiday spending towards the communities guests visit.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
Our via ferrata holidays are led by qualified local mountain guides who live and work in the Southern French Alps. We pay agreed professional rates for their expertise and services.
Small group sizes allow guides to provide individual attention and adapt the experience to participants' confidence and abilities, whether they're trying via ferrata for the first time or looking for a more challenging route.
We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, from the local people we work with to the travellers who join our holidays.
Participants should be comfortable with heights and have the fitness and mobility needed for the routes. Our team can discuss individual requirements and help guests assess whether the holiday is suitable for them.
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