Grenoble is good for canyoning but also to do via ferrata. The Bastille via ferrata is accessible from the citycentre and reaches the Bastille : perfect place to see Grenoble urban area and in the background, Belledonne mountains and East Vercors mountainsides.
With the via ferrata you can gain height and experiment the feeling of emptiness of climbing but without the free climbing technical and physical constraints. For example, you can observe the Bourget lake by practicing the Col du Chat via ferrata situated near Chambery.
The Grenoble via ferrata is divided into three parts. The first one if a climbing part followed by a Himalayan bridge and a rope bridge. After a little walk, the two parts offer an amazing view over Grenoble.
2h30 activity | Level: Easy
The Bourget lake is splendid. It is even more beautiful when you gain height. The Col du Chat via ferrata a long crossing with part of 50 meters high. You will have a panoramic view over the lake, Aix les Bains and the Bauges Massif.
2h30 activity | Level: Easy
The via ferrata was born is Italy in the dolomites. The Italian army equiped railways to reach the summits or passes in order to transport heavy military gear. Progressively, those ways went down in the valleys and were accessible to general public to do rocky summits for climbing beginners. Nowadays, a lot of via ferrata are equiped in the Alps. Around Grenoble, there are many via ferrata more or less difficult in the Oisans, Chatreuse and Bauges Massifs.
During a via ferrata, you will always follow a lifeline. Therefore, you will continuously be linked to this lifeline thanks to a harness and climbing ropes specific to via ferrata. Indeed, in case of a fall, the cables are very few dynamic and thus, the impacts are violent. That is why, the via ferrata climbing ropes are built with a shock absorber. Moreover, a helmet is necessary to protect from potential rock fall.