The Via Ferrata of Argentat

Today, we're taking you on an unusual sporting experience ! We're going to do a Via Ferrata, which is a mix between sport hiking and climbing. Don't worry, the one in Argentat is quite easy and will be accessible to all adventurers, even the youngest, who want to test their resistance to vertigo ! Because yes, it's a bit of a climb and you have to be comfortable with heights. Shall we go?

Photos from the report: Corrèze Guide

Via Ferrata in general

Via Ferrata is a sporting activity that can be practiced alone (in autonomy) or accompanied. If you have never done it before, do not scare yourself unnecessarily, ask for advice and support on site with a professional. Ask the Argentat Tourist Office for advice to find service providers authorized to provide you with equipment , explanations and quality supervision . Via ferrata is climbing, on a rock that is pre-equipped with equipment to climb it. It is like tree climbing, we will go from one rock face to another, sometimes cross ravines on rope bridges or with zip lines. To do via ferrata, you need suitable equipment, it is very important ! We do not leave with our climbing lanyard, it is not enough! We are equipped with a well-adjusted and well-installed harness , on this harness there is a lanyard (a rope with a carabiner) for rest, and two absorbent lanyards, because in the event of a fall (this is very rare on a via ferrata, but it can happen), the absorbent lanyard will reduce the impact of the shock in the harness. Some via ferrata have a lifeline, like in tree climbing, this is the case here, but not everywhere!

With your two lanyards, equipped with large carabiners, you will clip onto a metal cable, to always have 1 lanyard in place. Both while you move. When you climb the rungs of the ladders that are in place in the rock , you pass through anchor points, you remove a carabiner to position it higher. It's easy, you just need to get the hang of it and follow the rules to be safe during this activity. Hence the importance of being well supervised the first time. Afterwards, when you have tasted the joys of the via ferrata, I bet you will buy some equipment and go on a trip to do others completely independently! ALWAYS wear a helmet ! Take gloves because the cable quickly hurts your hands and you lose attention when your little fingers are hurting! Last tip: Come with good hiking shoes with crampons, to give your ankle support and good grip on the bars and rock.

The Argentat via ferrata

Argentat is a holiday destination that we love, it is in the Xaintrie region. Surrounded by greenery, with the Dordogne winding through and very attractive places to visit, it is ideal for a family holiday. The via ferrata can be done without any worries with slightly daring children who are at the same time aware enough to listen to the instructions and follow them . It can be done from 1m30 and 40 kg, generally under 10/12 years old, it is not recommended! Minors must be accompanied by an adult!

This via ferrata is located after the village, near the Sabliers dam , near the Dordogne and of course, along a rock face. Monkey bridge, Tibetan bridge, we're going to have fun! There are 5 routes, which can be done separately or several in a row. 2 easy, 2 medium and 1 difficult. The difficulty lies in the spacing of the equipment and the slope of the rock. No overhang on this via ferrata, but sometimes you do need your arms to move forward. The route is well exposed, we did it at the end of the day on a hot late afternoon and we were fine. Take water in a backpack.

It is announced 2h30 to do this via ferrata, the sportsmen and regulars will take 30 minutes, 2h30 is really when you start or you ask yourself questions before committing. This is often the case in the calculation of the times of the via ferrata, because we respect the progression time of the most novices and it is quite normal!

We particularly enjoyed the beautiful landscapes, depending on the season, you can clearly see the Dordogne winding between the rocks, it's nice! Take a picnic or a drink to reward yourself at the end of the via ferrata, there is a very pretty belvedere-type promontory !

We hope our article has made you want to try via ferrata! Be an adventurer during your stay in Argentat!

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