Via ferrata, tree climbing and tree climbing
Full of Sensations Suspended
Whether it’s traversing gorges on a via ferrata, launching yourself on the zip lines of a tree climbing course or enjoying a moment suspended in the trees, these activities share the same common thread: a secure harness, the challenge of verticality and communion with nature. In the Pays des Écrins, alternate between aerial passages on the rocks, zip lines and suspension bridges in the forest, while developing your balance, your confidence and your thirst for adventure.
- VIA FERRATA
- TYROLIENNE
- ACCROBRANCHE
- GRIMPE D’ARBRES
VIA FERRATA
Via ferrata , a vertical adventure for everyone
Want to taste the sensations of climbing without being a mountaineer? The via ferrata offers you equipped access to the rock walls, with cables, rungs and suspension bridges to help you climb, whatever your level. It’s a great way to appreciate the scenery while surpassing yourself.
How does it work?
The via ferrata is this perfect balance between hiking and climbing, accessible from 7-8 years old (accompanied). With a harness, two lanyards and a helmet, you progress at your own pace, on walls adapted to all levels. Want to have fun? Emptiness? Panoramas? This is it. Equipment can be rented in the local shops, or supervision possible with a local guide.
Where to climb
- Gorges de la Durance – L’Argentière-la-Bessée / Les Vigneaux : 4 courses, 5 footbridges, 2 zip lines, for guaranteed sensations. Paid access via Roc Aventure.
- Via de l’Horloge – L’Argentière-la-Bessée : ideal for beginners (children welcome).
- Grande Falaise – Freissinières : mineral atmosphere, spectacular views, nature bonus.
- Gorges d’Ailefroide – Pelvoux : shaded course, torrent, three footbridges, very accessible.
- Combe de Narreyroux – Puy Saint Vincent : family-friendly, bucolic, on the side of a torrent.
- Tournoux – Puy Saint Vincent : fun, aerial, original descent.
- Le Colombier / La Balme – Les Vigneaux : two options, easy or more sporty, with breathtaking views.
Guide Tips
Before you start, always check the condition of your lanyard and helmet, then adapt your pace to that of the group: it is better to move forward regularly than to force yourself and get tired. Always keep three anchor points, take advantage of the belays to take a breather and admire the landscape: safety requires vigilance, but adventure begins with wonder. Finally, consider the exposure: a south-facing via ferrata can be very sunny, so don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a supply of water.
Need equipment? Rent your equipment here!
TYROLIENNE
Roc Aventure Zip line of the Gorges de la Durance
Looking for a great thrill that is easy to fit into your living room? In L’Argentière-La Bessée, Roc Aventure offers two giant zip lines that cross the gorges of the Durance: 500 m of cable, about 200 m above the river, and a panoramic round trip to a spectacular natural site, at the gateway to the Écrins National Park. Ideal for discovering the valley… seen from above.
What is it, concretely?
After a safety briefing, the team equips you (harness, pulley, helmet) and accompanies you until the start. The flight is supervised and automatically braked on arrival, then you set off again on the second line to return to the starting point: simple, fluid, and very photo-compatible. Reservation strongly recommended (often required).
For whom?
The site of the Gorges de la Durance is designed for all profiles: it includes 4 progressive via ferrata (from 4 years old) and 2 giant zip lines for the older ones—enough to compose a family outing or a half-day sensation. The conditions of access (age/weight) for the zip line are specified at the time of booking.
Why here?
Because you fly over a real alpine canyon, with an unobstructed view of the valley and the peaks, and you can do an introductory via ferrata and the zip line in the same half-day. The “combo” works very well to discover the vertical smoothly and then offer yourself a memorable flight.
Practical info
- Location : Gorges de la Durance, L’Argentière-La Bessée (Route des Vaudois / Pont Gamonet sector).
- Format : 2 zip lines of 500 m each, approx. 200 m above the Durance, round trip.
- Supervision & security : equipped on site; automatic braking on arrival.
- Season & weather : Open according to period and conditions—check the online calendar when booking.
- Contact : Roc Aventure, L’Argentière-La Bessée • 06 07 28 24 50
Tip: if you come with your family, start with a green via ferrata and then continue on the zip line; The youngest progress on the rock while the teenagers/adults enjoy themselves on the giant lines.
ACCROBRANCHE
Tree climbing,adventure course in the forest
Looking for a fun walk at height without touching the ground? The tree climbing courses in the forest combine monkey bridges, zip lines and nets to test your balance in a natural setting. Suitable for families, they can be practiced from the age of 4.
How does it work?
Tree climbing is a rush of adrenaline in the trees, for young and old. With the harness strapped, you clip your lanyard onto a continuous cable and launch yourself on footbridges, zip lines or nets. Each course is numbered to build confidence, from green (easy) to black (challenge). Equipment provided on site, supervision possible in high season.
Where to climb
- Forêt Sensations (Puy Saint Vincent): 12 courses up to 40 m high, more than 100 workshops and zip lines, facing the Écrins massif.
- Accrobranche Pays des Écrins (Freissinières): open from 1 July to 31 August (10am–5pm) and by reservation on weekends out of season, four circuits from green to black by the river.
Guide Tips
Check the fit of your harness, start with the green course and progress at your own pace: each workshop is designed to be fun, not stressful.
GRIMPE D’ARBRES
Tree climbingyour suspended adventure
Want to climb higher than your simple steps? In the Écrins, tree climbing is available in a variety of technical and fun practices, to climb the canopy safely and enjoy a new point of view of the forest. Tree climbing offers you a more technical approach to the forest: it’s not just about playing in the branches, it’s about learning to climb independently and safely.
How does it work?
After putting on your harness and adjusting your helmet, you install a self-locking system (prusik or ascender) on a rope anchored at height. By alternating between rope clamping and handrails, you progress meter by meter, independently or accompanied. Platforms, hammocks or suspended structures can be set up for reading moments, aperitifs or even overnight stays in the trees, depending on the experience chosen.
Where to climb
- Angèle Le Masson : a state-certified instructor based in Vallouise, she offers sessions from the age of 8 to master rope ascent, prusik techniques and secure blockages around Argentière-Vallouise. Book your outing now!
- Les Arborigens : in Ailefroide, enjoy three original experiences in the larches, up to 12 m high: hanging library, perched aperitifs and perched bivouacs. By reservation, only. Book your session now!
Guide Tips
Always test the strength of each anchor before mounting and make sure your harness is tight. Progress calmly and take advantage of each stop to admire the forest from above.