Gorge du Cé via ferrata (Mont-Saxonnex)

Description

Recently opened in the heart of the small village of Mont-Saxonnex in Haute-Savoie, the Gorge du Cé via ferrata offers a varied and highly entertaining adventure at the foot of the Bargy massif. Perched above a wild, unspoiled limestone canyon, this route with an elevation gain of around 50 meters offers a choice of two paths (Fairly Difficult and Difficult). This makes it an ideal playground for families looking to try the activity as well as for enthusiasts seeking the thrill of heights.

After a quick approach hike through the forest (about 15–20 minutes), the adventure begins with a long horizontal traverse along the cliff face, with a significant drop beneath your feet. The route then alternates between short vertical sections, passages utilizing natural rock holds, and small natural overhangs (or shallow caves) into which the path briefly dips. The journey is enhanced by two flexible log ladders and small monkey bridges, offering unobstructed views of the gorge and the site's impressive suspended structures.

Upon exiting the second overhang, the route splits into two options:

The family route: This features a steeper traverse leading to the "Grand Couloir" monkey bridge (12.5 meters), followed by crossings over two lovely footbridges measuring 33 and 60 meters.

The sporty variant: This climbs via a vertical section to reach the spectacular "Grand Corbeau" footbridge directly (an impressive 83 meters long!), guaranteeing a thrilling sensation of height, before continuing up a series of stepped rock ledges.

The two routes converge on the opposite slope, home to the site’s highlight: an optional sequence of two giant zip lines (90 meters, followed by a 110-meter return line). You can ride this smooth, exhilarating loop as often as you like, crowd levels permitting, before making a leisurely return to the village along the trail. In short, the Gorge du Cé via ferrata offers a perfect blend of rock climbing, vertiginous footbridges, and zip-lining for an unforgettable outing!

If you want to continue the adventure, I also offer other routes in the region: 

• the Jacques Revaclier via ferrata in Haute-Savoie,
• the Rocher du Cornillon via ferrata in Bourdeau,
• the Nant de Rossane via ferrata in Aillon
• and the Thônes via ferrata in the Aravis.

You can also follow me for an introduction to climbing in Pays de Savoie.

Program

• Meeting point and welcome at the Mont-Saxonnex (Haute-Savoie) parking lot, near the church.
• 15 to 20 minutes of approach walking: easy wooded trail descending toward the gorge.
• Gear and briefing: fitting of harnesses and helmets.
  Safety instructions, movement techniques, and explanation of how to use the pulley for the zip line.
• Via ferrata (1.5 to 2 hours):
  • Vertiginous warm-up traverse and crossing of natural rock shelters. 
  • Choice of route at the junction (fairly difficult-rated variant or difficult-rated sporty loop featuring an 83-meter footbridge). 
  • Route junction and option for giant zip lines (90 and 110 meters long).
• 15 to 20 minutes of return walking: ascent via a scenic forest path back to the parking lot.

The price includes

• Supervision by the climbing instructor.
  • Loan of technical safety equipment meeting PPE standards:
  • Harness.
  • Via ferrata lanyards with energy absorber.
  • Helmet.
  • Pulley for zip lines.
• Professional liability insurance of the instructor.

The price does not include

• Round-trip transportation to the parking lot of Mont-Saxonnex.
• Personal equipment: suitable sportswear, sports shoes with a good sole or approach shoes (essential for overhanging sections).
• Drinks (at least 1 liter of water) and snacks.
• Personal accident insurance (strongly recommended for mountain activities).
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

• Share on twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Send by e-mail