Gardon Gorges via ferrata in Collias (Gard)

Description

Located between Uzès and the Pont du Gard, the via ferrata of Collias is the great classic of the Gard department, in the heart of the mythical Gorges of the Gardon. It is a particularly playful via ferrata, beautiful and vertiginous, but which remains accessible to all.

It is also the perfect route for beginners to via ferrata.

All along the course, you alternate between vertical evolution (on metal bars) and a sequence of cable bridges, abseils and zip lines. Always with a panoramic and sumptuous view which dominates the river and the gorges.

The via ferrata of the gorges of Gardon starts with a short easy section allowing the initiation of beginners, then continues with a beautiful and not very difficult crossing of a hundred meters on a ledge. A first loophole route is then proposed if needed. The itinerary becomes more vertical and passes under the first zip line. To reach the beginning of this one as well as the cable bridge which precedes it, you have two options: one vertiginous and rather difficult, and the other not very difficult. It is still possible to escape from these two workshops thanks to a second loophole route... but that would be a shame!

The second part of the course starts with a second zip line that can be bypassed. Then, a very vertiginous passage with few artificial handholds, and which privileges contacts with the rock, precedes a more vertical and physical section, well equipped with iron bars.

You can then make a long 35-meter abseil, which is impressive but does not require any special skills.
This abseil is optional and can be avoided by descending via a path that leads directly back to the pleasant return trail along the banks of the Gardon river.

The via ferrata can be done in half a day. It usually takes about 3 hours to complete the activity. It is however possible to take a shorter route if you wish.

The difficulty of the via ferrata can be adapted to the level of the participants. Two complementary routes exist (easy and difficult) and it is always possible to switch from one to the other during the activity.

If you're looking for more vertical adventures in the region, you can follow me on:

• the Thaurac via ferrata in Saint-Beauzille-de-Putois,
• the Rocher de Sion via ferrata in Hérault,
• the Vidourle via ferrata in Saint-Sériès,
• the Villefort Lake via ferrata
• and even the Pic Saint-Loup abseiling hike at full moon (also possible during the day).

Perhaps this outing will even inspire you to go for a climbing initiation around Montpellier.

Program

• Meet in the village of Collias (Gard), about 30 minutes drive from Nîmes or Avignon.
• 15 minutes approach walk to reach the start of the route.
• About two hours to climb the via ferrata.
• Twenty minutes walk back to the parking lot.
• Comfortable clothes and sneakers are recommended.

The price includes

• Supervision by the climbing instructor.
• All the equipment necessary for the activity (harness, helmet, via ferrata lanyard with energy absorber, pulley, etc.).
• Price per person:
  • Standard rate: 40€.
  • Group rate (more than 8 participants): 35€.
  • Institutional rate: 35€.
  • Quotes available for organizations and groups.

The price does not include

• Return transport to the village of Collias.
• Snacks.
• Drinks.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

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