Less known than climbing is the via ferrata, the via cordata allows you to climb on the same type of rocky spaces. The difference is that unlike the via cordata, there is no specific equipment installed on the routes. The whole ascent is done in contact with nature, using the roughness of the rocks as a support. The via cordata is therefore closer to climbing and allows a real immersion with its environment, being at one with nature while experiencing strong sensations ! In the magnificent setting of the Dramont in Saint-Raphaël, relive with us this singular outing !
What a wonderful place to discover this activity!! Our instructor gave us an appointment to meet us at the small fishing port of Poussaï, particularly picturesque. We are a group of about 10 people. After equipping ourselves with our harnesses, carabiners and helmets, we leave on foot by the "Sentier du Cap du Dramont".
On the way, we discover some hidden coves in which we promise to return quickly. We arrive a few minutes later at the foot of the "Cathedral Rock" that we will climb, just in front of the Ile d'Or.
This rocky promontory is located just in front of Ile d'Or by the sea. The Cap Dramont path passes at its base and it is possible to go around it from the back to follow the coastal path. It is a simply magical place because the red of the rock melts into the turquoise blue of the sea. A real spectacle for the eyes !
Once arrived, we take our eyes off the show and listen to the recommendations of Pascal, our instructor of the day. A bit of seriousness! Even if he quickly puts us at ease with all his jokes.
We start with the last of the group and have the advantage of being able to spot where the first ones position their feet and hands to follow the same path as them.
Quickly, we find ourselves on the front face of the rock with the sea right under our feet ! The view is really magnificent, we could almost touch the golden island with our fingertips !
Halfway along the route, the holds are a little harder to access and require greater movement. This is the most vertiginous part of the course, but it is also where you get the most thrills !
Under our feet, the kayakers and divers are waving at us as we walk along the coast. We answer them quickly and then we reattach because the courage goes for 2 minutes, but no more !
At the top of the rock awaits our reward : a 360° view from the landing beach on our right to the Dramont creeks on our left. Above us, the semaphore.
For the most courageous, the course ends with an abseiling descent of more than 30 meters high !
For the less courageous (hello Antoine), an abseiling descent of only 10 meters is proposed as an alternative. In any case, it's very impressive because it requires you to lean back with your back to the void, your legs stretched out on the wall, and to "let yourself fall" backwards, held by your harness.
Our instructor Pascal takes care of the descent by gently sliding our rope down. After the first few moments, we quickly get the hang of the descent and we continue by making small jumps against the rock, until we reach the ground : our journey is over.
| In short |
|---|
| We're thrilled ! The trip lasted about 3 hours, and all along we kept repeating "whouaah" to each other. It must be said that the setting is truly magical and that the via cordata allows access to panoramas that we would not have the opportunity to admire from the Cap Dramont trail. Despite a few tricky passages, we took up the challenge and it's very gratifying to see that the fear of heights can be overcome ! Our instructor supervised us all along the route giving us good advice on our catches and made us have a very good time thanks to his good humour. An activity that we recommend without hesitation ! |
You up for an adventure ? Book your outing now on experiencecotedazur.com or by using the booking module below. Online booking allows you to choose the day and time of your choice !
Place: Saint-Raphaël
Age: From 9 years old
Duration: 3 hours
Price: From 40€ on
Infos: 04 94 19 10 60
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