The Via Ferrata des Fenouillèdes in the Agly Valley in the Pyrénées Orientales
Via Ferrata in Saint Paul de Fenouillet in the Pyrénées Orientales, near Perpignan. For the more athletic, the Panoramique, for the more athletic, the Intermediate, and for the little ones and families, the Pichona…
A great achievement made by the Agly Fenouillèdes Community of Communes as part of the tourist economic development of this wine region. The Via Ferrata of Saint Paul de Fenouillet is located in the Pyrénées Orientales in the 66, this Via Ferrata is a public place, it is therefore open to all, it is freely accessible but exclusively to people who master and practice the activity regularly. Embarking on the routes without knowing them and without knowledge of the techniques of practicing the activity is dangerous. There is no escape, so you should never overestimate your sporting abilities, techniques and endurance, if in doubt call on a professional guide.
Himalayan bridges,
You will discover an exceptional landscape from the Aude valley to the Mediterranean Sea, and without missing the famous Canigó. This high vertical hike will definitely give you emotions. During the route, you will have the chance to dominate St Paul de Fenouillet and see the Bugarach peak and in clear weather see all the way to the sea. Located west of Perpignan, between the Corbières massif and the Pyrenees, the Fenouillèdes extend around the upper valley of the coastal river Agly which flows into the Mediterranean. To the north, they are bordered by the Corbières in the Aude, to the east by Roussillon, to the south by Conflent (Têt valley), and to the west by the Pays de Sault, which is sometimes made to overflow into the Roussillon communes of Fenouillet, Vira and Rabouillet. They correspond approximately to the cantons of Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Sournia and Latour-de-France. On the menu: Hiking on the cliff side, with many passages in “the gas”. You can also discover the Fenouillèdes valley in its ensemble and other picturesque sites such as the Gorges de Galamus a few kilometers away.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PRACTICE OF VIA FERRATA IN AUTONOMY A Via Ferrata is a route traced in a rock face, equipped with ladders, steps and various elements intended to make progress easy, as well as equipment intended to ensure the safety of the practitioners. The Via Ferrata, like all mountain activities, can present objective dangers. ORGANIZING YOUR VIA FERRATA OUTING Choose a route adapted to your abilities and those of your companions. This choice will be made by consulting the topo guides available in stores, information leaflets from tourist offices and mountain magazines. You will thus be able to judge the level of difficulty of the route according to: athletic abilities are necessary to complete it (number of ladders, difference in altitude, etc.). A difference in altitude of 150 m is a maximum for discovering the activity. The dizzying aspect of this route. The time required to complete it. The Tourist Office can also provide you with valuable information on the state of the via ferrata and the number of visitors to the route at the chosen time. Too many people on the same route is often a source of conflict and encourages unsafe behaviour. Check the weather forecast and leave early. Do not set off on the route if the weather becomes too threatening. CHOOSE VIA FERRATA EQUIPMENT THAT MEETS THE STANDARDS IN FORCE Helmet, climbing harness with a via ferrata lanyard equipped with two safety carabiners with energy absorbers. The lanyard (double lanyard or Y lanyard) is attached either to the harness bridge, tightened using a key or a sewn strap placed in a “lark’s head” shape. During a roped progression, the members of the group can use a double lanyard (without energy absorber) made of sewn webbing or made with single-knotted dynamic rope, a pair of resistant gloves, warm and waterproof clothing, drink, energy food, first aid kit to deal with unforeseen events and sudden changes in weather conditions. Use light hiking shoes.
VIA FERRATA TECHNICAL DATA SHEET Via ferratas names : la Pichona, L’Intermédiaire, La panoramique City : Saint Paul de Fenouillet Department : Pyrénées Orientales 66 Region : Occitanie – Pyrénées Méditerranée Starting point : Via Ferrata car park La Pichona : Level: F (Easy), length: 150 m, 80 m of positive elevation gain, no cable crossing. Return on foot by a path in 15 minutes. L’Intermédiaire : Level: AD – (fairly difficult) – length: 650 m, 650 m of positive elevation gain, no cable crossing. Return on foot by a path in 20 minutes. La Panoramique : Level: AD + (fairly difficult) – length: 900 m – Cable crossing: 3 (Tibetan, Nepalese bridges). Return on foot by a path in 50 minutes. Distance from cities : Perpignan (45 km – 50 min), Le Barcarès (54 km – 55 min), Canet en Roussillon (53 km – 55 min), Canet en Roussillon (54 km – 55 min), Argelès sur Mer (69 km – 1h10), Narbonne (95 km – 1h20), Montpellier (190 km – 02h10), Toulouse (156 km – 02h20).
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THE VIA FERRATA ARE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND EXCEPT DURING MAINTENANCE PERIODS. HOWEVER, WE ADVISE YOU NOT TO ENGAGE IN THEM TO FACILITATE THE RESCUE MEANS 112 IN CASE OF NEED, AFTER 5:00 PM IN SUMMER AND 3:00 PM IN WINTER. PRACTICE IN THIS PLACE WITHOUT SUPERVISION IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND IS YOUR INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY. CONTACT THE TOURIST OFFICE ON 04 68 59 07 57 OR THE COMMUNITY OF COMMUNES ON 04 68 59 20 12 FOR MORE INFORMATION TO KNOW THE PERIODS OF CLOSURE FOR MAINTENANCE.
Outings are organized on this site with a State-certified climbing instructor on the 3 different routes, the Pichona, the Intermediate and the Panoramique…
Vertigo and vertical sensations in Via Ferrata on 3 levels of practice…
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Via Ferrata The Pichona in Saint Paul de Fenouillet
+ detailsPractice the Via Ferrata La Pichona for beginners from 8 years old in Saint Paul de Fenouillet in the Pyrénées Orientales with a French state-certified climbing instructor.
An introductory course providing wonderful sensations of freedom on a site with a south-southwest exposure whose level is easy and ideal for families and beginners, the route is captivating and delights thrill seekers and mountain lovers. Accessible and well-equipped, it offers a spectacular route, ideal for discovering the breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty of Fenouillèdes.
The activity is open to children aged 8 and over, the session lasts 2 hours. The Via Ferrata Pichona in Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet is a perfect introduction for nature lovers and those who love small challenges. This site offers a balance between safety, accessibility and adventure, for an unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees.
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Via Ferrata The Intermédiaire in Saint Paul de Fenouillet
+ detailsIntermediate Via Ferrata from 12 years old for a gentle introduction to this activity in Saint Paul de Fenouillet. The route is a mix of the two traditional routes, always supervised by a French state-certified climbing instructor.
This route is a mix of the two main Via Ferrata, the Pichona and the Panoramique. It is a little less sporty than the Panoramique but it allows you to climb to the great heights of the walls. It is ideal for people with good physical and athletic condition.
The session lasts between 2h30 and 3h00.
Supervised by an instructor specializing in the activity, for 3h00, you will always evolve in a vertical universe but also on suspended cables by crossing rope bridges and Tibetan-type Himalayan bridges. You will discover the different vertical climbing techniques on Via Ferrata. [
Use of lanyards with carabiners on cable to move vertically and horizontally in safety. The gradual ascent of the various obstacles allows you to progress peacefully on the wall, while enjoying exceptional views of the whole of the Fenouillèdes, the Canigó, the fault of the Gorges de Galamus and the Puig de Bugarach in the Aude. After enjoying a superb view of the valley all along the climb, the return by a steep path will also allow you, in the scents of thyme from Fenouillèdes, to discover depending on the season the flora of this limestone massif such as immortelles, flowers of the cottony rock rose and occasionally come across the flight of a few birds of prey nesting in the surrounding cliffs. -
Via Ferrata The Panoramique in Saint Paul de Fenouillet
+ de detailsExplore the La Panoramique sporty Via Ferrata of Saint Paul de Fenouillet from the age of 14 in the Eastern Pyrenees in Occitanie with a French state-certified climbing instructor…
A sporting course providing great sensations of freedom on a site with a south-southwest exposure whose sporting level is ideal for people with good physical condition and climbing skills.
The session lasts between 3:00 and 3:30 hours.
Supervised by an instructor specializing in the activity, for 3 hours, you evolve in a vertical universe but also on suspended cables crossing rope bridges and Himalayan bridges.You will discover the different vertical ascent techniques and overhanging areas on via ferrata. Use of lanyards with carabiners on cable to move vertically and horizontally in safety.
The gradual ascent of the different obstacles allows you to progress quietly on the wall, while enjoying exceptional views over all of the Fenouilledes, Canigó. This via ferrata allows you to discover the Agly Valley from a unique angle. By crossing this route, hikers and climbers will have the chance to contemplate the limestone cliffs, the waterways and the typical vegetation of the Pyrénées-Orientales. This spectacular natural setting adds a unique dimension to the experience.
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Via Ferrata equipment rental in Saint Paul de Fenouillet
+ detailsVia Ferrata equipment rental at the Gîte de l’Agly next to the Camping de l’Agly: 07 66 22 91 75
Reservations only in the morning (Ask the rental company for a copy of the EPI sheet for your equipment)
The Saint Paul de Fenouillet Via Ferrata site is located 6.3 km from the Gorges de Galamus, which allows you to practice Via Ferrata and Canyoning in the area, if you wish, in the same day, but also visit this extraordinary natural and historical site.
