Via Ferrata from Cavaillon in Luberon
The Via Ferrata at Cavaillon, located on the Saint Jacques hillside, attracts climbing enthusiasts and those who love thrills. It gives the opportunity to discover the region in a different way and learn more about the natural environment in all its forms thanks to signage explaining the fauna, flora and heritage.
It is the only Via ferrata in the Vaucluse and the Bouches-du-Rhône, and can be reached on foot from the town centre. It promises extreme thrills plus a wonderful panoramic view of the town of Cavaillon, the Mont-Ventoux, the Vaucluse Mountains, the Luberon, the Durance Valley and the Alpilles.
Duration:
3 hours
Type:
Hiking
Want to go up in the world?
After a short walk to get there (20 mins from the Tourist Office), towards the Saint Jacques Chapel, we get to the start of the circuit. First impression: Wow! It’s high up but beautiful!
We take the time to read the information and check our equipment is in order before starting out. An exercise wall enables us to train before taking on the real circuit up in the air.
It’s time for our guide to give us their final advice and to reassure us: “falling is not part of doing the Via Ferrata”! Unlike climbing where you almost have to fall to make progress and try new paths… All you have to do is move on the wall and advance on the different apparatus (suspension bridge, beam, cave bridge, footbridge, cave ladder, monkey bridge), following the safety rules of course! Just what we need to reassure ourselves all while keeping the adrenaline pumping…
Good to know
The Cavaillon via Ferrata has 2 complementary loops to make anyone doing it happy: children and adults, experienced or not!
Let’s get going!
The entrance to the Via Ferrata is via the top of the cliff, so we get straight to the point. We hang over the town and enjoy a wonderful view of Cavaillon and the surrounding massifs, but the 50 metres between us and the ground remind us that the next few hours are going to give us an intense workout.
Rest assured, we’ve got through the hardest! As the entrance to the path is pretty impressive, if you manage to do the first 10 metres, you shouldn’t have any trouble finishing the circuit with flying colours (at least the first loop, Via Natura).
Halfway between climbing and hiking, we move about the rocky wall 50 m up and go through the different workshops. A safety line all along the circuit ensures we’re safe in case of a fall.
After a few minutes of doing it, you relax, feeling more and more at ease. We even take the time to read the various explanatory signs to learn more about the surrounding fauna and flora. It’s an approach that’s both fun and sporty that everyone likes!
When those doing the Via Natura get halfway along, they continue the circuit on a lower path to join the starting platform, while the most daring continue on the Via Souterrata.
Focus on the two circuits
Good to know
Comfortable sports clothes, trainers and a backpack with a bottle of water are highly recommended.
Via Natura versus Souterrata
Natura: The via Natura is the 1st circuit (rated D) in the discovery, and is pretty easy to do, dedicated to families and beginners, so long as they are more than 1m 30 tall and do not suffer from vertigo.
Characteristics: 250 m (about 2 hrs) / South-East orientation / Apparatus: rungs, monkey bridges, beams, walkways and interpretation balconies.
Souterrata: A second more sporty loop (rated TD) is for climbers or those who have some experience. It takes you through the Colombier caves before crossing the Beaumes Combarelles using spectacular equipment. It’s an experience between climbing, Via ferrata and Caving. Open to those at least 1m 50 tall.
Characteristics: 350 m (about 2 hrs) / East orientation / Apparatus: cave bridges, cave ladders, vertical passages, underground passageways and interpretation balconies.
Un guide ? La vraie bonne idée
As the via ferrata is free access, you are fully responsible for yourself when doing the activity. We therefore recommend being supervised by a professional, especially beginners. First of all for the obvious safety reasons, but that’s not all… They will also be able to give you some good advice about doing the activity and give you some pointers for the rest of your stay in the region. Like telling you about THE spot to see the sunset for example, or the list of the best addresses to eat at!
The qualified guides of the Cavaillon via ferrata:
● Lorraine Lenoir – 00 33 (0)6 86 27 10 27 lenoir.lorraine@gmail.com
● Franck Gaudini – 00 33 (0)6 66 20 80 36 franck.gaudini@gmail.com
● Harald Morath – 00 33 (0)6 63 89 05 16 h.morath@orange.fr
Prices
Plan for €35 to €50 / person (equipment included) depending on the route
The expert’s advice
Against all expectations, in summer it is preferable to do the via ferrata at the end of the afternoon, at about 5 pm, to be able to do the circuit completely in the shade. In the morning, the sun really hits the rock and it can get hot really fast!
To do the activity completely independently
Practical Information
Hire rate: count about €15 / person
You can do this activity alone, after a few checks. First of all that the weather is good enough for it; then that the massif is open and finally that you have the suitable equipment.
If you don’t have your own equipment, you can hire it from the list of stores below. Keep an eye on the time the store closes to allow enough time to return the equipment.
● AB Cycles Outdoor
176, Place François Tourel, Cavaillon
00 33 (0)4 90 74 30 12 – 00 33 (0)6 81 24 72 73
● Cyclix
166, cours Léon Gambetta, Cavaillon
00 33 (0)4 90 71 72 48 – 00 33 (0)6 07 42 21 91
By video
Via Ferrata | Cavaillon
Practical Information
Access
A 15- to 20-minute walk from the Tourist Office (César de Bus climb)
Open all year
(except in the event of adverse weather or fire risks)
Ask the Tourist Office for information
Free access
Free if you have your own equipment (Guide advised)
Circuit time 2 to 4 hrs
(2 hrs Via Natura + 2 hrs Via Souterrata)