Via Ferrata du Capucin

The via ferrata du Capucin is an activity that involves climbing a mountain or rock face using equipment installed on the rock (ladder rungs, ramps, monkey bridges, footbridges, etc.).

Halfway between rock-climbing and hiking, the Capucin via ferrata enables as many people as possible to discover the vertical environment,(…)

The via ferrata du Capucin is an activity that involves climbing a mountain or rock face using equipment installed on the rock (ladder rungs, ramps, monkey bridges, footbridges, etc.).

Halfway between rock-climbing and hiking, the Capucin via ferrata enables as many people as possible to discover the vertical environment, in complete safety. Less demanding and less technical than rock climbing, this activity does not require a high level of physical fitness – only a fear of heights.

The Capucin via ferrata, the first public via ferrata in the Puy-de-Dôme department, takes place in a wild setting on a cliff with a magnificent view over the entire Haute Dordogne valley and the summit of the Puy de Sancy.

Of very moderate difficulty, it’s ideal for a family or group of friends discovering the activity. It can be done on your own, as long as you follow all the safety instructions and have the right equipment. For optimum safety, opt for supervision by a mountain professional to learn the various techniques for progressing in a vertical environment.

Description :
Departure altitude : 1246 m
Finish altitude : 1468 m
Vertical drop : 222 m
Length : 400 m
Exposition : Southeast
Difficulty : Not very difficult
Course time : 1h30
Access time : 20 minutes
Return time : 20 minutes

Access :
Meet at Salon du Capucin (4.5 km from Le Mont-Dore towards Tour d’Auvergne), accessible by car, funicular (May to October) or on foot from downtown Le Mont-Dore.

Itinerary :
There are three common starting points : an easy green route, a moderately difficult blue route and a red route for the more athletic. All routes end at the summit of Le Capucin.

Access conditions :
The Capucin via ferrata is open to the public during snow-free periods. If there is snow on all or part of the access route, the site will be closed.

Self-guided climbers undertake to comply strictly with the safety instructions posted on the notice board at the start of the route. They must have suitable equipment (equipment rental available).

Minimum age : 10 years. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The via ferrata safety lanyard is designed to absorb falls from people weighing between 40 kg minimum and 120 kg maximum.