The Via Ferrata of Roc d’Anglars in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val

Welcome to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Gorges de l'Aveyron ! Well, it's not easy to access, so you'll need to be an adventurous athlete to fully enjoy it! Come and try via ferrata, a sport somewhere between hiking and climbing that requires specific equipment but a technique that's easy to master quickly. We'll explain everything and take you to the Roc d'Anglars via ferrata in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val !

Photos from the report: Tarn Aveyron Guide

What is via ferrata?

It's a sport, an activity between hiking and climbing ! You move on a rock face that is pre-equipped with apparatus such as bars, rope bridges, zip lines, cables in the void... To practice via ferrata, it's not like tree climbing where you enter a park with a paid entrance fee. Via ferrata in France are mostly free to access, but you need knowledge and specific equipment to do them. If you've never done one, go with a professional or someone experienced who can show you the basic manipulations. Via ferrata is not dangerous, but it is a risky activity and you absolutely must know how to use your equipment correctly!

To do via ferrata you need:

-A harness, like those for climbing or tree climbing

- Two absorbent lanyards (specific to via ferrata!)

- A leash to hold onto (hang onto the wall) and rest

- Gloves and helmet, closed hiking shoes

Via ferrata are classified by level, this one offers two levels: not very difficult (PD) and difficult + (D+). The two routes start at the same place and then branch off, upwards for the difficult and downwards for the easy. If you are sporty, if you do a bit of hiking or climbing, even the difficult + level will be accessible (not for a first experience). It is announced from 2h to 3h30 for the complete realization. The times of the via ferrata route are often given for beginners or groups, count 1h/1h30 if you link it without stopping. The cliff is at an altitude of 350m and the view is plunging on the gorges of the Aveyron, people overly afraid of heights will not be able to do this via because it has " gas " (you have a good feeling of height, at the same time, that's the goal!).

The Roc d’Anglars Via Ferrata

This via ferrata is located 3km from the beautiful village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, which we recommend you visit before or after! Facing due north, it is freezing in winter, but even in the heat of summer, it remains cool! There is approximately 60m of elevation gain over the entire route. There are no access steps, you will park above the Roc d'Anglars (free parking) and walk for 5 minutes following the signs. The foot of the route is well clear and you start the via by clipping your 2 carabiners onto an absorbent lanyard. You will unclip 1 when you arrive at a junction between two cables or lengths and immediately reclip it on the other side. You must ALWAYS have 1 carabiner correctly clipped to the cable.

The via offers several apparatus, zip lines, rope bridges, ladders. It is fun and offers a truly unparalleled view. The further you go, the more you can see the Aveyron gorges and the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val with its bell tower and medieval houses. It's magnificent! At the top of the via, when you reach the end of the route, there is a mini-vertical activity center, meaning you can re-engage and do new apparatus.

Check the website or call the Causses and Gorges de l'Aveyron Tourist Office for addresses of service providers who can help you. Equipment can be rented from some of them or from the Tourist Office. Please note that the via ferrata is closed during the raptor nesting season! Call before you leave.

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