Sporting tourism develops in the mountainous solid masses but also in places where one can practise the climbing in full safety. Today, the practice of Via Ferrata became very trend.
In France, the practice of Via Ferrata developed as from the Ninety. Today, the principal winter sports resorts developed circuits to propose new activities during the summer period of the summer.
On the site of the French federation of the Mountain and Climbing (FFME), there is the map of Via Ferrata open in France. Au level as of encountered difficulties, a certain common standardisation is applied in France and Switzerland. The first two levels (F: Easy & PD: Not very Difficult) can be traversed by children.

Levels AD (Rather Difficult) & D (Difficult) require to have a good load-carrying capacity and force to cope with the cords to take to climb abrupt parts. Levels TD (Très Difficile) &ED (Extreme Difficult) require a perfect physical condition and a control of the techniques of the climbing and crossing.
Attention, sometimes the layout of one Via Ferrata proposes the choice between a route AD and a route D. It is necessary well to choose the route according to its technical level of its physical shape, the weather conditions, and its management of its stress to the crossing of the parts.

Often, one Via Ferrata consists of crossings, cabled walls, crossings with footbridges sometimes of the beams, bridges of monkey and sights splendid. On the certain very technical and physical routes, he is proposed a route of avoidance.
In mountain after important rains, it is necessary to avoid practising one Via Ferrata where there are cascades and torrents.
The equipment of Via Ferrata
At the beginning in the Nineties, there was no equipment specialized in this new leisure. Today, there exists powerful equipment (a longe of Via Ferrata in Y equipped with an absorber with tearing, a cross-belt, a cord of climbing, a helmet, a pair of shoes, a pair of gloves, a rucksack, a gourd.)
Attention, there are accidents because of defective equipment. There exist recalls for checking of the state of the equipment.
Near one via Ferrata, there is often a sport store which proposes with the hiring necessary equipment for your exit.
It is advised to take the services of a guide specialized at the beginning to show you the good gestures and the good reflexes on this kind of course.
Sites of Via Ferrata
In Aveyron, towards Millau there are two sites which propose courses: at the entrance of Georges of Dourbie, it Via Ferrata of Boffi will make you discover a superb panorama.

Near Sisteron in the Alps of Haute Provence, the site of Cairo is known for its Via Ferrata of Large Fistoire labeled Tourism Quality. It is accessible 7 jours/7. On the level as of difficulties, it is classified D+ (for the accustomed people). He is proposed 3 courses: short (2:00 duration), longer (3h) and the complete one (3h30). The strong feelings are guaranteed.

a+