Thaurac Via Ferrata
It is a perfect summary of everything you can find in a complete and well-equipped via ferrata.
Thaurac Via Ferrata: aerial routes reaching the summit!
Our playground is located in the Thaurac limestone near the village of Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois in the Hérault Gorges.
The Thaurac via ferrata overlooks the Grotte des Demoiselles, while far below winds the Hérault, our well-known regional river where we also go canyoning.
The Hérault is a coastal river that rises at Mont Aigoual in the Cévennes. Stretching 147 km, it passes through the Causse-de-la-Selle, forming the Hérault Gorges and the Devil’s Canyon at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. It then flows into the Mediterranean Sea at Grau-d’Agde.
Three routes in one!
You will find three distinct sections on this route. The first is known as “the two chimneys” where, as the name suggests, we pass through natural chimneys. These are ancient underground rivers that carved out the limestone for our enjoyment. Naturéo provides all the necessary safety equipment as well as a headlamp to find your way through these dark passages.
Between these two chimneys, you will also have the pleasure of flying on a 30m zipline, 60m above the ground.
The second part is aerial as we climb to the summit of the via ferrata. Here you’ll find a superb Himalayan bridge where the most experienced can try crossing hands-free.
The third part is located in the “Baume du Soleil” (Sun Cave) and serves as a final bonus to the route. It is called the “Baume du Soleil” because at a certain time of day, the sun enters the cave, illuminating almost all of it. The rest of the time, it is in total darkness. This section is optional but offers a truly sensational moment. Imagine a giant 30m pendulum swing inside a massive 70m high cave!
ON THE MENU
- Chimney passages
- Zip lines
- Gaining height
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
DISCOVERY // INITATION
Description
The Thaurac via ferrata is specific for its aerial character. Various routes, more or less aerial depending on your preferences and fitness, will lead you to the second part of the via: the Tiger’s Cave with a nice crossing on a monkey bridge.
It is in the Baume du Soleil that a major surprise awaits you before rappelling back down into the cave: the impressive pendulum jump! A kind of giant swing where you launch yourself 30m above the ground for a 30m pendulum arc.
The cave is almost completely dark except around 1:00 PM when a ray of sunlight illuminates it, hence its name: the Baume du Soleil. The pendulum is optional. The climb back up is done in the dark using a headlamp. It is a “souterrata” (underground via) that allows you to return to the surface.
From there, a 20-minute walk is required to get back to the cars.
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Discover our other activities
Naturéo Sport & Aventure offers various canyoning, via ferrata, rappelling hikes, and rock climbing routes in Hérault and Gard. We cover the area from the Montpellier hinterland to the Caroux Massif through the Cévennes…
CANYONING
RANDO-RAPPEL
CLIMBING
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