Via ferrata of La Dent du Chat, climbing route in La Chapelle-du-Mont-du-Chat, France
Via Ferrata de La Dent du Chat is a fixed climbing route along a limestone cliff roughly 150 feet (45 meters) high above Bourget Lake. The path features metal bars, wooden beams, cables, and ladders arranged in two separate routes, with the longer one spanning about 250 feet (80 meters) and the shorter one about 120 feet (40 meters).
This climbing route was developed as part of the region's outdoor recreation infrastructure during the modern era. The site was chosen as a training area for climbers and later opened as a tourist attraction for visitors exploring the lake and mountain region.
The route takes its name from the distinctive tooth-shaped peak nearby. As you progress, you gain views of the Bourget Lake and surrounding peaks that have long shaped how people in the region relate to their landscape.
Access starts from Col du Chat via a steep trail that takes 20 to 40 minutes and has loose rocks, so sturdy footwear is essential. Before arriving, check that your gear is in good condition, bring a helmet, climbing harness, gloves and carabiners, and verify the weather since wet surfaces become hazardous.
The route passes through a tight tunnel beneath a tooth-shaped rock edge that inspired the site's name. This hidden passage forces climbers to duck and squeeze through, creating an intimate moment of confinement before views of the lake reappear.
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