via cordata au dramont - saint-raphael
Your experiences

Discover the via cordata activity at the Dramont

The Estérel Côte d'Azur team tested the via cordata. Discover with us this unusual and original activity, halfway between climbing and via ferrata !

The via cordata : what is it ?

Less known than climbing is the via ferrata, the via cordata allows you to climb on the same type of rocky spaces. The difference is that unlike the via cordata, there is no specific equipment installed on the routes. The whole ascent is done in contact with nature, using the roughness of the rocks as a support. The via cordata is therefore closer to climbing and allows a real immersion with its environment, being at one with nature while experiencing strong sensations ! In the magnificent setting of the Dramont in Saint-Raphaël, relive with us this singular outing !

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1st step : getting to grips with the equipment

What a wonderful place to discover this activity!! Our instructor gave us an appointment to meet us at the small fishing port of Poussaï, particularly picturesque. We are a group of about 10 people. After equipping ourselves with our harnesses, carabiners and helmets, we leave on foot by the "Sentier du Cap du Dramont".

On the way, we discover some hidden coves in which we promise to return quickly. We arrive a few minutes later at the foot of the "Cathedral Rock" that we will climb, just in front of the Ile d'Or.

The site : the cathedral rock at Dramont

This rocky promontory is located just in front of Ile d'Or by the sea. The Cap Dramont path passes at its base and it is possible to go around it from the back to follow the coastal path. It is a simply magical place because the red of the rock melts into the turquoise blue of the sea. A real spectacle for the eyes !

Let's go for the climb !

Once arrived, we take our eyes off the show and listen to the recommendations of Pascal, our instructor of the day. A bit of seriousness! Even if he quickly puts us at ease with all his jokes.

  • First recommendation : connect our harnesses to the continuous lifeline. With our 2 carabiners, we are sure to be always hooked to the lifeline until the end of the route.
  • Second recommendation : We are one with nature and we use it to progress! The route our instructors have chosen is suitable even for amateurs. The holds are fairly easy to access and you can progress quickly.
  • Third recommendation : The trick is to always stay level with the lifeline as you progress. This way, if you slip, the distance between the lifeline and your harness is shorter and you have less risk of getting hurt.

Via cordata : the tricky part

pied escalade via cordata

Halfway along the route, the holds are a little harder to access and require greater movement. This is the most vertiginous part of the course, but it is also where you get the most thrills !

Under our feet, the kayakers and divers are waving at us as we walk along the coast. We answer them quickly and then we reattach because the courage goes for 2 minutes, but no more !

Arrival at the summit : the most beautiful viewpoint of the Dramont !

At the top of the rock awaits our reward : a 360° view from the landing beach on our right to the Dramont creeks on our left. Above us, the semaphore.

The final highlight : a 35-meters high abseiling descent !

For the most courageous, the course ends with an abseiling descent of more than 30 meters high ! 

Via cordata descente

For the less courageous (hello Antoine), an abseiling descent of only 10 meters is proposed as an alternative. In any case, it's very impressive because it requires you to lean back with your back to the void, your legs stretched out on the wall, and to "let yourself fall" backwards, held by your harness.

Our instructor Pascal takes care of the descent by gently sliding our rope down. After the first few moments, we quickly get the hang of the descent and we continue by making small jumps against the rock, until we reach the ground : our journey is over.

In short
We're thrilled ! The trip lasted about 3 hours, and all along we kept repeating "whouaah" to each other. It must be said that the setting is truly magical and that the via cordata allows access to panoramas that we would not have the opportunity to admire from the Cap Dramont trail. Despite a few tricky passages, we took up the challenge and it's very gratifying to see that the fear of heights can be overcome ! Our instructor supervised us all along the route giving us good advice on our catches and made us have a very good time thanks to his good humour.
An activity that we recommend without hesitation !

Via Cordata du Dramont

You up for an adventure ? Book your outing now on experiencecotedazur.com or by using the booking module below. Online booking allows you to choose the day and time of your choice !

Place: Saint-Raphaël
Age: From 9 years old
Duration: 3 hours
Price: From 40€ on
Infos: 04 94 19 10 60

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