The "Demoiselles du Castagnet" via ferrata in Puget
This elegant, logical route winds its way up a large sloping limestone ridge to the summit of some superb, hitherto inaccessible and little-known needles. These particular geological formations were probably named "demoiselles" because of their similarity to the slender, capped damselflies found in many Alpine valleys.
The word "Castagnet" refers to the name of the district, itself derived from the centuries-old chestnut forest on the sandstone slope where the return path winds.
In the clearing at the end of the via, just behind the summit of the Needles, are the remains of an old farmhouse flanked by a beautiful water cistern, a reminder of how these areas were used for farming before they were reforested at the beginning of the last century.
The "demoiselles du Castagnet" via ferrata was inaugurated by Patrick Berhault, an illustrious mountaineer and climber from Nice who died in 2004.
Features :
Level: beginner with an athletic profile and capable of read and understand instructions.
Rating of green route
- Verticality: 2/5
- Athletic passages : 2/5
- Commitment: 3/5
- Length: 2/5
- Difficulty: 2/5
Rating of red route
- Verticality: 3/5
- Athletic passages : 2/5
- Commitment: 4/5
- Length: 3/5
- Difficulty: 3/5
Recommended period : from spring to autumn. Very often, in the shoulder seasons, the route can be climbed in the sunshine at mild temperatures, while the valley floor remains in the shade with a layer of white frost.
Personal equipment : helmet, harness, lanyards with energy absorber, pulley, suitable gloves.
Don't forget to drink plenty of water in summer!