LE P’TCHI (JULES CARRET)
SAINT JEAN D’ARGEY, SAVOIE, FRANCE
VIA FERRATA (AD+ > D)
PHYSICAL RATING: 4
VERTIGO RATING: 4
TECHNICAL RATING: 3
SUMMIT RATING: 3
SATISFACTION: 3
COURSE TYPE: CLIMB & CLIFF
STATISTICS
Departure Altitude: 1067m
Arrival Altitude: 1547m
Climb (or descent): 480m
Length: 860m
Time: 3 hours
SPECIAL FEATURES
Footbridge: 1
Monkey Bridge: 2
Ladder: 0
Zip Line: 0
Net: 0
ACCESSIBILITY
Open: Year round (except when snowing)
Parking: Parking Doriaz, through village of Les Favres
Path from car park descends steeply down to the start.
WHAT TO KNOW!
The mammoth Via Ferrata Jules Carret - Le P’tchi in Savoie France.
Start this course by parking at the Col Doriaz and then walking down to the start, it is a steep path that will take about 30 mins. There is a bonus small via ferrata behind the waterfall at the footbridge at the base. As the well signposted footpath climbs up to the start, it splits in 2 for the 2 different ascents. This is the much easier route.
However, it is AD+ officially but we think this is a real understatement. The course is very physical, long and with a number of vertical pitches with surprisingly large spaced stimples. Because of these factors, anyone under 1m 30 will struggle and be prepared for a long arduous route. The first part is really satisfying. The second part is a little tougher on the arms with long horizontal section with a slight overhang. The end consists of a vertiginous suspension bridge and 2 balance beams. There are 2 rest points along the route and we advise you to use them well. The amazing views at the top are followed by a short walk back to the car park.
This is not a beginner course, and should be only taken on by experienced via ferrata users or climbers.
Next door to this course is probably the hardest Via Ferrata in France (Grotte de Carret), so if you really are motivated and technically expert, then this TD course is for you!
