Via ferrata and via cordata : what difference ?

These two outdoor activities are both mountain activities that involve climbing on rock faces, and on routes that cannot be climbed in the traditional way, on foot and without equipment. There are, however, a few differences to be aware of if you want to try your hand at adventure...

A via ferrata is a route equipped with ladders, cables, suspension bridges and other equipment to facilitate ascent. On a vertical route, they offer a safe climbing experience. The origins of the via ferrata date back to the First World War, when Italian soldiers began installing cables and ladders on the walls to facilitate their movement in the mountains.

The via cordata, on the other hand, has no such fixed equipment. The route is more horizontal, using ropes and traditional climbing techniques to progress. The route generally includes zip lines and abseiling. It's a mix between hiking, climbing and via ferrata. In via cordata, you need to be supervised by a professional climbing instructor, who is in charge of making (and unmaking) all the rope manipulations.

The Parc National des Calanques, from Marseille to La Ciotat, is the ideal place to try your hand at via cordata. There are different levels of intensity: for the little ones with the family in the Calanques du Mugel in La Ciotat, and for the more adventurous on Cap Canaille, Europe's highest cliff overlooking the magnificent bay of Cassis.

So what adventurer are you?