Tree-top adventure courses, via ferrata… in Lozère, hold on tight!

Published on 10 Jul 2026

Reading time: 3 min.

With an increasing presence across the Lozère department, via ferrata, adventure courses and tree-top adventure parks are gaining ground – or rather, “height”. Here’s an overview of these three climbing sports.

Tree-top adventure courses and adventure trails

Tree-top adventure park at Lake Naussac, © Benoit Colomb – PACT Margeride

What’s the difference?

Tree-top adventure is an outdoor activity centred on climbing, moving through the trees, spending time in the treetops and exploring the forest environment. It is both fun and educational. The idea is to give everyone the chance to reach the treetops, move through the canopy and discover a different side to the forest. Tree-top adventure involves moving in, around and through the trees. It helps participants to discover the environment and develop personally, without the need for intensive training or high performance.

Discover the treetop adventure courses

Adventure courses, meanwhile, consist of a series of fun and varied aerial activities. These activities are fixed between the trees and are completed one after the other. There are two types of adventure course:

Self-guided: Adventure course instructors provide information to and supervise participants, ensuring that safety instructions are followed within their section of the course. Participants are responsible for their own safety; they use a self-belay system similar to that used on via ferrata routes, consisting of a double lanyard attached to their harness and to the cable (handrail), which prevents any falls.
Box: An instructor is present throughout the course, providing the guidance necessary for participants’ progress. Personal protective equipment is designed and used in accordance with current standards.

Via ferrata routes in Lozère

A cross between climbing and hiking, the via ferrata offers a new way to experience the spirit of the remarkable, unspoilt sites that Lozère is famous for. Strategically situated, the via ferratas offer a glimpse of Lozère’s diverse landscapes and provide access to the department’s most stunning viewpoints. Whether on a rock face or from a rope bridge, each route reveals a different aspect of Lozère’s natural wonders: in Villefort, let the view of the lake take your breath away; at La Canourgue, climb along an 11-metre net, with your back to the rock face, and enjoy a splendid view of the valley; at Les Rousses, you’ll cross over and fly over the river several times along the route… a different experience on every trail for a holiday combining nature and thrills.

Discover the Via Ferrata

Footbridge on the Rousses via ferrata, © Benoit Colomb – PACT Cévennes

Via ferrata routes

Designed to be accessible to as many people as possible, each via ferrata consists of two routes (easy and difficult) equipped with escape routes. Secured to their ‘lifeline’ throughout the route, via ferrata climbers make their way along handrails and rungs fixed to the rock faces, passing through various obstacles (monkey bridges, footbridges, Nepalese bridges) and a zip line, which is always optional. Whilst no specific knowledge is required, a good level of fitness is advisable, and for a first outing it is strongly recommended that you are accompanied by a guide. The six routes, however, are completely free and can be explored at your leisure (equipment can be hired near each site for around €15). So, it’s over to you!