This mountain village is where the steam trains of the Train des Pignes are garaged. It is small and only moderately interesting as a town – though it is big enough to have some winding streets worth exploring. The real reason for stopping in Puget Theniers is that it is the starting point for the Via Ferrata des Demoiselles du Castagnet.
Via Ferrata means “iron path” in Italian. It is a way of climbing using a series of metal climbing aids, ranging from hand and foot holds to long ladders enclosed in cages. The devices are bolted to cliffs, sheer walls and steep passes. The Via was first developed in World War I to allow untrained climbers to make their way through the Alps quickly and easily.
Over the years, Via Ferratas were maintained and new ones were added as the pastime became a popular European sport. There are Via Ferrata climbing sites throughout Italy, France and Switzerland.
The Via Ferrata des Demoiselles du Castagnet is rated D+ (for experienced climbers only). It has a wall 80 m/262 feet high for openers and the return journey involves a spidery suspension bridge of ropes and timbers (called a monkey bridge) and a zip line, although there are so-called “loopholes” to avoid both of these. If you’ve always wanted to try mountain climbing and lack the technical skills (but have the fitness and head for heights) this may just be the adventure for you. The Via, which rises 257 m/843 feet (to an altitude of 777 m/2,549 feet) over a distance of 750 m/2,460 feet, takes an estimated three hours to complete. Entrance is through the Maison de Pays located in the Train des Pignes train station. (Admission €3.05, equipment rental €11. Open every day, all year-round between 9 am and noon and between 2 and 6 pm. Closed in rain, stormy weather and snowstorms.
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