The Du Diable via ferratas are some of the most beautiful and varied via ferratas you can do. Each via ferrata offers its own experience, some with more challenging sections, others with obstacles like monkey bridges and suspension bridges. What more could you want!

We created a Du Diable Via Ferrata loop, connecting four of the iconic via ferratas for a morning of fun.

The Du Diable via ferratas are located in the French Alps in Aussois, Savoie. There are six via ferratas in total in the area, between grades B to D/E on the Austrian scale, or PD to D on the French scale.

Du Diable Via Ferratas: The Loop

So, what loop did we create? In order, we linked together:

• Le Traverseé des Anges (C/D)
• La Montée au Ciel (C/D)
• Les Rois Mages (D/E, OPTIONAL)
• La Descente aux Enfers et la Montée au Purgatoire (D)

The full loop took us around 3 hours and 30 minutes. We got up early to keep out of the midday sun and avoid getting stuck behind any other groups. Now, more of a breakdown of the route.

Du Diable Via Ferratas: The Route

Le Traverseé des Anges (C/D)

The first route is accessible within 10 minutes of the car park. This route was more of a traverse than a lot of up and down. There was a range of natural holds and rungs. The route could be a bit polished in some locations, but nothing unmanageable. This route does not cross the river; you start and end on the same side of the Arc river.

I found this via ferrata very manageable. Having had a fall on a walk a few days prior, this was the first test to see if my sore shoulder had healed, and it allowed me to ease into the routes. Near the middle of the route, there was a section which was more physically challenging because of the slippy holds, but once I was past it, my confidence was high and I felt ready to continue on the rest of the via ferratas.

La Montée au Ciel (C/D)

To access the second via ferrata, you cross the main bridge at the fort, and then the access is a short walk to your right. This via ferrata was not too dissimilar to the previous via ferrata; it was more of a traverse with some climbing sections. There are occasionally sections where the intention is for you to use the natural rock as your handholds, but there were plenty of handholds available.

This route intersects with an easier via ferrata, and although we stayed on the path, we did have a quick detour to check out the inside of part of the fort which is on an easier via ferrata route, then we hopped back onto the correct line.

Les Rois Mages (D/E, OPTIONAL)

If you know what you’re doing any fancy more of an extra challenge you can add in this additional optional route on top of the other 3. This is the hardest route at this location though, and is on the upper end for difficulty for all via ferratas, so don’t underestimate it!

At the time, this was the hardest via ferrata I’d completed, so naturally, I went in with some nerves. However, the nerves were not needed, as I personally found it manageable (for context, I am a regular climber, this is absolutely NOT a route inteded for a beginner). There were more sections which did not have metal handholds or footholds, and there were some isolated sections of short overhangs. However, I think this route mainly gets its harder grade from the more challenging bridges.

This route features three bridges, including the longest via ferrata suspension bridge (or so they claim). The monkey bridge in particular is more physically challenging, as it has only one cable for your feet and one cable for your hands. The drop below all of the bridges is significant and not for the faint-hearted. However, if you enjoy greater exposure, I’d highly recommend this route, as it was a lot of fun.

La Descente aux Enfers et la Montée au Purgatoire (D)

This route involved the most up-and-down climbing of all of them and is very well bolted. The route descends into the gorge to a wooden bridge crossing the river. The descent is quite long and steep, but there are ledges around that you can take a rest on if needed. The view heading down into the gorge is wonderful; the turquoise river flowing under the wooden bridge within the canyon makes for a great view.

You then immediately start climbing back up after the wooden footbridge to ascend back towards the start of the first via ferrata, completing the loop. The final section on this via ferrata finishes with a climb up next to an impressive waterfall. This is very enjoyable and cools you off with the spray from the waterfall. It is a brilliant feeling, watching the water cascade over the edge with such force.

FAQs about the Du Diable Via Ferrata

What time of day should I do the Du Diable Via Ferrata?

In the summer, as early as you can! We were in shade for the first two hours, then we were in intermittent sun. France can get quite hot in summer, so by getting up early you get some shade and beat the midday sun.

Another added bonus to this is that you’re a lot less likely to meet other people on the route, so there is less waiting around time! This area is popular for tour groups and guided tours, so it is easy to get stuck behind a group.

Are the via ferratas beginner friendly?

I am not a mountain guide, so will only be sharing my own view here, but by reviewing the grades of each via ferrata, I’d say the loop I have suggested is not recommended for beginners. The grades range from C-E, which means the via ferratas should be completed only if you feel confident in your ability to do this level.

However, there is a B grade via ferrata named ‘Du Diable - Les Diablotins’ in the same area, which I have not personally completed but would likely be more suitable for a beginner. You would try this via ferrata first, then progress onto a harder route if you feel capable.

Alternatively, you could look to join a guided climb or hire a guide to take you out. The benefit of this is that the guides are trained to help you complete the route. They will have extra safety equipment with them to support you, and they can best advise on suitability based on your own hiking or climbing experience.

How long did the loop take you?

The loop took us a total of 3h 30mins, which included some snack breaks, water breaks and a few picture breaks as well! Make sure you take plenty of water with you!

What Did We Think?

Overall, I’d really recommend the Du Diable Via Ferrata loop if you have the time. If you are short on time, I’d prioritise Les Rois Mages (D/E) and La Descente aux Enfers et la Montée au Purgatoire. However, if you do not feel comfortable on a D/E route, then you could pair La Montée au Ciel (C/D) and La Descente aux Enfers et la Montée au Purgatoire for a nice route.

You can see more clips from this via ferrata in my weekly blog from our travels, which you can find here. I hope you found this post helpful.