Via Ferrata · Lake Bourget, Aix les Bains
The essentials
Parois du Monde runs one offer here: a night suspended in a portaledge on the cliffs above Lac du Bourget, near Aix-les-Bains. At 390 €, it covers a half-day to full-day experience on the via ferrata route at La Chapelle-du-Mont-du-Chat, with sleeping gear rigged directly on the rock face. Physical level is open to everyone. Book well in advance, especially for summer weekends, and confirm language needs as guiding is in French.
The offer
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a portaledge night?
A portaledge is a suspended platform anchored to a cliff face, used by climbers for overnight bivouacs on vertical terrain. You sleep in a hanging tent above the void, secured by the guide's rigging system throughout the night.
How intense is the exposure on this via ferrata?
The Dent du Chat via ferrata above Lac du Bourget involves significant vertical exposure on limestone cliffs. The portaledge placement amplifies that: you spend the night suspended with open air beneath you, not inside a mountain shelter.
Do I need climbing experience to join?
The physical level is listed as open to everyone, so prior climbing skills are not required. Parois du Monde handles the technical rigging and guides you through the via ferrata sections. Comfort with heights is strongly recommended.
Is this suitable in bad weather?
The season runs from May to October, but a suspended night on an exposed cliff face depends heavily on stable conditions. Contact Parois du Monde directly to confirm their weather policy and cancellation terms before booking.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.3 °C | 167.9 mm | Poor |
| February | 5.7 °C | 121.1 mm | Possible |
| March | 7.1 °C | 149.7 mm | Possible |
| April | 11.2 °C | 120.8 mm | Possible |
| May | 14.6 °C | 127.9 mm | Possible |
| June | 19 °C | 107 mm | Good |
| July | 22.4 °C | 94.4 mm | Peak |
| August | 21.7 °C | 73.7 mm | Peak |
| September | 18.6 °C | 80.9 mm | Good |
| October | 13 °C | 138.9 mm | Possible |
| November | 7.5 °C | 172.6 mm | Poor |
| December | 2.4 °C | 86.9 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear warm layers regardless of the season: temperatures drop sharply on an exposed cliff overnight. Pack a headlamp, water, and snacks for the duration. Technical gear and the portaledge itself are provided by Parois du Monde.
Getting there
Drive to Parking de la Via Ferrata de la Dent du Chat, La Chapelle-du-Mont-du-Chat 73370, the confirmed meeting point for this experience.
See also
Via Ferrata elsewhere
Other activities in Lake Bourget, Aix les Bains
Updated September 2026