After recently telling you about France’s longest footbridge, let’s move up to the next level, if you don’t mind. Speaking of levels, we’re actually going to be talking about getting a little higher up with France’s steepest zip line. We imagine you’ve already ridden Lyon’s Metro Line C, with its record-breaking 17.6% gradient—the steepest in the world? Well, you can double that figure and you still won’t even come close to what awaits you. At 37%, we’re talking about a slope worthy of an Olympic downhill run. It’s no coincidence, by the way, that this attraction is located at a ski resort, where you can ride the giant Faucille zipline!
The Faucille zip line: 1 minute 30 seconds at nearly 100 km/h
That’s actually the height of the Eiffel Tower, and for those who’ve never had a face-to-face with the Iron Lady, it’s twice the height of Lyon’s Crayon Tower. Suspended in mid-air on a cable that propels you at full speed, some experience the best moment of their lives, while others, of course, the worst. And depending on your perspective, that minute or so can feel like the blink of an eye or an eternity. Albert Einstein said: “Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute and it feels like an hour. Sit next to a pretty girl for an hour and it feels like a minute. That’s relativity. ” Now, let’s imagine Einstein pondering his theory of relativity while hanging from that zip line…
All joking aside, this attraction is open to all (brave) individuals over 12 years old, weighing at least 30 kg (max. 115 kg) and measuring 1.30 m (max. 2 m). The highlight of the show: the zip line is a tandem ride, which means you can go down together to share this moment of pure adrenaline. Sharing is caring*, as our friends across the Channel say. Prices are €34 for an adult and €29 for a child ( under 16). For a simultaneous descent (in pairs), €29 for an adult and €25 for a child.
An activity in one of the most beautiful regions just outside Lyon
Nestled on the Col de la Faucille, the zip line takes you to the village of Mijoux amidst breathtaking scenery. The Jura is, in general, a wonderful region to explore. Easily accessible from Lyon and less crowded than the Rhône Valley, for example, it offers one of the best options for a getaway. In the area, you can explore the Valserine Gorges, or even stop at Lake Nantua on the way back for a well-deserved dip after all those thrills!
* If you like it, share it.
