Via Ferrata, French style

Via ferrata is Italian for "iron road." It's a fancy name for a protected climbing route that is indigenous to the Alps. The history behind the via ferrata is fascinating: it was originally used in Italy during World War I as a way to move troops. Now, the via ferrata is an outdoor recreational wonder.
I recently got to do the via ferrata de St. Hilaire du Touvet located in Chartreuse. It was magical. Views of the valley and the Belledonne mountains were spectacular, but even more breathtaking was the waterfall that cascades down the face of Chartreuse. Thanks to the via ferrata, I got to cross that waterfall.
Equipment needed: lanyard with progressive-tear energy absorber (in the Alps, every outdoor store has these available for rent), carabiners, harness, helmet, headlamp (just in case).

Access: By bus or car, drive to the village of St. Hilaire du Touvet, then hike down to the start of the via ferrata.
Or, take the bus to the bottom of the funiculaire and hike up to the start of the via ferrata. It's a very steep hike.