I'm not going to lie to you, I too had some preconceptions about this zip line installed for the second year in a row above the Route de la Piscine, on Port Hercule. As one of the organizers of the Sports Village whispers to me, some people snub it for its small size, and I must admit that I was part of this group before experiencing it. But rather than wallow in my hasty judgment, I resolved to make up my own mind. And the least we can say is that it didn't take much time to convince me.
First step, a compulsory checkout which is located at the entrance to the Sports Village on the South Darse. Before going to the Rainier-III nautical stadium, you have to pay 10 euros (and yes, it costs money to get laid). Then, go to the foot of the diving board a few meters from where all the necessary equipment awaits me. In a few seconds, the harness is put on, tightened and adjusted with the help of a facilitator. I do the same with my headset while a few kids line up like planes on a landing strip before taking flight. Above us, the sound of the carabiners sliding on the metal cable punctuates the departures which follow one another quite quickly. Not without a certain precaution and some safety measures scrupulously respected by a leader stationed at the starting point.
A handful of seconds of pleasure
I wait for the photographer accompanying me to rush towards the tower where I am supposed to finish my race and I must admit that the excitement gradually builds. As soon as I have the green light, I launch myself into the dozens of steps that take me ten meters up, to the last diving board on the site. Once up there, I am somewhat “taken” by the effect of the void. From below, we don't really realize what 10 meters vertically can represent. On the other hand, the view overlooking the port is rather pleasant.
After a few instructions given by the facilitator posted at the top of the diving board – I still have to do everything possible not to end my crossing with my back to the finish and miss the photo – it's time to leave. Unlike the previous year, you have to “throw” yourself into the void whereas previously you had to “sit in the air” before launching off. So I throw myself towards the small ephemeral tower which awaits me 180 meters further on. And again, the feeling is very pleasant. The first seconds are quite enjoyable because it is the highest portion of the journey. We fly over the Sports Village at a moderate speed but above all with a superb view of the port towards the Rock.
An original view of the Principality
If you have a little luck (or not), you will turn a little in all directions to enjoy a 360-degree view to admire Monaco, its port and its surrounding reliefs. And then it's quite funny to pass a few meters above the Sports Village. We passed so close to the structures that I hesitated to raise my legs for fear of touching them!
In the second part of the journey, the crossing becomes slower and allows you to enjoy the journey a little more. The only “problem”, however, is that the pleasure is only short-lived. After a little more than ten seconds, I found myself landing with my back to the arrival area (obviously) where a facilitator kindly unhooked me. I go down the stairs thinking about my little escapade before undoing my carabiner and returning my equipment with (already) the desire to start this little ride again.
Note that users must – normally – not exceed 90kg, and be more than 1m20 tall. Adults are of course welcome. For the less adventurous, you can also take your children to the Ninja Warrior course or the climbing wall which is located just at the foot of the diving board.
