A walk among the clouds

Those with a fear of heights would probably be tempted to close their eyes when they step onto this 12m-long platform at Pic du Midi, one of France's tallest peaks.

But then they would be missing out on a breathtaking view of the French Pyrenees from 2,877m above sea level.

Named "Ponton du ciel" or "pontoon in the sky", the platform was opened to the public on Feb 10 and offers daring visitors a chance to walk out on a narrow footbridge made of glass so it appears as if they are walking 1,000m above a snow-capped valley.

Apart from battling vertigo, visitors also have to contend with strong wind gusts and icy temperatures of as low as minus 18 deg C.

The construction of the platform, which took about three months, is part of a €7 million (S$11.2 million) redevelopment of the Pic du Midi site, which also comprises an observatory .

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 19, 2018, with the headline A walk among the clouds. Subscribe