Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Postcard from... MONTPELLIER

 

Anne Penketh
Friday 09 May 2014 18:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Three competing teams embarked on a new contest on French television last night in which they have to get from point A to point B in a straight line as quickly as possible.

Sounds easy? Not when you have to climb walls, jump off buildings and cross rivers to reach the destination.

The show, called Droit Devant! (Straight Ahead), takes place in an urban environment in the Mediterranean city of Montpellier, chosen for its varied geographical contours: a historic centre, a promenade, a botanic garden and modern tower blocks.

Last night’s two-person teams had to cross from one building to another on a rope above a street. The producer, Jonathan Politur, says that unlike reality shows, it was “important for me to reflect positive values, such as solidarity and pushing one’s limits”.

“There are confrontations and some tensions, but the main thing is to let ordinary people have an extraordinary experience,” he told Le Figaro.

If the show on France 4 proves popular with French audiences, there are plans to hold the contest in other towns. But it’s not for the faint-hearted: one of two sisters from Bordeaux and Paris twisted her ankle while scaling a wall as they started out on the trail.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in