Alain Robert, nicknamed the 'French Spiderman', scaled a 46-storey building in Brazil's business capital Sao Paulo on Thursday (February 28) without safety gear.

The 44-year-old climbed down the 168-metre Italia building - the country's second tallest - under the curious eye of onlookers.

In a restaurant located on the building's top floor, the French "Spiderman" told reporters he had once failed to scale the Italia tower.

"This one is a very famous building in Sao Paulo. It used to be, for very long, the highest building in South America, and also because 12 years ago I didn't succeed. Of course after 12 years I was thinking maybe I should come back and I should try to do another attempt," he said, before climbing down.

As soon as Robert's feet touched the ground, police officers took him into custody while people cheered and clapped.

But the onlookers were not the only ones to celebrate. Wearing a wide smile, Robert raised his arms and rejoiced before entering the police car.

Lourdes Cardoso, who did not miss one minute of the show, said she admired Robert's courage.

"I congratulate him for this. He deserves one hundred percent, because I lack courage even to climb stairs. I admire him," she said.

On Sunday (February 24), the daredevil climber tried to accomplish the challenge, but was stopped by a security guard who recognised him.

Robert has scaled some of the world's tallest skyscrapers. He polished his rock-climbing skills in the French Alps before turning to buildings in 1994.