If you’re an adventurous climbing enthusiast, Fontainebleau is the place to be. This hidden gem in France is renowned for its breathtaking bouldering opportunities that attract climbers from all around the world. From the enchanting forest landscapes to the unique sandstone formations, Fontainebleau offers a playground for climbers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to improve your skills, this article will guide you through some of the must-visit climbing spots within Fontainebleau, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature. Fontainebleau, located just outside of Paris, is renowned for its world-class bouldering areas. Whether you’re a beginner climber or an experienced pro, there are plenty of options to suit your skill level. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best bouldering areas, climbing grades, circuits, classic problems, historic climbing areas, family-friendly spots, scenic cliff routes, challenging roof climbs, multi-pitch climbing areas, and climbing guidebooks that Fontainebleau has to offer.
Bouldering Areas
Cuvier-Rempart
One of the most iconic bouldering areas in Fontainebleau, Cuvier-Rempart offers a wide range of boulders for climbers of all abilities. From easy warm-ups to challenging highballs, this area has it all. The stunning sandstone boulders and unique rock formations make Cuvier-Rempart a must-visit spot for any climber.
Apremont
Apremont is known for its beautiful forest setting and diverse range of boulders. With its sandstone crags and unique climbing features, this area offers something for everyone. From easy slabs to technical face climbs, Apremont has a wide variety of routes that will keep you coming back for more.
Bas Cuvier
Bas Cuvier is a popular bouldering area that offers a mix of classic problems and new routes. Known for its slopers and powerful moves, Bas Cuvier provides a challenge for climbers of all skill levels. With its picturesque setting and great rock quality, Bas Cuvier is a favorite among climbers.
Rocher Canon
Rocher Canon is a hidden gem within Fontainebleau. This bouldering area offers a tranquil setting with beautiful views of the surrounding forest. With its unique rock formations and technical climbs, Rocher Canon provides a great challenge for intermediate and advanced climbers.
Climbing Grades
Easy (4-5)
If you’re new to bouldering or just looking for a casual climb, the easy grades of 4-5 offer a perfect starting point. These routes typically feature large holds and straightforward movements, allowing you to build confidence and technique. Fontainebleau has numerous easy bouldering circuits that cater to climbers of all ages and abilities.
Intermediate (6-7)
For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the intermediate grades of 6-7 provide a step up in difficulty. These routes often require more technical footwork and body positioning, pushing your skills to the next level. Fontainebleau offers a wide variety of intermediate problems that will test your strength and problem-solving abilities.
Hard (8+)
If you’re an experienced climber looking for a true test of skill, the hard grades of 8+ will push you to your limits. These routes often feature small holds and powerful moves, requiring a high level of strength and technique. Fontainebleau has some of the best hard bouldering problems in the world, attracting climbers from across the globe.
Best Bouldering Circuits
Circuit Bleau
Circuit Bleau is a classic bouldering circuit that takes you through some of the most iconic problems in Fontainebleau. This circuit offers a mix of easy and intermediate routes, allowing you to experience the best that the area has to offer. With its well-marked paths and variety of climbs, Circuit Bleau is perfect for climbers looking for a full day of bouldering.
Circuit Coquibus
Circuit Coquibus is a popular circuit that showcases some of the best bouldering problems in Fontainebleau. With a mix of technical face climbs and powerful overhangs, this circuit offers a great challenge for intermediate and advanced climbers. The diverse range of routes and beautiful scenery make Circuit Coquibus a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Circuit Roche aux Sabots
If you’re a fan of slopers and delicate footwork, Circuit Roche aux Sabots is the circuit for you. This circuit is known for its unique rock features and technical climbs. With its stunning views and challenging problems, Circuit Roche aux Sabots is a must-do for any boulderer visiting Fontainebleau.
Circuit Diplodocus
Circuit Diplodocus is a family-friendly circuit that offers a mix of easy and intermediate routes. With its gentle grades and well-marked trails, this circuit is perfect for beginners and children. The scenic surroundings and friendly atmosphere make Circuit Diplodocus a great choice for a day of bouldering with the whole family.
Classic Problems
La Marie Rose
La Marie Rose is a classic Fontainebleau problem that offers technical face climbing on small holds. Known for its delicate footwork and balance, this problem provides a great challenge for intermediate climbers. With its beautiful rock formations and stunning views, La Marie Rose is a must-try for any boulderer visiting Fontainebleau.
Elephant
Elephant is an iconic Fontainebleau problem that showcases the power and strength of climbers. This roof climb requires strong upper body and core strength, as well as precise footwork. With its unique moves and impressive position, Elephant is a favorite among advanced climbers.
L’Angelot
L’Angelot is a classic problem that features a series of slopers and delicate foot placements. This technical climb requires excellent body awareness and balance. With its intricate moves and beautiful rock features, L’Angelot is loved by climbers of all skill levels.
L’Envers du Decor
L’Envers du Decor is a challenging problem that pushes climbers to their limits. With its overhangs and small crimps, this climb requires strength, endurance, and mental focus. The sense of accomplishment after completing L’Envers du Decor is unmatched, making it a must-try for advanced climbers.
Historic Climbing Areas
Trois Pignons
Trois Pignons is one of the oldest climbing areas in Fontainebleau and offers a rich history. With its beautiful sandstone boulders and classic routes, this area provides a step back in time. Climbers can explore the same problems that were first climbed decades ago, experiencing the challenges and joy of early bouldering.
Cuvier
Cuvier is another historic climbing area in Fontainebleau that has attracted climbers for years. With its unique rock formations and classic lines, this area offers a glimpse into the early days of bouldering. From easy warm-ups to challenging highballs, Cuvier has something for everyone.
Larchant
Larchant is a historic climbing area located just outside of Fontainebleau. With its towering cliffs and endless possibilities, this area has been a favorite among climbers for generations. Larchant offers a mix of single-pitch routes and bouldering problems, making it a versatile and exciting destination.
Family-Friendly Spots
Bois Rond
Bois Rond is a family-friendly bouldering area that offers a range of easy routes suitable for children and beginners. With its flat landings and well-marked paths, this area provides a safe and enjoyable climbing experience for all ages. Bois Rond is perfect for introducing young climbers to the sport and exploring the beauty of Fontainebleau.
Bas Bréau
Bas Bréau is another great area for families, with its easy and intermediate routes that cater to climbers of all skill levels. This bouldering area offers a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, making it a wonderful spot for a day of outdoor adventure with your loved ones.
Jaunots
Jaunots is a family-friendly climbing spot that features a mix of easy and moderate routes. With its low-angle slabs and friendly holds, this area is perfect for children and beginners. The tranquil setting and friendly atmosphere make Jaunots a fantastic choice for a family outing.
Scenic Cliff Routes
Dame Jouanne
Dame Jouanne is a stunning cliff that offers a variety of scenic routes. With its vertical faces and exposed position, this area provides a thrilling climbing experience. The combination of technical footwork and awe-inspiring views makes Dame Jouanne a favorite among climbers seeking a memorable adventure.
Le Calvaire
Le Calvaire is a dramatic cliff that boasts imposing overhangs and challenging routes. With its steep angles and small holds, this area is perfect for climbers looking for a physical test. The breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping climbs make Le Calvaire a must-visit spot for any climbing enthusiast.
Canche aux Merciers
Canche aux Merciers is a picturesque cliff that offers a range of routes for climbers of all abilities. From easy slabs to technical face climbs, this area has something for everyone. The peaceful surroundings and beautiful rock formations make Canche aux Merciers a fantastic choice for a day of climbing in Fontainebleau.
Challenging Roof Climbs
La Merveille
La Merveille is an impressive roof climb that requires strength, agility, and mental focus. With its steep angles and powerful moves, this climb will test your limits. The exhilaration of overcoming this challenge and the sense of accomplishment make La Merveille a must-try for advanced climbers.
Cuisinière
Cuisinière is another challenging roof climb that will push your climbing abilities to new heights. With its intricate sequence of moves and tricky holds, this climb requires concentration and finesse. The satisfaction of successfully navigating this demanding route is unmatched.
Le Carnage
Le Carnage lives up to its name with its intimidating overhangs and demanding moves. This climb is not for the faint of heart, as it requires immense upper body and core strength. The technicality and exposure of Le Carnage make it a favorite among experienced climbers seeking a true challenge.
Multi-pitch Climbing Areas
Les Gorges d’Apremont
Les Gorges d’Apremont is a multi-pitch climbing area that offers a range of routes for all abilities. From easy scrambles to challenging trad climbs, this area has it all. The beautiful surroundings and variety of climbing options make Les Gorges d’Apremont a fantastic destination for multi-pitch enthusiasts.
Gorge aux Châts
Gorge aux Châts is another great multi-pitch climbing area in Fontainebleau. With its scenic views and diverse range of routes, this area provides a memorable climbing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced climber, Gorge aux Châts offers something for everyone.
Les Vouillants
Les Vouillants is a multi-pitch climbing area that showcases the stunning cliffs and challenging routes of Fontainebleau. With its exposed position and technical climbs, this area provides a true adventure for climbers. The combination of beautiful scenery and exhilarating climbs makes Les Vouillants a must-visit spot.
Climbing Guidebooks
Fontainebleau Climbs
Fontainebleau Climbs is a comprehensive guidebook that covers all the bouldering areas in Fontainebleau. With detailed route descriptions, maps, and photos, this guidebook is a valuable resource for climbers of all abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, Fontainebleau Climbs will help you navigate the vast array of problems in the area.
Fontainebleau Fun Bloc
Fontainebleau Fun Bloc is a popular guidebook that focuses on the easier bouldering circuits in Fontainebleau. With its clear and concise descriptions, this guidebook is perfect for beginners and those looking for a more casual climbing experience. Fontainebleau Fun Bloc takes the hassle out of navigating the area, allowing you to focus on enjoying your climbs.
Fontainebleau – L’Essentiel
Fontainebleau – L’Essentiel is a guidebook that showcases the best and most iconic routes in Fontainebleau. With its stunning photography and detailed route descriptions, this guidebook is a visual feast for climbers. Fontainebleau – L’Essentiel is perfect for those seeking a curated selection of the area’s classic problems and scenic routes.
Fontainebleau truly has something for every climber. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced pro seeking a challenge, the bouldering areas, climbing grades, circuits, classic problems, historic climbing areas, family-friendly spots, scenic cliff routes, challenging roof climbs, multi-pitch climbing areas, and climbing guidebooks in Fontainebleau will keep you entertained and inspired. So grab your gear and prepare for an unforgettable climbing adventure in one of the world’s most renowned bouldering destinations!
