The Fontainebleau Forest
We start this top with the headquarters of climbing enthusiasts: the Fontainebleau Forest. There, practice what is called in the jargon "bouldering" - that is, climbing without too much height, without ropes or carabiners - and choose from over 27,000 routes, suitable for all levels, from beginners to pros. A color code has been put in place to guide you in your ascent: white for the young ones, yellow for beginners, orange for intermediates, blue and red for experts, and even black routes for the masters of the art. Before diving headfirst into this dense 25,000 hectare forest, check out the reference website for climbing in Fontainebleau, here. Happy climbing!
Fontainebleau Forest
Seine-et-Marne
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Les Andelys
Along the Seine, the chalk and flint cliffs sculpted by time are waiting to be conquered by climbing enthusiasts. Concentrated around the picturesque loop of Les Andelys, these walls offer an ideal playground for intermediate and expert climbers. The Val Saint-Martin stands out with its well-equipped routes thanks to the efforts of the French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (FFME) of Eure. Once there, take a detour to the Château Gaillard of Richard the Lionheart, proudly erected on a rocky spur, offering an incredible panoramic view of the valley.Seine.
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Les Andelys, department of Eure (27) in Normandy
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The Glachoirs
Situated in Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello, just 60 km north of Paris, the picturesque site of Glachoirs, once a cThe limestone quarry, now open to the public, has become a true haven of natural peace for hikers and climbing enthusiasts. Here, ancient rock walls have been transformed into climbing routes (200 routes in total, with some reaching a height of 12 meters), offering different levels of difficulty. It is a peaceful and enchanting corner of nature, very close to the Chantilly Forest and the Compiègne Forest, which once again offers a breathtaking panorama.
Les Glachoirs
Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello
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Le viaduc des Fauvettes
Just 25 km south of Paris hides the viaduct of Fauvettes, a truly unique climbing spot between Bures-sur-Yvette and Gometz-le-Châtel. This former railway bridge, which was once part of the Paris-Chartres railway line, stretches magnificently with its 12 arches and 11 pillars, reaching an impressive height of 34 meters. Since the renovation works in 2004, climbing has been the reigning master here, with approximately a hundred routes marked by a color code according to difficulty: white for beginners, blue for the fearless, red for the daring, and black for the experts.
The Fauvettes Viaduct
Chemin de la Justice - Gometz-le-Châtel (91)
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Water Tower of Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines
Take a leap to the Water Tower of Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines, where the view from its 37-meter-high summit is simply breathtaking. Engage in classic climbing by exploring traverses to simulate the experience of cliffs, attempt ground-level sequences like bouldering, or start climbing with short slab routes. A nice spot that offers a unique climbing experience with an awe-inspiring perspective from the heights of the water tower, perfect for both beginners and experienced climbers.
© Climbing Club Saint-Arnoult.>
Water Castle of Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines
Saint Arnoult-en-Yvelines (78)
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