Fontainebleau rock climbing

Fontainebleau, a storied rock climbing destination nestled in the French countryside, has become a mecca for climbers around the globe. Known for its unique sandstone boulders and forested setting, this climbing spot offers a vast array of challenges for both novice and seasoned climbers. The area, often referred to simply as "Font," spans over 25,000 hectares and contains more than 20,000 climbing routes, ensuring a variety of problems to solve and new heights to conquer.

The boulders at Fontainebleau are renowned for their quality of rock and the diversity of holds, ranging from slabs to overhangs, crimps to slopers, providing a comprehensive climbing experience. The style of climbing here is "bouldering," which focuses on climbing short but tricky routes (called "problems") without the use of ropes, with climbers protected by crash pads and the watchful eyes of their spotters.

Fontainebleau's climbing heritage dates back to the late 19th century, when it was used as a training ground by alpine climbers. Over the years, it has evolved, developing a grading system known as the "Font Scale," which starts at 1 and currently goes up to 8C+, reflecting the difficulty of the problems. This has made Font an important site for the progression of the sport, with many climbers visiting specifically to test themselves against the grading system.

The forest itself adds to the climbing experience, with its tranquil and natural beauty offering a serene backdrop to the physical and mental challenge of bouldering. Climbers can find themselves scaling boulders just a stone's throw from historic châteaux, blending cultural richness with outdoor adventure.