Climbing in Paris Region

You’d be mistaken to think the Paris Region is just about museums, the river Seine and the Eiffel Tower. As a matter of fact, it is one of the favourite destinations of climbing enthusiasts! That’s right, the Île-de-France region appeals to fans of this vertical sport because it boasts some of the best climbing routes in France. Leave the city behind to explore all that the surrounding countryside has to offer. Just outside Paris, the sandstone rock of Fontainebleau forest, and the Fauvettes viaduct are historic routes that attract the greatest climbers to their challenging heights.

Do you prefer climbing indoors or outdoors? The great thing about climbing is that you can do it in any season. With more than twenty climbing centres in every corner of Paris, even the most hesitant can have a go without fear of getting cold or sunburnt. Simply choose the centre that suits you best. Arkose has facilities within Paris and outside the city, where you can climb without equipment and land on a super-soft floor. At Climb Up, you’ll need a harness because some of the routes reach heights exceeding 14 metres! And you will of course be rewarded for your efforts. Most of the climbing centres have a relaxation area with hammam and sauna, where your muscles can recover after intense exercise.

If you prefer the great outdoors you won’t be disappointed either. Climbers head for the forest, the mountains or the coast, but there are spots along the Seine too. Anywhere there’s rock, there’s a climbing opportunity. Besides offering a new challenge that gets you outside, your climbing session is also a chance to explore the Île-de-France region from an alternative angle. So check out the best climbing spots and go and defy gravity.

Rainy day in Paris Region? Take the kids to Arkose or Climb Up. They’ll thank you for it! Because climbing centres generally have other games and activities too, which makes them ideal for families. For young and old alike, they are great places to improve motor skills as you exercise in the vertical plane. And there’s nothing to fear because even if they fall off the boulder, they’ll have a soft landing on the thick floor mats. Your young athletes can learn the art of climbing without risking their lives.

Climbing is also about team spirit. It brings out the best in friendships! Whether it’s belaying your partner or racing along a boulder course, a climbing session is always more enjoyable in a group.

Prefer going solo? No worries, climbing is also a sport you can do alone! At some centres, such as Climb Up, you can take to the climbing wall without a partner, thanks to a self-belay system. Not to mention all the other routes where you can climb independently without ropes or harness.

Adapting to every category of climber, it can be an extreme sport or a relaxing, leisurely pursuit. Nervous at the thought of leaving the ground? Bouldering, at a climbing centre or on natural rocks, is the best way to overcome your fear of heights.

Fancy a gentle introduction to climbing? Treat yourself to a lesson or a one-day beginner course with an instructor. You’ll receive advice on the appropriate equipment and the best way to tackle the boulders, to make your new experience a pleasant and relaxing one. And for born climbers, some centres do improver lessons to perfect your technique and ramp up the adrenalin flow.