Climbing in Fontainebleau
Bas Cuvier, Cul de Chien, Diplodocus, Gorges de Franchard... Discover these must-see climbing areas in the Fontainebleau forest massif. As the world’s first protected natural site and a top climbing destination, it attracts numerous climbing enthusiasts every year in France. If you’re looking for a getaway while staying close to home, discover climbing in Fontainebleau, perfect for a weekend with friends or family. For your accommodation, head to La Rivière Dorée, your climbing camping site in Fontainebleau offering premium services and crashpad rentals for your climbing stay in Seine et Marne.
Bouldering: the specialty of Fontainebleau
If you’re interested in engaging in sports activities, like bouldering, the surroundings of Fontainebleau are rich with climbing areas and rocks. In fact, if you’re looking for an exceptional climbing location within France—or even across Europe—set your sights on Fontainebleau. Here, you’ll find some of the most impressive bouldering areas in the world. It’s no coincidence that part of climbing history was shaped in this region.
In the early 20th century, this region witnessed the beginnings of modern climbing. It hosted pioneering groups of climbers, like the "rochassiers" and "bleausards," who took their name from this site. Thus, Fontainebleau holds an important place in the history of climbing.
9 spots for Climbing in Fontainebleau
These 9 bouldering circuits in Fontainebleau are close to our climbing camping site, La Rivière Dorée. Enjoy your stay in unique accommodations and explore these beautiful climbing areas. Our bouldering camping offers extensive facilities near Fontainebleau for welcoming solo climbers or couples, as well as small and large groups.
Although Fontainebleau offers some of the best climbing sites in France, it’s essential to choose your spot wisely. To make the most of your climbing experience in the area, prioritize the must-see bouldering spots and find your boulder.
Among many others, here are 9 of the most popular climbing sites in Fontainebleau, guaranteeing a great adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, you’re sure to find the right climbing spot in this selection, tailored to your level and experience.
Climbing Areas for Beginners
Circuit de Bas Cuvier
If you're staying at our climbing camping site near Bleau, this bouldering circuit is a must. Located not far from the main road, it’s suitable for climbers of all levels. Here, you’ll find over 260 well-known boulders with unique rounded holds and accessible climbing routes. To get there, simply take the Route de la Solitude and park at Carrefour de l’Épine.
La Canche aux Merciers
If you’re looking for easier climbing starting points, this bouldering circuit is for you. It allows you to start your climbing session seated in the sand, with some fun traverses to explore. If you’ve never climbed before, this circuit is ideal for getting familiar with the sport. With very low heights, it helps you avoid any fear of heights or vertigo. La Canche aux Merciers is located along the Vallée d’Arbonne path in Noisy-sur-École, nearby onze climbing camping in Fontainebleau.
Rocher Canon
This is the easiest to access of the three beginner climbing circuits. You can reach it by train from Bois-le-Roi station, followed by a half-hour walk through the beautiful Fontainebleau forest. Historically, Rocher Canon is one of the first climbing circuits in the region, offering numerous traverses that are sure to impress.
Intermediate Climbing Sites in Fontainebleau
Apremont
This bouldering area in Fontainebleau offers no fewer than 300 marked boulders and extensive trails, giving you plenty of options. You can even tackle Apremont in multiple sessions while staying at our climbing campsite. To access this bouldering spot, head to the Bas Bréau parking area on the route to Barbizon.
Cul du Chien
If you’re looking for a more family-friendly climbing site, Cul du Chien is the place to go. Located in a small sandy desert, this climbing circuit is at Parking 3 Pigeons in Noisy-sur-École. It features two famous overhangs that are well-known in Fontainebleau. Note that this spot is best suited for experienced climbers.
Paradis
This climbing circuit in Fontainebleau is not recommended in winter due to its difficulty. If you plan to visit, consider a different season. It features “highballs” – rocks taller than usual, reaching up to 8 meters above the ground. To get there from our climbing camping in Fontainebleau, drive to the cul-de-sac at Mont Sarrazin.
Expert Climbing Areas in the Fontainebleau Forest
Cuisinière
This climbing circuit gets its nickname because it “cooks” climbers slowly, testing their endurance. It offers numerous boulders in the 7 range, including 7a, 7b, and 7c. To access it from our climbing camping in Fontainebleau, take the Route du Loup and stop at the Plaine de Macherin intersection.
Isatis
This climbing circuit is highly sensitive to humidity, making it suitable only for experienced climbers. However, it also offers routes with minimal commitment and solid landings. To reach it from our climbing camping in Fontainebleau, follow the same route as for Cuisinière, as these two circuits are neighbors.
Le 95.2
This final expert climbing circuit is located on one of the hills of the 3 Pigeons. To tackle Le 95.2, you’ll need to master some specific bouldering techniques. Additionally, it offers various options for route openings. To reach this challenging spot from our climbing camping in Fontainebleau, drive to the Croix Saint Jérôme parking area on the Vallée Close road.
Essential Equipment for Your Climb in Fontainebleau
To ensure a safe climb and avoid problems, some basic equipment is essential for navigating the rocks of Fontainebleau:
- Flexible pants: These are crucial for maintaining freedom and smooth movement.
- Climbing shoes: Any good climber should wear shoes suited to climbing to ensure a strong grip and reliable foot adhesion.
- Small mat: This will help clean the soles of your climbing shoes before you start. Dust, small stones, and sand from the forest can gather under your feet, which could damage the sandstone or cause slipping.
- Crash pad: First appearing in the early '90s, the crash pad is increasingly used in climbing to cushion falls as a landing mat. (Our Fontainebleau camping site offers them for rent upon reservation.)
- Topos map: The Fontainebleau forest massif covers several thousand kilometers. To find your way, it’s helpful to have climbing topos and maps for Fontainebleau and/or an IGN map. This will allow you to easily locate routes in each area of the forest.
- Chalk: This helps your hands grip the rock well. However, use it sparingly to preserve the sandstone’s quality; overuse can damage the rock’s texture and reduce adhesion.
- Soft brush: After your climb, it’s essential to clean off chalk and any other traces on the holds using a soft boar-bristle brush. This will help keep the holds clean for other climbers.
Partners for Renting Your Climbing Equipment in Fontainebleau
Climbing in Fontainebleau requires some preparation. If you don’t have the necessary equipment, you can reach out to specialized partners near our climbing camping site. For example, you can rent crash pads at Karma climbing gym, Fontainebleau Bike Rental, or S’Cape Fontainebleau.
For an organized day trip or an introduction to climbing and bouldering in Fontainebleau, other providers are available: Caps Aventure, Globe Climber, Top Loisirs, and more. Your guides will assist you if you encounter any challenges and ensure the safety of all climbing activities. The guides will also guide you on best practices for your visit to this beautiful forest in Seine-et-Marne.
Our climbing camping site in Fontainebleau, La Rivière Dorée, offers crash pads for rent for your excursions. Feel free to stop by the reception to reserve yours!
How to Get to the Fontainebleau Forest?
There are several ways to reach Fontainebleau and our climbing camping site from Paris. This renowned international bouldering site is only about 50 kilometers from Paris.
If you’re driving with the car, it takes approximately one hour to reach Fontainebleau. Head southeast from the capital via the A6 motorway. Take the Milly-la-Forêt exit and continue toward Noisy-sur-École to quickly reach the Trois Pignons massif. Note that if you’re heading to Fontainebleau on the weekend, it’s best to start early in the day to avoid heavy traffic.
If you prefer public transportation over the car, go to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the train on the R line. After a 45-minute ride, you’ll arrive at Fontainebleau-Avon station. From there, you can walk or cycle to various areas such as Bas Cuvier, Mont Aigu, Cuisinière, and more. Our climbing camping site is only half an hour away from the Fontainebleau station.
What is the Best Time for Climbing in Fontainebleau?
Climbers can enjoy the Fontainebleau spots year-round! However, for optimal performance during your outdoor climbing in Fontainebleau, consider going in mid-season (from mid-March to late June or early September to mid-November). During these times, grip (or "stickiness") is higher. Additionally, with a bit of luck, climbers can enjoy pleasant temperatures and beautiful weather and some relaxing time at our climbing camping site.
If you’re climbing in the summer, take advantage of the outing to have a picnic in the shade of the trees or explore the hiking trails of Fontainebleau with the kids. You could also join a photography workshop in the woods at any time of year.
Our Accommodations for Your Climbing Stay
Although tempting, note that camping in the Fontainebleau forest is prohibited. The site allows only three designated bivouac zones within its 22,000 hectares.
For your climbing weekend, the best option is our climbing campsite, La Rivière Dorée, in Bagneaux-sur-Loing. This location, close to the forest of Fontainebleau, offers a perfect escape and relaxation spot in Seine-et-Marne. We provide 160 camping pitches near Fontainebleau with customized packages and unique accommodations (bubbles, tipis, wagons) for climbers passing through “Bleau” who wish to experience climbing in Fontainebleau.