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OUTDOOR REGION

Fontainebleau

The pilgrimage. Sandstone circuits in the forest south of Paris. UK climbers come home smearing better.

Season

Autumn and spring. Summer is hot. Winter works on dry high-pressure days.

Access

Forest rules are not optional. No wet sandstone. Brush, don’t tick the rock, stay on the sand, pack out everything.

Why UK climbers go

Bleau is not “a crag.” It’s a forest of sandstone boulders with colour circuits, sandy landings, and a style that rewires your feet. A week here will change how you climb grit when you get home — more smear, less yank.

When to go

Autumn and spring. Summer is hot and the rock can feel like soap. Winter works on dry high-pressure days. Never climb on wet sandstone — it breaks, and you’ll be that person.

Ethics, quickly

Brush holds, don’t tick with chalk graffiti, stay on the sand, pack out everything. Circuits are numbered for a reason: follow them before you project the Instagram bloc.

From the Peak

Drive or Eurostar + hire car. Take a pad if you can; rental pads exist but a familiar pad is calmer. Shoes: something that smears. The Solution Comp and Instinct VS both earn their keep here. Train the style at home on The Roaches.

Crags & areas

OUTDOOR

Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau · Sandstone · V0–V13