Climbing in gyms is good, but climbing outside is better. We have put together a list of the best climbing spots in France.
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Get your harness ready! From Marseille to the Alps by way of the forest of Fontainebleau, discover five climbing destinations for different tastes and skill levels.
>> Book your train ticket and enjoy a climbing getaway in France!
To start, here are the 5 top climbing spots in France:
The Gorges du Verdon (all levels)
Climbers of any level can enjoy this iconic site. The Verdon, with its limestone cliffs towering over turquoise water between the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is more than just a UNESCO-listed site. It is also a climbing hotspot, one that has been drawing climbers from around the world for more than fifty years. This longstanding site has some 1500 routes to offer on the canyon’s white and grey walls, accessible to all skill levels. The Hulk sector, which opened in 2007, offers many opportunities for sport climbing.
For more information: the Maison des Guides du Verdon is open year-round. You can hire equipment on-site.
The bonus: Less physically demanding than climbing, via ferrata, which is very common in the gorges, is an excellent plan B – as long as you’re not afraid of heights.
Closest train stations: Aix-en-Provence TGV train station, Les Arcs – Draguignan SNCF station
The Gorges du Tarn (advanced)
We’ll be honest: taking on the 700 routes of the immense Gorges du Tarn isn’t for everyone. Climbing these cliffs – gigantic dolomitic limestone walls (more than fifty meters in some cases) – takes experience and endurance. For experienced climbers, however, the reward is well worth the effort: an unobstructed view of the Cévennes National Park: If you’re lucky, you may even cross paths with a griffon vulture as you ascend the Cirque des Baumes, one of the most beautiful parts of the gorges.
For more information: Esprit Nature, in the small village of Aguessac, has equipment and guides to show you the way.
The bonus: There is certainly no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy around here, but you can also continue your adventures in the gorges underground. This is the birthplace of caving. Don’t forget your head lamp!
Closest train stations: Alès, Mende, Millau
The Calanques National Park (all levels)
Prepare to visit one of the most beautiful climbing spots in France. The Calanques offer some of the highest limestone mountains in Provence, with an unobstructed view of the Mediterranean as a backdrop – and the smells of the garrigue as an added bonus. More than 3000 routes rise above the waves and take you deep inside the caves of the Mediterranean shoreline. There are routes for everyone, from beginners to experienced climbers. If you’re looking for a historic route, check out Nymphodalle, the first route to be rated 7c – “very difficult” – in France, which was opened in 1979.
>> Our tips for visiting the Calanques of Marseilles
For more information: Visit the Bureau des Guides des Calanques if you prefer to have a professional show you around.
The bonus: As long as you’re this close to the sea, you might as well take a quick dip. The Calanques’ turquoise waters, which are home to more than eighty protected marine species, are very inviting. You’ll be trading in your harness and shoes for a mask and snorkel in no time.
Closest train station: Marseille – Saint-Charles
Céüse et Orpierre (different levels)
This is the crème de la crème. The queen of the cliffs. The final frontier for rock climbers. Céüse, in the Hautes-Alpes, is a legendary rock wall, a ribbon of limestone four kilometres long, where you will find disconcerting blue-tinted walls, chiselled grey slabs and cambers filled with holes. It’s no surprise that this is a favourite spot of elite climbers. While the iconic route known as Biographie – highly recommended for those who love heights – is only accessible to the most experienced climbers, the cliff also has around 400 other routes, with varying levels of difficulty. If you are traveling with children, nearby Orpierre – aptly nicknamed “the climbing village” – is perfect for a day of climbing with your family.
For more information: To take full advantage of this site, we suggest consulting with local professionals beforehand. Grimpisme, the Bureau des Guides Genevois, comes highly recommended.
The bonus: Orpierre is nestled in the heart of the Baronnies Provençales park. The paths through these wooded mountains are perfect for trail riding. After a day of defying gravity on the cliff faces, enjoy some wide open spaces!
Closest train stations: Gap or Laragne
Fontainebleau (all levels)
No list of the best climbing spots in France would be complete without Fontainebleau. The forest’s sandstone boulders are famous around the world. “Bleau” has so many routes – more than 25,000 – that even Google doesn’t list them all. Some are quite famous in the area, such as the Toit du Cul de Chien, The Big Island and the Alchimiste. It goes without saying that every climber, no matter their skill level, should come here at least once in their life, if only because the climbing hotspot is just one hour from Paris.
>> Read about the most beautiful hikes in the forest of Fontainebleau
For more information: The Tourist Information Centre of the Pays de Fontainebleau offers a list of climbing companies in the area. We suggest stopping by before you begin your climb.
The bonus: Climbers, known in the area as “Bleausards”, are not the only people who enjoy this site. All kinds of nature lovers come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The unexpected bonus: go-karts pulled by sled dogs. Get in touch with your inner fur trader!
Closest train stations: Gare de Lyon SNCF train station, R line toward Montereau or Montargis, Bois-le-Roi or Fontainebleau – Avon stop