As a Parisian, it’s difficult to climb outdoors on a regular basis.
That’s why I’ve put together this article presenting the main climbing sites where you can do it.
I’d like to remind you, however, that it’s important to respect the site and its rules. What’s more, climbing is a high-risk sport. So it’s important to always be accompanied by an experienced climber.
Fauvettes viaduct#
The Fauvettes viaduct is perhaps the best-known climbing spot in the area.
The viaduct is located in the middle of a wooded area in Gometz-le-Châtel. It takes about 25 minutes to walk from the Bures-sur-Yvette train station.
The viaduct has 12 arches and reaches a height of 34 meters. The pillars can be climbed on all sides.
A PDF topo is available here. An up-to-date paper version is also available from CoSiRoc. Levels range from 4 to 8.
It’s also possible to abseil a spider’s web (in the void, without a wall around it) some 30 metres below the bridge deck.
Saint-Maximim#
Saint-Maximim (or le Larris) is a climbing site located just an hour’s drive from Paris, near Chantilly. It is accessible by public transport from the Saint-Maximim train station.
The site is well known to climbing clubs in the region, as it is a school cliff and therefore ideal for beginners. It’s also easy to get an overview, especially for supervising a group.
This former limestone quarry has been converted for climbing. The routes are short (maximum 12m). 6 quickdraws are generally sufficient.
A PDF topo is available here. It is regularly updated. Levels range from 3 to 7.
The site is popular with clubs and families alike.
Saint-Vaast-lès-Mellos#
Saint-Vaast-lès-Mellos (or Les Glachoirs) is a rock-climbing site just an hour’s drive from Paris, also close to Chantilly.
It is also a former limestone quarry that has been converted for climbing. The routes are short, generally requiring only 6 quickdraws. The climbing here is more pleasant than at Saint-Maximim because it’s more varied. The setting is also more pleasant.
A PDF topo is available here. It is regularly updated. Levels range from 3 to 8.
The easy routes are concentrated in the same areas, but overall the site makes it easy not to step on each other.
The routes are known to be a little underrated.
Fontainebleau#
This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Fontainebleau. But it’s so big and so different that this corner will be the subject of an article in its own right.