Winter’s over, and the sun is calling us back outdoors. While a few climbing and bouldering gyms in the Netherlands have outdoor walls, nothing compares to the real thing: climbing on actual rock. Unfortunately, the Netherlands doesn’t offer that. So we headed to the world-famous bouldering destination just south of Paris: Fontainebleau. In this blog, we share essential tips for your first outdoor bouldering trip and our experience in this unique climbing area.
Fontainebleau: More Than Just a Château
Most tourists visit Fontainebleau for its historic château, but climbers know it as the bouldering capital of Europe. The forests surrounding the town are scattered with sandstone boulders suitable for every level. Each sector has its own character, and you can climb here year-round, as long as the rock is dry.
Sandstone: Fragile, but Magical
The rock in Fontainebleau is sandstone. Softer than granite, it’s more prone to erosion. To preserve the area for future climbers, please follow these guidelines:
- Never climb on wet or damp rock.
- Use chalk sparingly.
- Brush holds with a soft brush.
- Keep your climbing shoes clean, especially from sand.
These simple steps help protect the environment and ensure that everyone can enjoy this bouldering area for MANY years.
How Bouldering Works in Fontainebleau?
Many boulders are marked with numbers and colors. These colors represent circuits: routes of varying difficulty. You won’t find signs like in indoor gyms. Instead, you’ll need a topo guide(aka a book with a map), which includes the circuits and standalone boulders.
The biggest difference from gym climbing? You have to top out. This means, you will have no marked finish hold but you need to SUMMIT and stand on that rock. That final move can be surprisingly tricky, especially with Fontainebleau’s rounded rock shapes.
Navigating the Forest
A topo book is essential. Not just to find problems, but also for info on parking, rules, and recent route updates. Besides the marked circuits, there are thousands of standalone boulders that you will only find with a topo.
Apps with detailed info are available now, which is super handy. They provide same information but internet may be spotty in a forest. Personally, I still prefer the old-school paper topo: no screen, just the adventure of finding your way. Keep in mind, though, they’re not always fully up to date.
First Time in Fontainebleau? Prepare Well
Good preparation helps you get the most out of your trip. Planning to camp or rent a holiday home? There are plenty of options in and around Fontainebleau. The forest is huge, so if you have specific sectors in mind, stay nearby because some bouldering sectors are a 30-minute drive apart.
Pro tip: shop local. Fresh baguettes, croissants, or dinner at a local restaurant add to the experience and support the local economy. Many locals contribute to our overall climbing experience in the area!
Don’t Forget a Crashpad
Unlike gyms, outdoor landings can be rough—think sand, roots, and rocks. A crashpad is essential. Place it under your climb to cushion your fall. You can buy one or rent from some gyms. Sometimes you’ll need more than one for a safe landing zone.
Respect the Forest
Bouldering outdoors also means enjoying nature. Let’s keep the forest clean and peaceful:
- Take your trash with you.
- Don’t play loud music.
- Stick to the trails.
- Explore lesser-known sectors to avoid the crowds.
Our Experience
We spent a long weekend in Fontainebleau, climbing for about two and a half days. We started in Apremont, moved on to Maunoury and Petit Bois, and finished at Rocher Saint Germain. The texture of the sandstone and tiny footholds took some getting used to. I usually focus on hard problems indoors, but here I enjoyed even the easier climbs. The grading can be deceptive: a 5A might feel like a 6C.
It was sunny and over 20°C - actually a bit too warm for bouldering - but we had an amazing time. I topped a few 7-grade problems, tried different circuits, and left some beautiful projects unfinished... Definitely coming back for those.
Fontainebleau is a must-visit for every boulderer. . Come prepared, treat the rock and forest with respect, and enjoy the magic of climbing outdoors. Want more tips or inspiration? Watch this film or check out bleau.info.
One Last Thing: Beware the Processionary Caterpillar
Due to climate change, processionary caterpillars now appear earlier in the season (March to May). Avoid areas where they have been spotted. I ignored the warning in Apremont Ouest and ended up with hundreds of itchy spots for a week. It can also be deadly for pets like dogs. Trust me, not worth it. If you see them on rocks or stones chances are, their poisonous hair is in the air. There are many areas without them, so you can simply drive a bit further away,
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