Fontainebleau

Fellow grimpeurs! Howdy. I wrote this for friends looking to get sendy in Fontainebleau. Things change quickly out there -- old routes wear down, new beta opens up. Please do your research ahead of time! At least at the time of this writing, there is a great facebook group to check out before you go. You can find others to climb with there or just ask questions.

First things first: know that there is almost zero cell service (as of 2022) once you get into the forest, so prep is key. In no particular order, here are things that might be helpful:

• Mentally prepare to climb 2 grades below what you would comfortably send at the gym. This bruises the ego, but saves the body.
• It's literally a forest with a bunch of boulders in it. While there are "circuits," most people just pull up to spots they like and climb. Wander a lot. People are friendly.
• You can, and should, research routes before you go. Bleau.info is great, and I've heard Boolder is the new hotness. Note: I haven't personally used Boolder.
• Crash pads are sometimes available via rental companies near the metro station in Font. I recommend getting them before hand in Paris. I go to La Haute Route near Bastille. They are super nice dudes and rent them for 10€/day.
• You don't need a car. You can take the RER R from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon. Train is ~45 minutes, and then it's a nice 30 min walk into the forest.
• It's common courtesy to not put too much chalk on the holds and to brush the holds (lightly) when you're done.
• There are some convenience stores off the station in Avon where you can grab some stuff to eat/drink for the day. Don't skip this.
• Bring a pair or slides or at least a brush. Moving between spots barefoot will result in little rocks or mud inside of your shoes, and you'll feel it while hitting that aggressive slab.