Respecting the outdoors: Fontainebleau

We all love spending the time outdoors - whether it's hiking, climbing, camping or anything else that makes the most of our beautiful playground! 🌍

There is however, a problem with heading to beautiful nature spots and climbing crags... you're not the only ones heading there!

Fontainebleau is one of the top bouldering areas in the world - and thousands of climbers head there each year - so we need to group effort to respect the forest to help preserve it's iconic boulders and beautiful wildlife!

We teamed up with Respect Bleau to discuss the best way to enjoy Font whilst being respectful of the local climbers & wildlife. Here's what they've had to say:

Bouldering is an amazing activity, and outdoor bouldering is even better, offering a sense of freedom and adventure.

As more and more city dwellers discover bouldering in the growing number of indoor climbing gyms, the number of climbers visiting the largest outdoor bouldering area in Northern Europe has skyrocketed.

Fontainebleau Forest is a protected area, home to various species of wildlife, including birds and bats. Its sandy soil is extremely fragile, and the sandstone we climb on is susceptible to erosion.

If you’re wondering how to minimize your impact while bouldering, remember this key principle.

Your presence in this beautiful place should leave NO TRACE—only memories.

Here are some key tips:

• Use less chalk and gently brush the holds after climbing.
  
• Wet rock is fragile, and wet sand is sticky—avoid climbing on damp boulders.
  
• Artificial drying is ineffective and prevents the rock from drying properly.
  
• Clean your shoes before climbing to protect the rock.
  
• Enjoy the peacefulness of the forest—avoid disturbing wildlife with artificial noise.
  
• Fontainebleau Forest is a non-smoking area—a single cigarette butt can start a fire.
  
• Parking areas are not meant for overnight stays—consider nearby campsites or guesthouses.
  
• Stay on marked paths to protect the forest floor.
  
• Climb only as long as natural light allows—night time is for wildlife

Upcoming Actions:

• March 29 – Erosion Workshop 
• April 6 – Clean-Up Day

Our mission is to ensure that Fontainebleau remains as magical as it is—for us boulderers and for all the other beings who love it.

If you want to keep up with Respect Bleau and the awesome work they're doing - you can follow them on Instagram at @respectbleau 💙