UKC

Hi,

I lived in Paris for a year, and spent many a happy weekend getting the train down to Bois le Roi and climbing around Rocher Canon.

I'm planning to bring some friends to Bleau (some of them total beginners) and need a bit of advice. Some of us are getting the train to Paris and on from there, some are driving so will be able to pick us up.

1) Where is a good place for us to camp for a few days? I've heard tell of a nice place with a river you can swim in...
2) Is there anywhere I can take the total beginners which might be doable? Rocher had some easy stuff.
3) Is there somewhere to hire equipment? We could do with another crash pad or two.

Thanks in advance!

J

In reply to Jayfaulkner:
1) Good camp site at Grez sur Loing right next to the Loing where you can swim/canoe. Gets busy at Bank Holidays, including Belgium and Dutch Holidays - so best to check and book in advance.

http://www.camping-grez-fontainebleau.info/

2) Loads of easy White/Yellow Circuits at Elephant, Dame Juanne,Apremont, JA Martin, as well as Rocher, etc etc.

3) Sorry I don't know. Always take my own.

Enjoy.

In reply to Jayfaulkner:

Hi,

1) I'm not sure about camping, I'm afraid. I've always stayed in Gites which work out remarkably cheap between a few people. http://en.gites-de-france.com/

2) Look for the kid's white circuits and aim to complete a whole circuit for volume. This approach really helps develop beginner's movement, confidence and understanding of the rock. As a general rule, the circuits are designed to get progressively harder as you go through them. I've had people not knowing how to do the early problems on yellow circuits, then after doing the white, come back and walk up the yellow problems on the same day.

3) s'cape, in Fontainbleau, hire pads. At least they did a few years ago, I haven't asked recently. Their staff usually speak English although that's probably not an issue for your if you've lived in Paris. http://www.scape-shop.com/content/7-le-magasin-scape

Hope this helps,
Mehmet

In reply to Jayfaulkner:
Another campsite option, not on the river but there is a swimming pool on site.
http://www.les-courtilles-du-lido.fr/en/

In reply to Jayfaulkner:

Le prez in Grez-sur-loing might be hiring equipment, as I saw them making up some posters when I was there a month ago. Give them a ring, one of the owners is British.

The campsite is also excellent, although you'll need a car to get to the climbing areas. It never gets really busy in the summer and you can have a fire. Everyone in the village/ campsite swims a few minutes from the campsite entance.

*not promoting the place, but some years I set up camp for the entire summer.

Easy circuits are everywhere. Get a guide, find a yellow circuit and away you go. Closeish to the campsite is Petit Bois in Nemours which is also really shady. Otherwise go to the honeypot areas. Font is perfect for beginners.

Have fun.