If you’re starting your climbing initiation near Montpellier, it’s a godsend if you’re hooked on this outdoor sport! The area around Montpellier is rich in approved natural sites.
3 major spots for beginners near Montpellier :
St Bauzille de Montmel is an ideal place to start:
Located just 35 minutes from Montpellier, St Bauzille de Montmel or Puech des Mourgues is a major site for taking your first steps in rock climbing. It’s a varied limestone climb with a predominantly vertical, small-holding style. There are more than 215 equipped routes ranging from 3a to 8b+ ! South-facing, this cliff is ideal for winter climbing on sunny days. You’ll need a 60 m rope and a set of 12 quickdraws to get you through. The routes are no more than 25 m long. You can pick up a guide to the site in the village bar or in any of the expé et approach climbing stores in Montpellier.
Naturéo favorites :
le dindon fait la roue 5c. Pet under comforter 6a+. Rendezvous at the summit 6b. Agile talent 6b+. Polo 6c. La der des der 7a. Tsunami 7b. Le sacre du printemps 7b. Caravanserai 7c.
The Thaurac cliffs:
The style of the many cliffs of the Thaurac is rich and varied. Located 35 min also from Montpellier in the commune of St Bauzille de Putois. Climbing is therefore technically demanding and takes place on very good quality limestone dating from the Upper Jurassic. It’s not unusual to have your fingers “grazed” when climbing here. Climbing at Thaurac is pure pleasure, and the choice of sector determines the style of the day. (vertical wall, overhanging wall, big routes, colonnettes)… Over 600 routes have been equipped on the 3 main faces: West, East and South. There are 3-4-length routes on the West face and 30-metre routes on the South faces, close to the grotte des demoiselles. The cave is one of the region’s major tourist attractions.
Bring a set of 12-14 quickdraws and a 70 m rope for the ruching.
A wide range of levels:
Climbing levels range from 4b to 8b. With multiple orientations, you can climb here all year round, taking advantage of the winter sun and summer shade! The guidebook, written by Fabien Roumanille – Jean-Luc Fabre in 2012, is available from specialist outdoor stores in the region, or from the local bar “Chez Rémy”.
Introduction to rock climbing Montpellier : le Joncas
Located 40 min from Montpellier and close to the commune of MontpeyrouxThis site is fairly recent, having been equipped in 2011. The limestone is compact and of very good quality. The style is typical of the site, with small holds and fairly short, technical routes. So it’s not unusual to have to think a little in a 5b Joncas rating! The level ranges from 4b to 8c+ for mutants. The setting is magnificent, with climbs on both sides of a dry canyon. It’s not unusual to see water circulating when the rains are heavy. So we have two orientations, north-east and south-west, for different times of the year. There are some great beginners’ routes on the south side, making winter climbing a real pleasure.
So take a set of 12 quickdraws and a 70 m rope to go everywhere!
Naturéo favorites:
Tractopurge 5b. Local almond tree 5b+. Hydraulic fracturing 5c+. 50 euros per stere 6a. Richtig Geil 6b+. Mongolian stove fuel 6c. Fun 7a.
Want to take action and try out an introductory cliff outing? click here for more information!
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