Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne

World class bouldering for all the family just an hour south of Paris

Possibly the greatest bouldering area in the world, Fontainebleau has something for everyone.

Arrive at your chosen sector, find the first problem (or as the French call them 'blocs') and follow the trail of coloured dots (circuits) from one bloc to the next, what could be easier?

The beauty of font is that the circuits are colour coded by difficulty and the different coloured circuits run side-by-side, so whatever your respective grades you can all travel around together to complete your circuits.

Often the boulders encircle a flat open area as shown in picture above so you don't have to break camp too often. Many of the sectors have specific circuits for kids, and the beach-like sandy floors will entertain those those that are too young to climb.

I don't think I can overstate just how perfect Font is for families with children and babies.

Logistics:

Parking: Usually free - be wary of thieves - ideally leave your glove box open and parcel shelf down to show you aren't hiding any valuables.

Cost: Free

Walk in: from 2 to 20 minutes depending on the sector - consult the guidebook for times

Grade range: 20,000+ problems across all grades

Baby friendly: *****

Child friendly: *****

Suitable for buggies: yes - consult the guidebook for the buggy friendly paths

Guidebook: Fontainebleau Fun Bloc - Jingo Wobbly

Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death.

Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

If an area is listed here as baby- or child- friendly it simply means that it is convenient, and does not mean the area is safe. Parents must make their own assessment of risk.