The Best Climbing Gyms in Paris Now

The sky is reflected in the emerald green waters of Canal Saint-Martin. Young Dutch climber Tiba Vroom reachs for a hold on a boulder in Fontainebleau. — Top: Forêt de Fontainebleau @weak_fingers / Street art on Rue du Prévôt
@jestemwpodrozy / Above: Canal Saint-Martin @micheleeno / Forêt de Fontainebleau @veronicamelkonian

Climbing has come a long way in the last few years. The sport was once dominated by tough grizzled men who battled the elements and abided by a strict code of ethics. It has evolved to become a sport that is accessible to all.

Street art of a young girl with a brightly coloured afro on the side of a building in Paris. A climber makes his way up a boulder in the Fontainebleau forest on an autumnal day. — Street art by Vinie @johnweap.streetart / Forêt de Fontainebleau @nathanbetts_

Climbing made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020. Its format will be further revised for the 2024 Paris Olympics but, broadly speaking, indoor climbing is divided into three disciplines:

Speed climbing – a mad dash up a wall in a style often lamented by climbing traditionalists
Sport climbing – a bolted rope climb, generally on walls of up to about 15m (more in bigger centers)
Bouldering – short routes that are often technical or powerful. They involve problem solving to find the best moves to complete the route efficiently. This discipline has exploded in popularity across the world.

The appeal is severalfold. Climbing is a full body workout. It is more fun than running on a dreadmill, the problem-solving element keeps it interesting, and it’s sociable. Many venues are more than just a place to climb. Several Parisian climbing centres have a bar and restaurant, with craft ales and all manner of tasty comestible. In fact many young folks come to these places and don’t even climb. Most centres have a shop too, stocked full of all things climbing, with an emphasis on French brands like Snap and Petzl. You will also find saunas, yoga studios and even coworking spaces.

An overhead shot from the top of the wall looking down at French climber Agathe Calliet hanging from one hand on the final hold of a route. Two people tuck into a charcuterie board with cheese and pickles and bottles of beer in the cafeteria of Vertical Art. — Young french climber Agathe Calliet @aurele_bremond on @climbingdistrict / Tapas and craft beers @va_climbing_chevaleret

Here are our picks for the best climbing gyms in central Paris:

Arkose

Arkose is one of the most popular gyms in Paris. Their concept is urban and ethical rock climbing lofts, where you can eat great food and enjoy modern bouldering.

There is an Arkose in Nation which was their first Paris location, so expect some slightly worn holds. This place gets super busy. Thursday nights feel like a nightclub with a vibrant atmosphere. There is also a large top-out island to practice your mantles for when you finally get on some outdoor rock! Centers in Montreuil, Pantin, Didot and Pont de Sèvres also offer great climbs. I particularly like their wooden system boards. Sign up for a membership with Arkose and you can use all their locations including the two MurMur centers which have rope climbing too!

A cherry blossom tree hangs over Canal Saint-Martin and a blue vintage bicycle on a spring day. A young female climber tries out a route in Vertical Art with the busy cafeteria in the background. — Spring arrives at Canal Saint-Martin @wazou_75 / Climbing at Vertical Art Chevaleret @va_climbing_chevaleret

Vertical Art

Vertical Art has locales across the country and two in Paris. I must declare a personal bias for this one as the Vertical Art in Pigalle is where I normally go and I love it there. One of the smallest gyms in central Paris, they pack a lot in. The burgers are amazing; the staff, charming. They even have a Moonboard! The other centre in Chevaleret is bigger, with a greater variety of routes, and a good campus board. There is even a boardroom for hire if you’re looking for a quirky place to hold a work meeting.

Morning light breaks through the trees in the Fontainebleau forest with some small boulders in the foreground. A busy cafeteria in Arkose Nation with a large billboard in the foreground. — Morning light in Forêt de Fontainebleau @paupy7 / The cafeteria at Arkose Nation @arkosenation

Climb Up

Climb Up opened last year at Port d’Italie and has it all. There is a large bouldering area, rope climbing, and loads of training facilities. This is one of the biggest facilities in central Paris and they also have a gym in Aubervilliers opening soon. At 5000m2, it claims to be the largest climbing room in Europe.

Climbing District

With one venue in Batignolles and one at Canal Saint-Martin, Climbing District is très chouette and attracts a young urban crowd. Both gyms have modern climbing walls, co-working spaces and a buzzing ambiance. The new space in Canal Saint-Martin is part of a renovated old cinema with 1950’s architecture. It is the perfect creative setting to work, play, and climb.

The further out of the city you go, the larger the gyms are. Notable establishments include Hardbloc and Block’Out, which are both fantastic gyms. But for intramural climbing the above is a fairly comprehensive list. Beyond this, you have the beautiful forest of Fontainebleau, just south of Paris, which offers world class climbing if you’re ready to test your skills in the great outdoors. Go, explore, sample tasty food, and find the gym that is best for you. Let us know what you find, Bonne séance!

Young French climber Pierre Le Cerf tenses his muscles as he concentrates on the next move in Climbing District. A climber edges along a boulder in the Forest of Fontainebleau with crash mats beneath him and light breaking through the leafy trees. — Young French climber Pierre Le Cerf @aurele_bremond on @climbingdistrict / Bouldering in Forêt de Fontainebleau @aurele_bremond

WRITTEN BY

Matthew Hillier

Originally from the UK, Matthew has spent the last couple of years in between Nice and Paris. A graduate of English, Matthew loves all things literary but has an ongoing battle learning the French language. Matthew spends his time in Paris exploring the jazz scene, running along the Seine and climbing the boulders of Fontainebleau whenever he gets the chance.