Fontainebleau. An unassuming commune 55 kilometres south of Paris. A place that means absolutely nothing to most, but absolutely everything to a few.
Although Google cites Fontainebleau as having some of the finest French architecture in the country, it’s not manmade structures that make it so special – it’s the natural ones. Within the depths of Fontainebleau’s 250 square kilometres of forest, thousands of immense sandstone boulders are hidden, and it’s these ancient rocks that draw thousands of climbers to make the journey each year to what is considered by many as the ‘promised land’ of bouldering.
We’ve long had Fontainebleau on our radar. A few people in the Proper team are known to stuff their feet into tiny shoes every now and then, and even those who don’t climb have expressed feelings towards Fontainebleau’s natural beauty. We’ve been looking for excuses to visit the forest for years, and recently, the perfect one fell right into our lap…
Everyday Mountaineering – our favourite lifestyle climbing brand based out of NYC – were keen for us to photograph their latest offerings. We didn’t hesitate to suggest Fontainebleau. They didn’t hesitate to agree.
Before we had a chance to decide who was most excited, we were driving through France’s patchwork countryside. Crash pads piled high in the boot, Everyday Mountaineering gear strewn across the backseats, coffee precariously balancing on the dashboard, and a palpable buzz of anticipation pulsing through the car.
By the time we reached the forest’s outskirts, the ritual had already begun. With bright orange pads slung over our shoulders, Everyday Mountaineering chalk bags clipped to belt loops, and heavily thumbed guidebooks in hand, we hit the trail.
Fontainebleau’s iconic Bas Cuvier area welcomed us first – a dense cluster of boulders, some shaded, others drenched in crisp sunlight. After changing into Everyday Mountaineering’s gusseted Everyday Pants & Merino Craggy tees, we unfolded pads like picnic blankets – and when we weren’t climbing, this is primarily how they were used.
In between stuffing our faces with cured French meats & fresh bread, we climbed and took photos. Lines were attempted, and the sounds of groans, cheers and chewing filled the otherwise silent forest.
After giving Bas Cuvier’s rock a good seeing to (and Everyday Mountaineering’s gear an even better one), we slipped over to Cuvier Rempart. Here, the forest grew even quieter, and the climbing became noticeably harder, courtesy of overhanging roofs, vertical slabs and non-existent holds.
Problems in Cuvier Rempart demand focus. Our conversation dwindled, with subtle calls and the nervy shuffling of pads replacing it. The atmosphere was serious but never heavy. Every piece of gear was essential, and Everyday Mountaineering’s kit did not disappoint. Pants allowed full reach, merino tees wicked away any moisture, and it was nearly impossible to miss landing on that bright orange crash mat.
After changing into knit hoodies and cardigans, we made our way to the final area on our Fontainebleau itinerary- L’Éléphant. Sandy ground, sculptural boulders, light filtering through thinner trees – almost as if an oasis had been cultivated in the middle of the forest. The Elephant boulder itself loomed – off-limits to climb, but impossible to ignore.
Feeling pretty fatigued by this point, we sprawled across pads and slipped into Everyday Mountaineering’s fleece sets. And after a few more decent efforts on the French sandstone, we ultimately descended into a state of pure relaxation, lying on the sand, taking in the smells and gentle hum of other climbers’ conversations.
In this moment of tranquillity, we realised that Everyday Mountaineering doesn’t just outfit climbers for the ascent. As its name suggests, it outfits them for every moment: climbing, walking, eating, reading, relaxing, and everything in between.
As the sun sank low, we folded the pads and ambled back toward the car, carrying tired limbs, chalk-stained skin, and sandy shoes. Fontainebleau hadn’t measured the day in climbs completed. It had measured it in the little things: shared jokes, quiet pauses, and the rhythm of the day itself.
We left knowing exactly why climbers return year after year. Just like bouldering itself, Fontainebleau isn’t just a destination. It’s a pilgrimage. And Everyday Mountaineering offers a complete uniform for every part of the journey.
Find out more about Everyday Mountaineering.
