.

ClimbFrance at The Castle Climbing Centre.

2009-11-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

On Friday November 13th both Dylan and Ollie from ClimbFrance will be at The Castle Climbing Centre (London) for an informal climb / chat followed by food and (free) wine in the Cafe afterwards.

The idea is to get as many of our London based regulars to meet up and climb together. The evening will also provide the opportunity for those not familiar with ClimbFrance and the holidays and courses we offer to meet us (the staff) and our regulars.

We will be meeting from 6.30pm onwards and plan to eat around 9.00pm.

For more details contact Ollie: mailto:climbfrance@gmail.com

0033 475 265320

Hope you can make it!

Courses and Holidays in France this Autumn.

2009-08-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

Our rock climbing courses and holidays are filling up quickly with only a few places reamining.

Beginner's Climbing Holiday (30th August - 5th September). 1 place remaining.

French Rock Trip (5th - 12th September). 4 places remaining.

Sport Climbing in Provence (13th - 19th September). Fully booked.

Multi-pitch Climbing Course (20th - 26th September) Fully booked.

To book a place or for more information please contact us at: mailto:climbfrance@gmail.com

Remember, our courses and holidays include all instruction, accommodation, meals and transport in France. Once you are here there really is nothing to think about other than the climbing!

Rock Climbing in the South of France for deaf people.

2009-02-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

ClimbFrance has teamed up with interpreters Communication ID to provide the first climbing holiday exclusively for deaf climbers. All instruction will be interpreted into BSL (using two fully-qualified IRP registered Interpreters)

The course will take place from 21st – 27th June 09 and is aimed at deaf climbers looking to make the move from indoor climbing to sports climbing outdoors.

The ClimbFrance instructors will work closely with interpreters from Communication ID (also climbers) to ensure the essential skills are taught safely, with the aim of giving deaf climbers the confidence and skills to carry on afterwards.

This week long course includes all food and accommodation at the ClimbFrance base in Provence, instruction and specialist equipment. The cost per person is £655 and spaces are limited to 8 people.

For more information contact ClimbFrance mailto:climbfrance@gmail.com or Communication ID mailto:enquiries@communicationid.co.uk

Exclusive Fontainebleau Trip!

2009-01-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

In early May (2nd - 9th) ClimbFrance will be organising a trip to Fontainebleau exclusively for members of Craggy Island climbing wall!

The aim of the week is to give you the opportunity to explore this fantastic bouldering area, learn new skills and techniques as well as having lots of fun. Whatever your level of ability and experience, a week at Font can’t fail to improve your climbing.

Morning workshops will be followed by afternoon bouldering with our instructors and coaches always on hand to guide you round and offer any help or advice you may need.

The price for the week is £330 and includes 6 full days climbing, all coaching and instruction, accommodation and bouldering mats, (if you don’t have your own).

To encourage car sharing we will be offering a discount of £15 per person to those travelling in a car with four or more people. ClimbFrance can also offer transport if required.

For more information, to book a place or for help organising car sharing contact Ollie

Hurry as places are limited to 12 people (and ferry crossings are cheap at the moment).

The 'Credit Crunch'

2009-01-05T01:46:00.000-08:00

Don’t let the 'credit crunch' or state of the pound affect your foreign climbing holiday in 2009.

As ClimbFrance is a UK registered company we are happy to be paid in pounds meaning you don’t loose out.

In addition to this, our courses and holidays represent the best value for money possible. All our courses and holidays include:

Food and accommodation at our stunning base in Provence
All coaching and instruction
All transport in France
Any specialist equipment you may need

From the time you are picked up to the time you depart there really is nothing else to pay.

‘A fantastic holiday. Great Instruction, lovely accommodation and delicious food. We didn’t have to think or plan for anything other than the climbing.’ Kate and Simon. Nottingham.

'Thanks for the fantastic weeks climbing in June, it was even better than I ever imagined. I’m going to have to sample some French climbing again for sure!’ Heather B. Sheffield.

For full details of all our courses and holidays visit our website: http://www.climbfrance.com

Happy New Year.

2008-12-31T01:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the ClimbFrance Team.

Here’s hoping that 2009 brings you many days of safe and sunny climbing!

2008-11-16T02:39:00.000-08:00

The Tour De France 2009 will be passing right by the ClimbFrance base in Provence on Saturday July 25th. If you would like to combine some cycling, climbing and watching this amazing event get in touch soon as accommodation is running out fast!

We have accommodation available in our self-catering holiday cottage as well as our guesthouse. For full details get in touch:

mailto:climbfrance@gmail.com

Happy cycling (and climbing)!

2008-10-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

ClimbFrance has a new email address. For all correspondences please use

climbfrance@gmail.com

Our website will be fully updated with next season’s course dates as well as some new courses and holidays by Christmas.

For full details please visit: http://www.climbfrance.com/

Happy climbing!

Ollie Ryall

2008-10-17T04:41:00.001-07:00

ClimbFrance instructor and all round climbing legend Alan Carne heads off to Yosemite this week to spend seven weeks in the valley.

Together with a strong French and American team, Alan’s main objective is to climb Free Rider (an entirely free version of the famous Salathe wall) with 36 pitches of climbing up to 7c+.

Alan has already made fast ascents of Salathe wall and the Nose on El Capitan but Free Rider represents a whole new degree of difficulty and commitment.

More about Alan and what he brings to the ClimbFrance coaching team can be found at: http://www.climbfrance.com/team.html

We all want to wish him the best of luck and hope for a safe return to France.

Ollie Ryall.

ClimbFrance and the environment.

2008-10-03T04:09:00.000-07:00

ClimbFrance is committed to donating 1% of our annual sales to organisations directly involved in environmental protection and sustainable development.

For 2008 we have chosen to donate to the World Wildlife Fund. The WWF-UK aims to tackle global threats such as climate change, unsustainable consumption and pollution through research, education and direct action.

More information about the WWF-UK can be found at: http://www.wwf.org.uk/

Via Ferratas with ClimbFrance.

2008-08-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

ClimbFrance provides guiding for Via Ferratas in the Buis Les Baronnies area and there are two options depending on exprience and ability.

The first is suitable for beginner's, children and families and has a great river below to cool off in afterwards. The second is more difficult and involves crossing a wire bridge 90m off the ground as well as a couple of abseils.

ClimbFrance can provide all the necessary equipment and both take about half a day to complete.

For more details about Via Ferratas or any of our rock climbing courses or holidays please visit: http://www.climbfrance.com or email us at mailto:climbing@climbfrance.com

There's nothing like starting young!

2008-07-08T05:56:00.001-07:00

There’s nothing like starting young! Yesterday Isabel (8) and Mathilda (4) led their first routes at Ubrieux, Buis Les Baronnies. Mathilda even took a leader fall but bravely carried on to top out on the tricky grade 3.

The photos show them in action. Well done girls!

Ollie Ryall (Daddy).

Holiday accommodation in France.

2008-07-04T05:07:00.001-07:00

Due to a late cancellation we now have two weeks available in our self-catering holiday cottage in Provence.

12th – 19th July.
19th – 26th July.

We can offer a discount of £50 off per week, making the total price £425 (including all bedding, towels and electricity)

The accommodation comfortably sleeps up to six people and is surrounded by some of France’s best rock climbing.

Full details can be found at: http://www.climbfrance.com/climbing_holiday.html

For more information or to make a booking contact us at: mailto:climbing@climbfrance.com

2008-06-30T07:06:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to John Yates who accompanied us on a rare ascent of Natilik at Ceuse in SE France. John booked five days Private Guiding with ClimbFrance and although he hadn’t climbed outdoors for almost four years (apart from one day at Swanage), he managed to complete this tricky five pitch adventure route graded F6a (but feels much harder).

The photo shows a relieved John reaching the top after over four hours of climbing. Well done!

More details of our Private Guiding Service can be found at:

http://www.climbfrance.com

Beginner's Rock Climbing Holiday - New Dates.

2008-06-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Due to the success of our Beginner’s Climbing Holidays we will be adding a second week in September to cope with the extra demand.

The new dates are September 21st – 27th and full details can be seen at: http://www.climbfrance.com/climbing_course.html#beginner

The Beginner’s Climbing Holiday is suitable for climbers with little or no previous outdoor experience and is popular with climbers looking to move from indoor climbing walls to leading routes outside.

The cost for the week is £595 and includes all instruction, accommodation, meals, equipment and transport in France.

‘Would recommend the beginner’s course to any indoor climbers to inspire them to venture outdoors.’ J. Murray. Surrey.

‘We had a fantastic holiday and learnt a huge amount. I would definitely recommend ClimbFrance to anyone looking to start climbing outdoors’ Katie H. Brighton.

For more information contact ClimbFrance at: mailto:climbing@climbfrance.com or by calling 0033 475 265320

ClimbFrance - New phone number.

2008-05-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

The new ClimbFrance office is now fully opperational and has a new contact phone number.

For all enquiries please use: 0033 475 265320.

If we are not in, it means we are climbing so please leave a message and we will call you back as soon as we can.

Safe climbing, Ollie Ryall.

Sports Climbing in Provence - New Dates.

2008-03-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Our Sports Climbing in Provence course (1-7 June) is fully booked so we will be running another course in May (11 - 17).

Full details for this course can be seen at: http://www.climbfrance.com/climbing_course.html#provence

For more information contact us at: mailto:climbing@climbfrance.com

Road Trip - New Dates.

2008-02-26T02:04:00.000-08:00

The dates for our summer Road Trip have changed to June 28th – July 9th.

The trip will start in Grenoble and head down the Briancon Valley on the way to Ceuse, the Verdon Gorge and Annot. We will then return to Grenoble via Buis Les Baronnies.

Our Road Trip is a great opportunity to explore some of France’s finest climbing areas as well as improve techniques and learn new skills. Coaches on this year’s trip include Lucy Creamer, arguably the UK’s top female climber and highly experienced coach.

Full details can be found at: http://www.climbfrance.com/climbing_course.html#road

Your holiday photos.

2008-02-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to everyone who sent us pictures from their holidays with ClimbFrance.

This picture was sent by Graham and Luke Perry who spent six days climbing around Buis les Baronnies last July. They did a mixture of single and multi-pitch climbing as well as sampling the towns market, bars and restaurants.

100 metres up and time to give Dad a hug!

Get out more!

2008-02-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

At ClimbFrance we specialise in helping climbers make the move from indoor climbing walls to rock climbing outdoors.

Venturing outside for the first time can be daunting as well as dangerous if not done with the proper equipment, skills and knowledge.

Whether you choose one of our courses, holidays or private guiding, you are guaranteed the best instruction available as well as unrivaled value for money. Add to this the great atmosphere, beautiful weather and fine French food and you have the perfect holiday.

‘Would recommend the beginner’s course to any indoor climbers to inspire them to venture outdoors.’ J. Murray. Surrey.

‘We have thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and would recommend it to anyone who wants to make the transition from indoor to outdoor climbing.’ Chris H. Brighton.
For more information visit the ClimbFrance website or email climbing@climbfrance.com

Winter Sun.

2008-02-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

The south of France is a great alternative to many popular winter climbing destinations and has lots of advantages, including:

Perfect climbing conditions.

Deserted crags.

Great value for money accommodation.

French food and drink!

Easy low-cost travel links.

Climbfrance can provide transfers, private guiding and help organise accommodation. We can also provide an accurate long range weather forecast to help you plan your trip.

The temperature today at mid-day was 15 degrees and it is sunny with no wind. Climbing is possible on the south facing crags in t-shirts.

If you are interested or need more information please get in touch. climbing@climbfrance.com http://www.climbfrance.com

Sport Relief - climb a vertical mile.

2008-01-31T07:01:00.000-08:00

Instead of running a mile for Sport Relief, why not try climbing a mile (much more of a challenge). If you are interested in attempting to climb routes which, when added together their total length works out at a vertical mile (or more) then this may be the challenge for you.

This is a great opportunity to raise a lot of money for a deserving cause, as well as three days multi-pitch climbing in the sun!

ClimbFrance will provide a guide (free) for one or two people to attempt this challenge. The offer is open to climbers who have some experience of multi-pitch climbing and would like to use this as a learning experience, as well as the chance to raise some money.1 days multi-pitch training will be given before the attempt is made.

Climbers will be responsible for their own travel to France and accommodation (although we can sort this out for you). We will also require evidence that a minimum of £400 sponsorship is raised.

Sport Relief weekend is the 15th and 16th of March so you would need to arrive on Thursday 13th for a training / preparation day on Friday 14th.

If you would like more information or to talk things through get in touch.

Ollie Ryall. climbing@climbfrance.com http://www.climbfrance.com

Let the train take the strain!

2008-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Over 65% of bookings for this year's courses and holidays will be travelling by train or driving from the UK.

This represents a huge change from previous seasons where around 85% of people flew to France.

Travelling to France by train is fast, efficient, comfortable and without the stress often associated with air travel.

Information about train travel to France can be found at: http://www.raileurope.co.uk or http://www.seat61.com

To help and encourage people to travel by train we are now offering the following discounts:

£25 off the advertised cost of all courses and holidays.
Free transfers to many locations in France for Private Guiding.

Private Guiding.

2008-01-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

Private guiding lets you make the most of your holiday time and allows you to choose exactly what you do each day.

Whatever your level of ability or experience, private guiding is a great way to learn new skills and techniques as well as increasing your climbing ability.

For full details visit: http://www.climbfrance.com/guiding.html

Book 4 or more days private guiding with ClimbFrance and receive a free prAna t-shirt.

‘Really enjoyable holiday. Excellent climbing locations that fitted very well with our abilities, goals and wishes. Best climbing holiday I have been on – thanks.’ David C. Wolverhampton.
‘I had an excellent time, achieved all I set out to and feel far more confident leading. All round a wonderful time and I hope to return again soon.’ Sarah C. Brighton.

Special offers for train travellers.

2008-01-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

To encourage and help people who choose to travel by train we are now offering the following discounts:

£25 off the usual price for courses and holidays.

Free transfers to many locations in France for private guiding.

For details of all our courses, holidays and private guiding visit: http://www.climbfrance.com

Beginner's Rock Climbing Holiday.

2008-01-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

If you have had a go at indoor rock climbing and would like to venture outside, our Beginner's Holiday will provide you with all the skills for safe, enjoyable outdoor climbing.

The holidays run in June and September and are based around the Provancal market town of Buis Les Baronnies in South East France.

Full details can be seen at:

http://www.climbfrance.com/climbing_course.html#beginner

‘Would recommend the beginner’s course to any indoor climbers to inspire them to venture outdoors.’ J. Murray. Surrey.

‘We have thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and would recommend it to anyone who wants to make the transition from indoor to outdoor climbing.’ Chris H. Brighton.

2008-01-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the

ClimbFrance Blog for 2008.

ClimbFrance is one of Europe's leading providers of high quality rock climbing courses, holidays and private guiding.

For full details please visit: http://www.climbfrance.com/

2007-12-29T03:03:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to wish everyone a happy New Year. Safe climbing and hope to see you in 2008.

Ollie Ryall. Climbfrance. http://www.climbfrance.com/

Climbing or crawling?

2007-12-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

To clear up the 'climbing vs crawling' debate currently raging across Australia (see comments below), I have added another picture which shows the route from a different angle!

Although it's not the steepest route in the world I would like to see someone try to crawl up that without loosing a lot of skin.

Best wishes to all our friends down under and have a great Christmas.

Ollie Ryall.

Aussie Diane.

2007-12-11T23:38:00.000-08:00

Diane from Australia recently got in touch to ask why this photo I took of her hadn't been used on our website. To make amends I have included it here and will be using it on our main site when I make the final changes to the pictures.

Diane travelled to France to attend our Sport climbing in Provence course before heading to the UK and climbing in the Peak District.

Since getting back home Diane has climbed in the Grampian Mountains and at Arapiles and she is looking forward to her next trip to Europe.

Details of all our courses and holidays can be found at: http://www.climbfrance.com/

Thanks for getting back in touch, Ollie Ryall.

ClimbFrance Gift Certificates.

2007-12-11T00:54:00.000-08:00

ClimbFrance now have gift certificates for you to give to friends or relatives as presents.

The certificates are available for the amount of your choice and are redeemable against any of our courses, holidays, private guiding or self-catering holiday accommodation.

For more details or to order ClimbFrance gift certificates please contact us at: climbing@climbfrance.com

Ollie Ryall.

New courses and holidays for 2008.

2007-12-04T00:58:00.000-08:00

For 2008 we will be offering some new courses, holidays and options for private guiding.

Sport climbing + - an intensive performance coaching course designed for climbers leading in the 5c - 6b range who want to move up through the grades.

Road Trip - a ten day tour of many of Southern France's best climbing venues in the company of some of the UK's top climbers.

Family & Small group holidays - 2 new destinations, Sardinia and Fontainebleau.

Big wall bivi skills - spend the night on our portaledge!

For details of all these as well as other courses and holidays please visit: http://www.climbfrance.com/

Self-catering holiday accommodation for climbers.

2007-12-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

ClimbFrance has a holiday cottage available to let, situated 5km from Buis Les Baronnies in SE France. It is ideally suited to families or groups of climbers and comfortably sleeps up to six people.

'Thank you for making us feel so welcome. Over the years we have stayed in many Gites throughout France and yours is definitely one of the best ever! It has a view to die for from the terrace and we loved the variety of rock climbing and the beautiful surroundings. We will spread the word about this little paradise and we'll be back soon. Many Thanks.' Andy and Elaine Cave, Sheffield.

More information about the accommodation, surrounding area and fantastic climbing can be found at: http://www.climbfrance.com/climbing_holiday.html

If you would like more information or have any questions, please get in touch. Ollie Ryall.

Fantastic Autumn weather!

2007-11-30T06:13:00.000-08:00

I made the most of the great weather we are having at the moment and managed to climb some of the routes on the newly developed crag just outside Buis les Baronnies (see below). Although it was -3 degrees when I left home this morning, by 10am it was possible to climb in t-shirts! Not bad for the 30th of November.

If any one fancies getting away for a long weekends climbing around Buis Les Baronnies get in touch. I can check the long range weather forecast and let you know what it will be like. We can also organise accommodation and transfers if required (free from Avignon TGV).

For more details visit: http://www.climbfrance.com/guiding.html

All the best and hope to see you soon, Ollie Ryall. ClimbFrance.

Alan Carne climbs Verdon 8b.

2007-11-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

ClimbFrance instructor Alan Carne recently red-pointed Les Brave Gens (8b). This very exposed and difficult route, first climbed by JB Tribout in 1986 is situated high on the Verdon Gorge.

Alan spent 8 days working the moves spread out over 2 weeks before the successful red-point. In his own words 'not bad for an old fart pushing 50'

The picture shows Alan warming up with an ascent of Graphique (8a+). More about Alan's achievements and what he brings to the ClimbFrance team can be found at: http://www.climbfrance.com/team.html

Nice one Alan, this should be an inspiration to all of us. Ollie Ryall

Buis Les Baronnies - New Crag.

2007-11-28T00:33:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday helping the local climbing club equip this newly developed crag just outside Buis Les Baronnies.

When finished it will have about twenty routes up to 60m in length from 4+ to around 7c. Both single and multi-pitch routes are possible and there is a sector without bolts for practising trad climbing.

Ollie Ryall.

Climbing in Sardinia.

2007-11-26T06:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Scott and Monika for sending us a copy of their holiday photos from our recent trip to Sardinia.

The picture shows them on the second belay ledge of the famous Deutsch Wall at Poltrona.

Scott and Monika booked five days private guiding with ClimbFrance and after a few days technical instruction were happy leading both single and multi-pitch climbs.

Full details of our private guiding service can be found at: http://www.climbfrance.com/guiding.html

Lucy Creamer climbs Curbar E8.

2007-11-15T02:17:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Lucy for becoming the first British women (and second ever female) to climb E8. Lucy head-pointed (lead after working out the moves on a top-rope) Slab and Crack, Johnny Dawes's 1986 test piece on Curbar Edge.

Lucy has joined the ClimbFrance coaching team for 2008 and her experience and ability will enhance our programme of courses and holidays greatly.

More information about Lucy's achievements and what she will bring to ClimbFrance can be found at : http://www.climbfrance.com/team.html

Well done, Ollie.

New ClimbFrance Office.

2007-11-14T05:16:00.000-08:00

Work starts today on the new office at the ClimbFrance base, just outside Buis Les Baronnies.

When completed this will give Wi-Fi internet access to our accommodation, provide storage for all our equipment and contain a small shop selling climbing equipment, topos and guidebooks, clothing as well as other useful things.

The photo shows the view from outside the office first thing this morning! Hopefully work will be completed by Christmas.

ClimbFrance and Scarpa

2007-11-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

ClimbFrance are now supported by Scarpa and we will have a range of their climbing shoes for our customers to use next season. This is in addition to the support we already receive from Beal, Metolius and prAna.

We never compromise on safety and are pleased to be supported by these companies making equipment of the highest quality.

For details on all of these companies, please visit our links section:

http://www.climbfrance.com/climb-links.html

2007-11-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Environmental Policy and Special Offers for 2008.

As part of our environmental policy we would like to encourage as many people as possible to travel to France by train.

Planes produce over ten times as much CO2 as trains for the same journey and France is easily accessible from London via high speed modern trains. In addition it is a stress free and comfortable way to travel. Details of travelling to France by train can be found in the Booking section of the website.

We will be offering free transfers to many locations in France for Private Guiding and a discount of £25 off all our courses if you come by train.

We will also be giving away prAna t shirts to to people booking 4 or more days Private Guiding.

If you have any questions or require further information please get in touch.

All the best and safe climbing, Ollie Ryall.

2007-11-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new ClimbFrance blog. Here we will be able to keep you up to date with our latest news and special offers as well letting you know what we have been up to.

Updates to the website for 2008 are almost complete - your feedback and comments are always appreciated. We aim to make the website clear, informative and easy to navigate around. Please let us know if you experience any problems or don't understand anything on the site.

Best wishes, Ollie Ryall.