Bloc à Bleau is the bouldering centre that the Fontainebleau area had been missing. A former hangar at 900 m² in the Brûlis area, in Samoreau, completely redesigned by two local entrepreneurs, Benoît Petitpas and Guillaume Fechoz, and opened to the public on 5 June 2026. The name says it all: it’s a bouldering spot, just a stone’s throw from Bleau, the forest known by that nickname to climbers all over the world.
Climbing without a rope, whatever the weather
Here, no harness or belay: walls of 4.50 metres at most, thick mats to cushion falls, and marked routes for all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned climbers. It’s the a natural complement to sandstone rocks : on rainy days, on winter evenings or when some of the areas are closed, people come here to keep fit. You can hire your shoes on site, and only the liquid magnesia is allowed. Before heading back outside, a quick look at the map of the open bouldering areas in the Fontainebleau Forest.
A place designed with families in mind
The children are climbing from 4 years old, accompanied by an adult, in an area set aside for them. The centre offers Year-long courses for 4–6, 7–10 and 11–14 year-olds, adult course programmes, work experience placements during the school holidays and climbing anniversaries all-inclusive, with a reserved table, a cake and a team briefing, for six to twelve children. Sessions of yoga round off the programme.
Climbing, bar and restaurant
It’s written in large letters on the façade: Bloc à Bleau is as much a place to eat as it is a place to climb. The kitchen serves home-cooked meals, burgers, main courses and desserts, to be enjoyed sitting facing the walls or on the large terrace on sunny days. And on Fridays, the venue takes on a whole new look: the venue announces an evening out, an event or a concert every Friday, from funk to sound systems.
Why go out of your way to visit Samoreau?
Just past Avon, on the Seine side, Bloc à Bleau is the perfect place for to introduce children to the forest trails before their first outing, to practise all winter long, or simply to enjoy a burger whilst watching others have a go. And next, for real, on the sandstone: our article on bouldering in the Fontainebleau Forest.
