Published in August 2026. The situation in Fontainebleau continues to evolve as some restrictions are progressively lifted. Before planning your trip, always check the latest official information from the local authorities. This article was created together with Ivan, one of Explore-Share's longest-standing climbing instructors. Having guided hundreds of Explore-Share travellers in Fontainebleau, Ivan shares the practical advice and local knowledge he has built up over many years.
Every summer, thousands of climbers travel from all over the world to experience what many consider the birthplace of modern bouldering: the Fontainebleau forest.
This year, however, many visitors asked themselves the same question before booking their trip:
"Can we still come climbing after the fires?"
The short answer is yes.
Although parts of the forest were affected by wildfires during the summer of 2026, Fontainebleau remains one of the world's greatest bouldering destinations. Some climbing areas remain accessible, and visitors can still enjoy an incredible experience provided they stay informed and remain flexible.
As a local climbing guide who spends almost every day in the forest, I wanted to share what I've experienced this summer, answer the most common questions I've received, and explain why Fontainebleau is still absolutely worth visiting.
Is Fontainebleau Still Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
When people hear about wildfires, it's natural to imagine an entire forest destroyed.
That isn't the reality in Fontainebleau.
The forest covers more than 25,000 hectares, and while some sectors were heavily affected and remain closed, some climbing areas continue to offer outstanding conditions.
For most climbers visiting this summer or autumn, the experience will feel very similar to previous years.
You'll still find thousands of sandstone boulders, beautiful pine forests, incredible technical climbing, and the unique atmosphere that has made Fontainebleau famous for generations.
Restrictions have changed throughout the summer and will likely continue evolving over the coming weeks as authorities progressively reopen affected areas.
Fortunately, there are still hundreds of excellent problems available across the forest.
The Fires Changed Our Planning More Than Our Climbing
One thing became very clear this summer.
The challenge wasn't finding somewhere to climb.
It was choosing the right place each day.
Like every summer, temperatures often reached their highest during the afternoon. Combined with temporary closures, that meant adapting plans more than usual.
Instead of following the same routine every day, we looked at:
- current restrictions,
- weather forecasts,
- temperatures,
- shade,
- and the type of experience each group was looking for.
Some sessions started earlier than usual.
Others began later in the afternoon once the forest had cooled down.
In many ways, adapting to the heat became just as important as adapting to the fires.
Which Areas Were Affected?
The areas most affected by the fires were around the Massif des Trois Pignons, where several sectors had to be closed for safety reasons.
Fortunately, many of Fontainebleau's other famous climbing areas remained completely untouched.
Some restrictions remain in place today, while others have already been lifted.
Because the situation evolves regularly, it's always worth checking the latest official information before heading out.
Rather than trying to memorise every closure, I usually recommend visitors stay flexible.
One of the great advantages of Fontainebleau is its incredible diversity.
If one sector isn't accessible, there is almost always another fantastic alternative nearby.
Rediscovering Fontainebleau
If there was one unexpected positive outcome from this summer, it was that it encouraged me to rediscover my own forest.
Like many local guides, I naturally return to sectors that I know work well for my clients.
This summer forced me to explore other areas.
Some were places I hadn't visited in years.
Others were sectors I had almost forgotten.
I even discovered several fantastic spots that are particularly well suited to families and beginners, places I will continue using long after all restrictions have disappeared.
It reminded me of something I've always loved about Fontainebleau.
No matter how many years you've been climbing here, the forest still has surprises waiting for you.
What My Clients Experienced
Before arriving, many clients were understandably concerned.
Several contacted me asking whether we should cancel their trip.
My answer was always the same.
Let's stay in touch.
The forest is enormous, and we'll find the right place.
In the end, almost every client had the same reaction.
They were surprised.
The sectors where we climbed looked completely normal.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
The climbing was excellent.
For many visitors, the fires quickly became a distant topic of conversation rather than the focus of the day.
What they remembered wasn't the restrictions.
They remembered learning new techniques.
They remembered solving problems they didn't think they could climb.
They remembered discovering Fontainebleau's unique circuit system.
They remembered hearing stories about the forest, its history and its climbing culture.
As guides, that's probably the greatest reward.
Helping people discover that Fontainebleau is much more than a collection of boulders.
Practical Advice for Climbers Visiting This Summer
If you're planning a trip over the coming weeks, here are a few recommendations.
Stay flexible
Rather than choosing one specific sector months in advance, be prepared to adapt.
There are so many excellent climbing areas that changing your plans often leads to discovering somewhere new.
Climb at the right time of day
During summer, early mornings and late afternoons usually provide the best conditions.
Not only are temperatures lower, but the sandstone also offers better friction.
Check current information
Restrictions continue to evolve.
Before heading into the forest, make sure you're aware of any temporary closures.
Respect the forest
Perhaps more than ever, this summer reminded us how precious Fontainebleau is.
Respect barriers.
Stay on established paths.
Brush excess chalk from holds.
Leave no rubbish behind.
Small actions from thousands of visitors make a huge difference.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
This summer highlighted something I've always believed.
Fontainebleau isn't difficult because the climbing is hard.
There are so many routes that it is difficult to choose the one that is both safe and corresponds to the right level to challenge you.
Knowing where to go matters more than climbing at a famous sector.
A local guide doesn't simply know the best problems.
They know:
- which sectors suit your level,
- where you'll find shade,
- where conditions are best after rain,
- where families will have the most enjoyable experience,
- and how to adapt when circumstances change.
This summer made those decisions even more valuable.
Protecting Fontainebleau for Future Generations
I've been coming to Fontainebleau since I was a child.
Watching parts of the forest burn was heartbreaking.
It was a reminder that this incredible place isn't indestructible.
The good news is that nature is remarkably resilient.
Some areas will recover quickly.
Others will need years.
Time will tell how certain parts of the landscape evolve, particularly where trees played an important role in stabilising the terrain around the boulders.
As climbers, we all have a responsibility to help that recovery.
By respecting closures, staying on paths and treating the forest with care, we can help ensure future generations enjoy the same magical place that has inspired climbers for decades.
Looking Ahead
Autumn has always been one of my favourite seasons in Fontainebleau.
Cool temperatures return.
The sandstone offers fantastic friction.
The colours in the forest become spectacular.
And the atmosphere becomes even more peaceful.
If you're wondering whether you should postpone your trip, my answer is simple:
Come.
Be flexible.
Respect the forest.
And enjoy one of the greatest climbing destinations in the world.
Because despite everything that happened this summer, Fontainebleau remains exactly that.
A place where climbing, nature and history come together like nowhere else.
Ready to Discover Fontainebleau?
Whether you're planning your very first outdoor bouldering session or returning to Fontainebleau to tackle a long-term project, there's never been a better time to explore the forest with someone who knows it inside out.
Our local certified climbing guides can help you:
- Choose the best sectors for your level and the current conditions.
- Discover hidden gems beyond the classic areas.
- Improve your climbing technique.
- Learn about the history, geology and unique culture of Fontainebleau.
- Enjoy a relaxed, stress-free day with transport, crash pads and local expertise included.
Explore our guided bouldering experiences in Fontainebleau and experience the forest through the eyes of a local guide.
