Climbing

Have You Heard of These 5 Climbing Crags to Visit in France This Summer?

Every summer, the big-name climbing spots draw in climbers from all over the world. But between packed parking lots, polished holds, and queues at the base of every classic, don’t you sometimes just crave something quieter? A little more adventure? And maybe some fresh rock?

Good news: France is full of hidden gems. At Whympr, we’ve cooked up a list of 5 lesser-known crags where climbing feels like a breath of fresh air—far from the crowds and deep in stunning natural settings.

Cormot & Le Bout du Monde (Burgundy)

Rural charm and demanding limestone

Tucked away among Burgundy’s vineyards, these two neighboring cliffs offer strikingly different vibes:
– Cormot, the historic one, delivers steep and sustained lines on proud limestone faces.
– Le Bout du Monde, more modern and wild, features overhanging, sometimes cryptic routes.

A spot to explore—and maybe pair with a wine tasting (in moderation, of course)

Restonica (Corsica)

Sculpted granite and wild multi-pitch lines

Time for a Corsican escape into the granite mountains. Here, the rock forms are out of this world—slabs, cracks, tafoni… and stunning multipitch routes from 5a to 6a that rival the best in the Alps.

An ideal playground for relaxed climbing, surrounded by pine forests and crystal-clear mountain pools.

Eyroles (Drôme Provençale)

Forgotten crags, lavender fields, and colos galore

Between peaceful lavender fields and discreet limestone walls, Eyroles is the definition of off-the-radar.
Expect colos, big overhangs, and fruit trees at the base of the routes… It’s a quiet gem in the Drôme region, perfect for a wild climbing session between two naps in the shade.

Gorges de la Jonte (Lozère)

Vultures, verticality, and full-on emotion

Climbing here is a true experience.
The airy routes soar above deep gorges, sculpted by time and weather. Bonus: spotting a vulture circling above mid-pitch always gives a bit of a thrill.

La Clape (Aude)

Sea breeze, pine trees, and friendly climbing

Just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, La Clape is a peaceful haven. With over 350 easy routes (mostly in the 5+/6a range), it’s the perfect place to improve, have fun, or introduce your friends to climbing.

It’s modest in height but huge in good vibes—ideal for year-round climbing in the sun.