Outdoor rock climbing on a natural cliff nearby Lyon
Indoor climbing walls in Lyon
Never mind the weather, climb all you want ! If you think that you’ll have a hard time finding a place to do so, well, you’ll be surprised. Practically each neighbourhood has its own climbing facility – just scroll down, we’ve already listed a dozen for you.
Indoor climbing in Lyon France
Boulder climbing in Lyon
Some might say that they don’t enjoy testing their fear of heights ; others could argue that they don’t want to purchase all the gear at once. Does this feel familiar? It does to me – on both counts. A few years ago, I started in a boulder climbing gym, a soft-floored space where you simply climb on small structures without the use of ropes or harnesses. Just grap a pair of sneakers and give it a try !
Boulder climbing in Lyon
“Size matters” – the largest climbing venues in Lyon
If your quest is a thrill-seeking performance that requires large amounts of vertical space, look no further. The highest of highs? Climb’Up Confluence (aka Azium), located inside the Confluence shopping center features France’s highest climbing wall, a 22 meter challenge. Another major meeting point is Climb’Up Gerland (formerly known as Le Mur de Lyon). This climber’s cathedral, with 2500 square meters of walls and ceilings, has been for many years France’s largest indoor facility.
Climb’Up Lyon Gerland
Climbing with kids
The younger they start, the better ! Climbing is a natural instinct for little ones, as well as a safe, non-traumatic way to get them moving. Many climbing facilities even arrange dedicated spaces for kids, with playground-like boulders, special equipment and colourful, custom designed tracks.
“Fun climbing” for kids
Outdoor climbing, in and around Lyon
Most experienced climbers will tell you that indoor climbing is merely a substitute for the real thing, outdoor climbing on natural cliffs and boulders. If you feel like giving that a try, the choice of locations is practically overwhelming and you don’t necessarily have to drive and walk for hours. You could get in touch with experienced guides such as Equilibre Vertical who will pick you up in the center of Lyon, provide transportation, gear and precious advice. You could also try Via Ferrata or acrobranche (climbing in trees), a fun day out for kids and adults. And finally, we can’t legally advise you to try urban climbing… but we must admit it gives some stunning pictures !
Urban climbing in Lyon, France
Need gear – or more info?
Naturally, a number of shops will provide equipment and advice for all the above. We’ll keep you posted on our favorite places for climbing gear, and please write to us with your own tips if you wish ! In the meantime, if you feel like browsing for information in French, we advise you check out escalade-lyon.fr, a very useful resource.
The Best climbing Walls in & around Lyon:
- Climb’Up Lyon Gerland and Lyon Confluence
- M’Roc Villeurbanne, Laennec and Part-Dieu
- Hold’Up (Vaise)
- Vertical Art (Saint Priest)
- Exalto Fun Climb (Villeurbanne)
- Block’Out (Limonest)
- Espace Escalade (L’Arbresle)
- City Adventure Sainte Foy and Albigny sur Saône