[Palomides]

If any of you international jetsetters are in the Hérault this weekend, there's a mini bouldering festival at the best bouldering site in the whole departement (not that there's much competition for that title...) : Le Prieuré near Lodéve



It's an informal "come and climb" thing partly to mark the signing of a convention for the crag (agreement between the FFME and local commune which allows continued official access and a basic level of upkeep).

Full details : http://www.parci-parla.org/page_722.php

It looks a bit like this:


And there's a map here:
http://www.climbingaway.fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=3&Itemid=4&recherche=488

[actionpacked]

Unfortunately I just missed this event but I am 10 minutes drive from Lodeve. I haven't been here long and will definitely be checking this place out among others.

Any more suggestions for the surrounding region would be appreciated as I said I haven't been here long and don't have any guide books outside of the UK?

[Palomides]

Sorry Actionpacked, missed your reply.

The short answer is that there's loads of roped climbing, check out

ClimbingAway for a pretty up to date map of crags, and summaries (easier to navigate than the ffme/old cosiroc sites)

http://www.topo-thaurac.com/ for topos and info on Thaurac, St Guilhem, St Jean de Bueges and the Caroux.

For bouldering, it's pretty much just Le Prieuré which is any good and a decent size, but there are a few bits and pieces elsewhere.

PM me if you have any other questions.

[ghisino]

in that region there's plenty of amazing climbing within 1h drive of Lodeve...

Claret 43.870348,3.868922
(a graded list of routes is all you need, names at the base. Steep athletic climbing on big vertical holds and underclings. Very warm on sunny days.)

Thaurac is nice old school fingery bouldery stuff, somehow reminiscent of Siurana.

you can buy the topos for thaurac and claret  in one of the two bars in avenue du croutou @Saint Bauzille de Putois. The good bar is the one with an old smiling owner who's diet seemingly consists of "bread and wine".

Le Boffi (big slopey pockets, odd and technical) and possibly Cantobre (steep 8a pocket-pulling paradise, they say...sadly only had a look driving by, looks ace)
Gorges de la Jonte (multipitch)
Topos available at Millau's tourist office.


Someone recommended me a new crag called Joncas, it's in Montpeyroux so even closer to Lodeve and they should sell the topo  @tourist office or Mairie of St Guilhem le Desert...

[Palomides]

Joncas is the big new place around these parts - I've not actually been there yet, but my regular partner has been nicking off mid-week. Apparently it's not so much of a sun-trap as Claret (Russan/Seynes) but really good.


Oh and here's a vid of St Guilhem featuring the same English bloke (Full topos to this place available on topo-thaurac.com)

[actionpacked]

Thanks for your responses guys, I have had a look through the links you have sent and looks like I am in a great little spot for climbing!

There seems to be more climbing within an hours drive than I have ever had access to before. This is perfect.

I really look forward to getting out on some of these sport routes, I think I may have to treat myself to some new quickdraws over Christmas as an incentive for the new year.

If ever you guys are climbing down this way, I would love to hear about it as I have only just moved and haven't found a good partner yet  !!

Someone recommended me a new crag called Joncas, it's in Montpeyroux so even closer to Lodeve and they should sell the topo  @tourist office or Mairie of St Guilhem le Desert...

Really interested by this crag. I have had a look at the pictures and Google mapped it and it looks very good, the bolted cave especially. There is such variety down here I am spoiled for choice.