This summer, La Sportiva is teaming up with Arkose to turn the banks of the Seine into a climbing playground. As part of Paris Plages, a free-access climbing village is being set up at the foot of the Pont Neuf until August 2, open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The setup includes two walls: a 12-meter wall with 24 bouldering routes of varying difficulty for adults and teenagers, and an 8-meter wall dedicated to children aged 4 and up. Thirty-minute sessions are supervised by the Arkose team, free of charge and open to everyone, all set against one of the capital's most iconic backdrops.

La Sportiva is providing climbing shoes on-site, allowing visitors to test the brand's models directly on the walls without needing their own gear. The Italian brand will take things a step further on July 16 and 17 by inviting their athlete Victoire Andrier to lead introductory and advanced sessions. A former member of the French national team for eleven years, three-time French speed climbing champion, and winner of the 2021 European Cup overall ranking, she will be available on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to share technical tips and her perspective on performance.

In a climate where climbing continues to gain popularity in France since its inclusion in the Olympic Games, this type of free urban activation remains one of the most effective ways to expand the sport beyond indoor gyms.

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