For thrill-seeking Coleg Gwent Outdoor Activity students, a week in central France was the perfect opportunity to get to learn more about bouldering, a type of climbing which demands great strength over short stretches of rock.
The group of 11 students camped at a base in Fontainebleau, two hours south of Paris, and considered to be one of the best bouldering areas in the world.
In warmer conditions than they were used to in Wales, students got to grips with bouldering on the sandstone rock found in the forests around Fontainebleau, the varying skill level of circuits from novice to expert making it an ideal location for the budding climbers to progress.
Lecturer David Windebank said: “Our time in France gave students the chance to explore the terrain favoured by professional climbers in a stunning location, and allowed them to develop balance, footwork and good climbing technique.”
Following climbing sessions each day the group also found time to step into French culture, brushing up on their language skills and taking tours of Fontainebleau to learn about the area’s history.
The visit is part of a broad variety of activities on the Outdoor Activities Extended Diploma, which allows students to gain extra qualifications for work after their studies.
