Climbing site in Bussières

Climbing, now recognized as a sport in its own right, has its origins in a fundamental need: to climb and move in the great outdoors, especially on steep rock walls. From prehistoric times to the present day, this practice of climbing has evolved from a vital necessity into a technical and competitive discipline, where the level of climbing, length management, climbing routes, and evaluation of scores have become essential. Thanks to the evolution of equipment such as harnesses, carabiners, and modern ropes, climbing has become a sport accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced climbers.

Man has always had to climb rock walls in order to survive. The first traces of this practice of climbing date back to prehistoric times, where rock carvings testify to hunters operating on steep natural sites. Later, in the Alps, the first adventurers sought to conquer the high mountains, testing their endurance on long lengths with rudimentary techniques.

The first real documented climbing feat dates back to the 14th century, when the inhabitants of Chamonix undertook the ascent of the Aiguille du Midi, an impressive adventure terrain wall requiring excellent improvement in rope and carabiner securing techniques.

In the 19th century, climbing became a sporting challenge and a discipline independent of mountaineering. English and German climbers, passionate about rock faces, developed new techniques and created routes by venturing on cliffs such as the Peak District in England or the Elbsandsteingebirge in Germany.

It was in the early 20th century that climbing became a sport in its own right. The Italian Emilio Comici and the Preuss brothers perfected the art of climbing by developing free climbing, where the use of hands and feet takes precedence over artificial securing.

After the Second World War, climbing boomed. The years 1950–1970 marked the appearance of new techniques, especially in the high mountains, where climbers perfected their methods of securing with carabiners and benefited from the advice of experienced instructors. In France, iconic climbing sites such as the Calanques de Marseille, Le Verdon, and Fontainebleau became legendary training grounds for lovers of the practice of climbing.

In the 1980s, the appearance of climbing halls and international competitions transformed the sport, attracting a wider audience and making climbing accessible outside natural climbing sites.

Today, climbing continues to appeal to a wide audience, whether on natural cliffs, in bouldering, or indoors. Between physical challenge, self-improvement, and communion with nature, it embodies a complete and exciting discipline, heir to a long history where man has never ceased to want to reach heights.