Bouldering gyms are becoming increasingly popular around Paris. Block'Out currently has 2 bouldering gyms in the Paris region. One in Cergy Pontoise and the other in Saint-Ouen. Building on the success of these gyms, we'll soon be adding 2, or even 3, new locations. By the end of 2013 to early 2014, you'll also be able to climb the Evry and Paris Bercy halls! If you're not yet familiar with the concept, let's take a look at Block'Out in Saint-Ouen.
First of all, what are boulders? Boulders are Fontainebleau-style structures 3 to 4.50 meters high, allowing you to climb without the need for a harness, ropes or carabiners. This means you can indulge your passion on your own, and climb in complete safety, with the reassurance of a huge fleece mat on the ground in case of a fall. An added bonus: the gym is equipped with chalk dispensers within easy reach in the center of the mats.
The hall covers an area of 1000m2 on 2 floors. Upstairs, a structure suitable for beginners and special groups awaits you. It's also ideal for children's birthday parties. This is also the area for changing rooms, showers, sauna and hammam... Note that use of the latter 2 is free of charge. But that's when you've done your homework!
Down below, there's plenty of climbing for beginners and pros alike. There's a finger training area, vaguely resembling a torture chamber, and a diagonal climbing wall, much appreciated by experienced climbers.
Near the entrance, you'll also find a climbing gym that opens onto the outside. Ideal on sunny days for climbing in the open air.
Voices are chosen according to level. The entire hall is color-coded according to difficulty. Beginners will choose yellow or orange holds, while the demi-god of climbing will opt for green. Worried about getting bored? Don't worry, the gym is constantly being renewed, and national and international openers spend their time renewing the boulders for your enjoyment. The lifespan of a boulder is no more than a month. Time enough for you to persevere before evolving.
Block'out isn't just a place to climb. It's also an outdoor terrace and a real food hall, with a chef who cooks fresh produce. The bar offers a wide choice of beers, including a special one that changes every week.
There's also a weight room that doubles as a stretching room. And an osteopath on site by appointment.
The gym, open to climbers aged 4 and over, also offers courses for children. It's the perfect place to introduce them to the world of climbing in a fun and playful way. It's also the place for epic battles. In fact, the gym regularly offers challenges. From Fight Camping combining climbing, tent folding and down racing, to Fight School with calculator and 4-colour pen, there's plenty of fun to be had.
In short, this is a place that deserves to be tested, and even adopted. It's ideal for the low-level sportsman that I am, as well as the big climber in search of something new.
Practical information:
Block'Out 2 Paris - Saint-Ouen
40, rue Ardoin - 93 400 St Ouen
MétroGaribaldi ou Mairie de Saint-Ouen
Open Monday to Friday, 11am to 11pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 9pm
Privatization available for events on request
Rates:
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts November 26, 2025
Location
Block'Out St-Ouen
50 Rue Ardoin
93400 Saint Ouen
Access
10 mn walk from Garibaldi metro or Mairie de Saint-Ouen metro (Line 13) (Velib' stations) 5 mn walk from RER C Saint-Ouen Bus at 20 m stop "Les Docks" (Line 139)
Prices
1 entrée: €13
10 entrées: €110
