French Rock - Bill Birkett

Over the last few years rock climbing has changed significantly, with the rise of 'sport climbing' as against the old fashioned 'adventure climbing'. The sun-drenched crags of France provide sport climbing for all, a mecca for modern climbers. The author has wide experience of French crags and is one of the foremost mountaineering authors of today. This book describes 40 major crags with recommended routes to suit British tastes. 'French Rock' selects crags throughout the country, which is divided into four geographical areas: NE, SE, SW and NW. Whilst undoubtedly the greatest concentration of climbing is to be found in the sunny south, crags of quality exist in each region. With the use of this book you can plan an itinerary of crags on the way. Primarily the book serves as a guide. Firstly it locates and identifies the CRAG and its best routes. Secondly it describes something of the experience and character to be found (CRAG CHAT). On many of the crags selected it then goes further and selects one or more routes of particularly outstanding quality (SELECTED CLIMBS) - often this is regarded as the classic of the region.;A concise description (ROUTE FACTS) is then followed by comment on the climb (ROUTE CHAT).