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tiagoblue
Jul 5, 2011, 2:43 PM
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I may have a chance to spend six months in either London or Strasbourg, France (for work). In terms of climbing options, which would be better? If you could choose between the two locations, what would you do? Does anyone know what the climbing culture is like in Strasbourg? (I speak French reasonably well, so that's not an issue.) What about in London?
Any advice would be much appreciated!
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sungam
Jul 5, 2011, 3:16 PM
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NOT LONDON.
That is awl.
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mc
Jul 5, 2011, 6:10 PM
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Lots of Climbing near Strasbourg. Elsass/Süd Pfalz, Battert in the Schwarzwald, Alps only a couple of hours.
(This post was edited by mc on Jul 5, 2011, 6:12 PM)
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shimanilami
Jul 5, 2011, 6:28 PM
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I'm doing business in Strasbourg and have been there a couple of times over the last few months. They've got a little climbing shop with some enthusiastic employees, but I wouldn't say there's much of a "climbing culture" as far as I can see. There's a gym I haven't made it out to. Perhaps I just haven't plugged into the right crowd.
I can say that it is a beautiful city and I love visiting. The fact that it's close to the Alps is a plus.
If you choose Strasbourg, let me know. I'll be going back every month or two for the next year. If we could line up some climbing, I'd be stoked.
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mc
Jul 5, 2011, 7:09 PM
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No not much Climbing Culture in Straßburg but lots of climbing around. A lot of the climbing in the area is in Germany. Battert by Baden Baden is popular lots of easy routes but harder too, Bolted but not really sport by American Standards. Nice setting, Crowded on Weekends. Lots of good Sandstone in the Elsass / Süd Pfalz. Never climbed on the French (Elsass) side but have heard that they are a bit more liberal with the bolts then the Germans. Very Traditional climbing area in the Süd Pfalz by Dahn. Bouldering, Trad, some sport.
I live about 1 / 1.5 hours from Straßburg near Karlsruhe.
Would be fun to live in London for a few months though, but not for climbing:-)
(This post was edited by mc on Jul 5, 2011, 7:10 PM)
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shimanilami
Jul 5, 2011, 7:22 PM
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"...not much climbing culture..." is the feeling I get, as well. Nonetheless, by comparison, Strasbourg is much closer to much better climbing with much better weather. If the OP has six months and a car, I'd think he could hit up some great stuff.
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bergbryce
Jul 6, 2011, 1:37 AM
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Sure the hell not London.
I lived about an hour away from Strausburg for a year or so and cut my teeth in the Sud Pfalz. Absolutely beautiful countryside with fun sandstone tower climbing. There are plenty of climbers around, apparently they don't hang around in dense enough numbers to make that city have a stronger "climbing cutlture"( wtf?) And you are probably only 3 hours from the Interlaken area in Switzerland which is the tip of the iceberg for Alps stuff.
In London there are a couple urine soaked, graffiti covered blocks within 2 hours. I had a job offer in London after the Germany thing and after checking out the (lack) of anything climbable around there, bailed on it quick.
Strausburg is rad, I'd go for it.
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tiagoblue
Jul 6, 2011, 2:02 AM
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Thanks to all who responded -- sounds like I should start angling for Strasbourg.
Shimanilami, if I do end up heading that way I'll be sure to get in touch. (I'm a girl, by the way -- assuming that's not an issue for you!)
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shimanilami
Jul 6, 2011, 2:28 PM
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No issue for me. And as long as we don't have sex, my wife won't have an issue with it either.
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satch
Jul 7, 2011, 1:02 PM
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Agree with the recommendations for Strasbourg. It's a beautiful city and close enough to good climbing. Especially Chamonix. See my trip report on it if you want to know more.
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