Rochers du Paradou (Yvoir)

Outdoor natural | Lead climbing (sport)

Rochers dy Paradou is also known as Yvoir. The popular area is easy to access, parking can be tricky on busy days. Highlights of this area are the abseil that can be done on the back of the Láiguille. This abseil is mostly free of rock.
There are about 130 routes available. As many areas in Belgium there trains are passing regularly.

L'Aiguille
This sector is located on the most visible face of the area. The face is not vertical and due to that a bit more easy to climb most routes. And there is a relay halfway. Ideal to practice multipitch routes. On top of the 50meter face a chain is found to use for the abseil on the back of the rock. A single rope is just long enough to reach the small pathway back down. If you have 2 ropes this is much easier because that path can be very slippery. There are about 20 routes ranging from 3 to 5c.
Easy to find, Through the tunnel left, the first routes you will see is where you need to be.
La Dalle Impériale
Directly next to the Láiguille you find La dalle Imperiale, formerly known as La Grande Dalle. This sector is mostly slabclimbing with enough friction to get up. There are more then 20 routes ranging form 4a up to 7a+. There are some multipitch routes, but most of the routes can be climbed with a 55 meter rope. Nice fact, the public toilet can also be found here.
L'école
Again, follow the path from La dalle Imperiale and you will find L’ecole. The name says it all, perfect wall to start climbing if your not that sure after a long brake. Many dutchies did there first outdoor climbing steps here. Routes range from very easy to easy 😉
Le Lierre
For this sector follow the path and go right after L’ecole. That path is going up hill, Le Lierre is the first massive. Formerly covered in Ivy. 20+ routes ranging from 4a to 5c+. The rock here is different compared to the other sectors with a lots of underhanded grips, feet on friction and small grips.
La deuxieme Niveau
Formerly called Dalles Supèrieures is the highest sector of this area. It is obliges to rappel down everywhere! Besides walking up about 10 minutes you can also first do a route from La Dalle Imperiale. If you climb out those routes you are almost on the second level.
Le petit lierre
If you follow the path from L’ecole to the left this sector is located on the left hand between the path and the train. Only six routes are located here ranging from a comfortable 4a up to an exiting 7b. This wall is only about 12 meters high. The rock is similar to Le Lierre.
Le tunnel
If you walk the path further this sector is also on the left between the path and the train. It sector is the nearest to the train tunnel. It is also located in the shade most of the year. So not a good spot for climbing after rain. About 8 routes from 4 to 6a.
La Dalle Rose
Where le Tunnel is on the left of the path, La dalle Rose is on the right. This area is obliged to rappel down. About 15 routes, mainly 5 and 6, but on the right also some easier routes.
Le jardin alpin
This small face has 7 Alpinism routes. Many have made their first alpine steps here. Not for sport climbing. This area is hard to reach. From the tunnel it is almost straight ahead, and a little bit to the left. You need to climb to reach it.
La grotte (closed)
The latest information (4 november 2019) is that the sector 'La grotte' has been closed due to loose rock. The start of the routes in that area have been disabled. Please check the information board at the entrance of the climbing area to get the latest information. It is for your own safety. Source article.

Permits
Most of the climbing areas in Belgium are on private property or in nature reserves. For many of these climbing areas you have to be a member of a climbing association or be invited by a member.
Non-Belgian climbers must be a member of a climbing association that has agreements with the Belgian associations. Please ask your local climbing association. As a Dutchy and member of the NKBV you must have a 'klimjaarkaart' that can be purchased through the NKBV.

More information