For the pleasure of climbers

In an unusual and little-known location, we met with Pascale Lanfranchiclimbing enthusiast, who talks to us about Coolers.

Meet Pascale Lanfranchi

Oise is home to a hidden treasure only known to climbing enthusiasts and nature lovers. This magnificent site, as majestic as it is mysterious, offers climbers a unique experience, combining the department's fascinating geological history with the exhilarating challenges of rock climbing. Whether you're an intrepid sportsman or simply a lover of surprising landscapes, set off to discover this veritable little vertical paradise with Pascale Lanfranchi, President of the Oise French Mountain and Climbing Federation

Les Glachoirs de Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello

A history stretching back thousands of years

The spectacular rock formations of the Coolers have been carved more than 20,000 years ago by the movements of the glaciers during the last ice age, but the stone dates from the Lutetian period, meaning it is 45 million years old! The huge blocks of stone that make up the Glachoirs now stand like sentinels frozen in time, a reminder of the incredible power of nature.

Over the centuries, the Glachoirs have been used in a variety of ways by the region's inhabitants. In the past, they were used as quarries to extract the ashlar needed to build churches and local buildings and, like most of the quarries in the Oise region, contributed to the reconstruction of the 19th century. Haussmannian Paris to 19^th century. The remains of these mining activities can still be seen today in the form of caverns, but above all the immense, perfectly smooth walls that offer climbers unrivalled challenges.

A quarry turned climbing site

Unlike other bouldering sites such as Fontainebleau, Les Glachoirs is not a natural climbing area. The area was not developed for climbing until 1985.This was done by drilling holes in the stone to create outlets and gradually creating new paths. Today, the site boasts a twenty or so blocks with sometimes evocative names, such as "Le mur aux fissures" or "Le menhir" and almost 300 laneseach with its own name.

In 1989, the site was officially recognised and classified as a "Natural Climbing Site".guaranteeing its preservation and accessibility for future generations. " An agreement was signed in 2019 between the private owner and the French Mountain and Climbing Federation.says Pascale Lanfranchi. As the Comité Territorial, we are responsible for the equipment, maintenance and monitoring of the site. ". Les Glachoirs is therefore a private site with public access, where climbers can practice their hobby in complete freedom.

With their steep walls, the Glachoirs of Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello have become, over time an unmissable playground for climbing enthusiasts. Climbers from the Oise, Île-de-France and elsewhere flock to this site to challenge their skills and experience the adrenalin of climbing boulders of all sizes, from three to fifteen metres high. The site offers a a wide range of difficulty levels, from 3a to 8b+.Climbing is a complex discipline that requires flexibility, a certain amount of physical strength and a mind of steel, because every move has to be precisely calculated. Climbing is a complex discipline that requires flexibility, a certain amount of physical strength and a mind of steel, because every move has to be precisely calculated.

Enthusiasts of all ages come together at weekends and every hour of the day of the day, as the site is not fenced. Quarry climbing requires the same equipment as cliff climbing: a helmet, good boots, a set of quickdraws and karabiners and, of course, a rope. Climbers are attracted by the quality of the limestone and the diversity of the routes, ranging from short, technical routes to long, demanding climbs. As on most climbing sites, the two disciplines practised are "bouldering" (solo climbing at low heights) and "difficulty" (climbing in pairs with a partner on the ground to ensure the climb).

A spectacular panorama

Climbing at Saint-Vaast-lès-Mello is much more than just a sport. It is a immersive experience in an incredibly exotic landscape. You can expect spectacular panoramic views over the Brêche valley and the green fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Climbers often find themselves climbing above lush vegetation, in the shade of the majestic trees that populate the surrounding area. The feel of the rock under your fingers, the breeze and birdsong add a sensory dimension to this vertical adventure.

A protected natural site

Respect for the environment is of paramount importance to the climbers who visit this site. Local associations such as Saint-Vaast NatureIn addition to this, the local authorities are committed to preserving the area's natural beauty, and climbers are encouraged to follow sustainable practices to minimise their impact on the local flora and fauna.

The Glachoirs are home to some remarkable flora and faunaperfectly adapted to this rocky, wooded environment. Among the emblematic species are the kestrelsThese majestic birds of prey fly over the site with impressive grace. These majestic birds of prey fly over the site with impressive grace, capturing the attention of climbers in search of a dizzying ascent. There is also the wall lizardvery common in the quarry, and the praying mantisfor the most meticulous of observers.

On the ground, attentive walkers will be able to observe numerous species of wild orchid (of which there are around ten, including the pyramidal orchis and the purple orchis), primroses and even rare species such as the mountain arnica. The diversity of plants that thrive in this area contrasts magnificently with the rock formations that surround them, creating a unique natural balance.

But the most astonishing is undoubtedly the Scots pine colonyThis gives the landscape an air of the Vercors mountains, even though they are so far from the Oise!

Whether you're a seasoned climber looking for a challenge, a beginner wanting to discover this discipline or a curious walker looking for original walks, the Glachoirs invite you to take to the heights and immerse yourself in these unforgettable landscapes.

Emmanuel Latouche – The Editor

Climb the Glachoirs!