The Guides


Here are some of the English speaking rock climbing Guides that work with ClimbProvence:

Guillaume Vales

Florian Clarte
Olivier Michau

 

 

Born in 1969, Guillaume Vales is an experienced climber who has climbed all over the world. North Africa, Jordan, Greece, Madagascar, Cuba, Thailand, South America, and of course Italy, Spain and France are amongst his favorite destinations.

 

Previously a sales executive in an international company, the discovery of the art of climbing in the Calanques of Marseille in 1996 changed his life and helped him to make the decisive move from the office "open spaces" to real wild open spaces.

 

Now Guillaume is a State certified climbing guide, regularly leading up to 7C and living in a small house just 20 minutes walk from the crags. His job (and passion!) is to share his enjoyment of climbing and of beautiful natural spaces with others.

 

His job takes him to the Calanques of Marseille, the other legendary crags of Provence and classic multipitch destinations all over the world (for example Wadi-Rum, Taghia, Tsaranoro, Yosemite…) 




 

Florian Clarte has been climbing since a young age. It was the Calanques that decided his profession for him; climbing.

 

Later, during a trip to the Reunion Islands, he was introduced to canyoning in the canyons which some consider to be the best in the world.

 

Florian decided to take his "Brevet d'Etat" and became a climbing and canyoning guide; a job that allows him to both live and share his passion.

 

Today his time is spread between climbing, canyoning and travelling to some of the best climbing spots in the world.









 

 

 
Olivier has a passion for climbing and canyoning. He values his time outdoors whether he is pushing his personal climbing limit or taking a beginner climbing for the first time.

Climbing has been Olivier's method of seeing the world; he has travelled extensively to visit some of the worlds best climbing destinations.
 
When not climbing, Olivier enjoys sailing; another fantastic way to enjoy the magnificent Calanques!

Qualifications

 

All our guides are certified with a specialist rock climbing qualification known as a "Brevet d'Etat Escalade". The Brevet is a tough qualification; before being accepted on the course candidates must be able to climb three 7a routes in 24 minutes under competition conditions!

 

Guides certified with a Brevet d'Etat are specialised in pure rock climbing guiding and coaching.

About Us


ClimbProvence is an association of rock climbing Guides based in Marseille. Our office window overlooks the Calanques and the closest crag is just 5 minutes away!

 

Climbing is our passion; sport, trad and bouldering.

 

Whether on your first foreign climbing trip, clipping the top-chains on a sought after classic line or topping out on your first lead we understand the needs of a climber.

 

Our Aim

 

Our aim is simple; to enable you to realise the potential of your climbing trip to Southern France.

 

Committed to the local environment

 

ClimbProvence supports the Environmental Charter of the Society of the Guides of Provence.

 

 

"It was great to put the skills I had learnt indoors into action in such

a beautiful environment!"


M Bamber, Bristol, UK