CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, France – A long-discussed project to build a dedicated indoor climbing facility in Chalon-sur-Saône is gaining significant traction, thanks to the investment and vision of local resident Pierre Gress. The potential facility promises to boost recreational opportunities in the region and cater to climbers of all skill levels.
Gress, a longtime resident of the greater Chalon area, is spearheading the initiative. He spent over two decades as an IT professional with Hydrogeotechnique, a firm specializing in hydrogeology and geotechnical engineering, before shifting his focus to sports and real estate ventures. According to information shared with info-chalon.com, Gress’s passion for sports – including rowing, athletics, and currently badminton, where he serves as treasurer – fuels his desire to contribute to the area’s leisure offerings.
The idea for the climbing facility initially stemmed from a demand for a larger space to accommodate the growing badminton community. “It started with creating a complex to accommodate badminton in a larger hall and take advantage of it to benefit climbing with walls whose height would allow them to host events and more advanced practitioners,” Gress explained to info-chalon.com. However, as discussions progressed with Jérémy Sedoni, a physical education teacher at the IUT of Chalon and head of the competition division of the Club Alpin Français of Chalon, the focus shifted towards a dedicated climbing space.
The proposed facility aims to offer a comprehensive climbing experience, featuring both high walls – ideally reaching 15 meters – and bouldering areas. This design would allow the center to host competitions and accommodate climbers ranging from beginners to elite athletes. The project’s success hinges on securing support from both the Grand Chalon and the city of Chalon, according to Gress, who believes it will integrate well with the area’s existing sports infrastructure and meet a clear local demand.
Currently, two potential locations are under consideration. One option is near the future COSEC Nord complex, adjacent to the Léo Lagrange stadium, as the gymnasium will be transferred to intercommunal management with planned renovations. The other, and reportedly more favored by climbers, is a site near Freyssinet, at the southern entrance to Chalon. This location could offer greater accessibility and visibility for the climbing center.
The project is envisioned as a public-private partnership, a model increasingly vital for modernizing sports facilities in the Chalon area. Such a collaboration would not only provide a fresh recreational resource but similarly support the development of a well-structured climbing education pathway already established in the region. The potential facility represents a significant investment in the local sports community and a commitment to expanding leisure options for residents.
Gress emphasized the importance of securing financial backing from local authorities. “The support of the Grand Chalon as well as, we hope, that of the city of Chalon, remain determining elements in this reflection to ensure that this project integrates into a beautiful local sports dynamic and responds to a real demand on the territory of the Grand Chalon,” he stated.
The development of this climbing facility comes at a time of growing interest in the sport of climbing, which will produce its full Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. This increased visibility is expected to further fuel demand for indoor climbing facilities across France and internationally. The Chalon-sur-Saône project aims to capitalize on this momentum and establish a premier climbing destination in the Saône-et-Loire department.
For those interested in following the project’s progress, updates will likely be available through local news outlets like info-chalon.com and through the Club Alpin Français of Chalon. The next steps involve finalizing the location and securing the necessary funding to move the project forward.
Laurent GUILLAUMÉ
Photo illustration – Mur de la ville de Laval – The Chalon wall would be less imposing obviously
