1950 – Cuvier Est – Fontainebleau – by Paul Jouy – 6c/V5
What Is Le Carré d’As?
Le Carré d’As is a classic boulder problem located in the Cuvier Est area of the Fontainebleau bouldering forest. It was first climbed by Paul Jouy. It forms part of the Black circuit (Circuit Noir), which comprises some of the most challenging tests in the forest.
- Grade: 6c+ (traditionally listed also as 6C / Black 30).
- Location: Fontainebleau – Cuvier Est
- Circuit: Numbered Black 30 on the Black climbing circuit.
The name literally translates from French as “The Square of Aces,” suggesting both its position in the sequence of climbs and its status as a memorable challenge for Fontainebleau boulderers.
Historical Significance
Le Carré d’As was first 6c boulder climbed by Paul Jouy in 1950, making it one of the early benchmark problems at this grade in Fontainebleau’s development as a climbing destination.
Why Le Carré d’As Matters to Bouldering
Technical and Tactical Challenge
As a 6c+ problem on the Black circuit, Le Carré d’As demands technical precision, body tension, and well‑developed footwork. Many climbers find this grade deceptively tricky on Fontainebleau’s sandstone, where balance and footword is more important than raw strength.
Part of a Legendary Circuit
Black circuits in Fontainebleau represent some of the hardest linked routes in the forest, and Le Carré d’As marks the culminating problem on its section of the Black 30 route. Climbers aiming to complete Black circuits often set specific goals to send this line.
:e Carre d’as is located at Fontainebleau — The Cradle of Bouldering
Fontainebleau, commonly referred to as Bleau or Font by climbers, is the world’s most iconic and historic bouldering destination. Located in the Forêt de Fontainebleau south of Paris, this sandstone forest has hosted climbing activities since the late 19th century and is where the characteristic Fontainebleau grading system was developed.
Sources
Wikipedia
27 Crags
bleau.info
https://ukbouldering.fandom.com/wiki/World_Bouldering_First_At_Each_Grade