TransFest Fontainebleau 2026 | Bouldering & Community for All TIN* Climbers

Transfest Bleau 2026

Following its triumphant debut in 2025, TransFest makes a triumphant return to the beautiful sandstone features of Fontainebleau.

The world of outdoor climbing can often be a lonely one for those whose gender expression is outside the cisgender norm. Whilst major strides have been made in terms of trans participation in indoor climbing, those of us taking up space outdoors are often isolated or in small pockets. But what if those pockets & isolated individuals could be brought together to build something bigger? The all-trans volunteer organisers aim to do just that- creating a space where we can feel community through the medium of climbing rocks.

All abilities & experience levels are welcome! Past attendees encompass a wide range- from those completely new to outdoor climbing to seasoned outdoor creatures.

The festival is strictly non-profit and run entirely by volunteers; any & all surplus revenues will put back into the event either through additional food/entertainment or further subsidising attendees.

TICKETS

All tickets cover:

• Accomodation: dorm tickets provide a bed (complete with bedding) within a TransFest-privatised dorm room, whereas camping tickets offer a spot for a tent and/or van on the campsite attached to the hostel. Both dorm & camping tickets include access to communal areas in the hostel, including kitchen, bathroom and social facilities. Those choosing a camping ticket will have to bring their own camping equipment. Please note that there may be other guests present in the hostel over the weekend, though TransFest attendees will be the majority.
• Food: Breakfast on both Saturday as well as Sunday as well as a full cooked dinner on Saturday night, snacks and drinks. This will also include snacks and drinks on Friday night but it is advised to have your own food, as well as for lunch while we are out on Saturday and Sunday.
• Van rental: for attendees who have come by public transport we will be hiring vans to ferry people to/from crags on Saturday/Sunday.
• Climbing: Two days outdoor bouldering in Fontainebleau(indoor climbing gym entry will also be provided in the event of rain)

There are three catergories of ticket available for those of differing financial situations: REGULAR, SUPERHERO and SUBSIDISED . Those choosing a superhero ticket will be contributing towards paying for those requiring the subsidised ticket.

A small number of fully-funded stipends will hopefully be available (dependent on funding)- please contact transbleau@gmail.com directly to apply.

Climbing

Weather permitting we will be spending both Saturday & Sunday climbing! Attendees will be sorted into groups based on self-identified ability who will then be informally guided by one of our experienced volunteer mentors! They will look after you and encourage you as you explore the forest!

There will be a number of crash pads rented from the hostel as well as provided by the volunteers but more is better- those able to bring them are encouraged to do so!

If the weather conpsires against we will descend upon one of the local indoor climbing walls en masse and still spread trans joy.

Please note that mentoring does not consitute formal instruction.

Entertainment

There will be various activities in the hostel over the course of Saturday evening to keep you all entertained, as well as the chance to get to know some other wonderful trans climbers!

SCHEDULE (subject to weather related change)

Friday evening: registration at the hostel, introductions, drinks, snacks (potentially meal if budget allows)
Saturday morning: breakfast & coffee

Saturday daytime: CLIMBING!!!!!1

Saturday evening: meal, entertainment, drinks, chatting

Sunday morning: breakfast & coffee

Sunday daytime: CLIMBING!!!!!1

Sunday evening: goodbyes :-(

TRAVEL

The hostel is easily accessible by road as well as public transport. In addition to this, we will be running a shuttle van from Fontainebleau-Avon train station. For potential lift-sharing or public transport advice please email, dm or ask in the Discord once you've boked!

Please make sure to carry apropriate travel insurance which covers the practice of bouldering as this is not included within your ticket cost. For advice on this please email transbleau@gmail.com or ask us on instagram @transboulderfest

The TransFest is organised by the L'Association Internationale des Bleausardes, a French nonprofit known for organising the Women's Bouldering Festival.

The TransFest's capacity is capped at 60 people as no bigger events can take place in the Forest during the spring due to animal breeding season.

No images from the weekend will be shared without the explicit consent of the persons in the photos, and otherwise we will do our utmost to protect the privacy of those who attend.

Further questions? Contact the Team at transbleau(@)gmail.com or @transboulderfest on Instagram :-)