In an 850 m2 building dedicated to the pleasure of climbing, the one and only bouldering room in Haute-Loire has been set up. It is located at 590 rue Farnier, in the Corsac business park, in Brives-Charensac. Jean-François Isnard and his son, Romain, the two owners of the room called Techno Bloc, have seen things on a grand scale to attract a wide audience, in a space designed to be a place of relaxation.
"The surface area of the walls dedicated to climbing extends over 400m2. This makes it one of the largest structures in the region."
What made you want to open this room?
Romain Isnard: In fact, I resumed climbing in 2023 when I was living in Corsica, and I discovered what is called bouldering which is practiced indoors and without ropes. I wanted to continue this activity by returning to Puy-en-Velay, but I realized that it was only possible in Saint-Étienne. That's where the idea was born, with my father, to build this structure here. We realized that there was a real demand in Puy-en-Velay.
What are its specific features?
Romain Isnard: The room was set up in a building of 850 m2. The surface of the walls dedicated to climbing extends over 400m2. They are just made of blocks. This makes it one of the largest structures in the region. We are 4m50 high, and a linear of 80m. There is a space that looks like a cave, it is a block with a particular inclination. There is also a module placed in the middle of the room, in order to maximize the climbing space. We have new generation mats at the level of the reception surfaces. They were provided to us by the company EP Climbing which worked for the Olympic Games. We are the only room in the world to use them. These are multi-density mats, which completely absorb falls. Here, we do not use ropes and harnesses. It is much more fun than rock climbing.
Who is it for?
Romain Isnard: From the youngest from 4 years old, to the oldest people able to practice this activity. There is no real age limit. The room is open to initiates, but not only. We thought of the companions, who are not necessarily attracted by climbing, but who want to meet in a friendly space.
Is it also a place of conviviality?
Romain Isnard: Yes, it is a place of life dedicated to young people or the less young. The room is open to initiates, but also to people who are looking for a fun activity in Puy-en-Velay. We offer very extended time slots. You can get here every day of the week from 7am to 23pm., including public holidays. This allows people to come whenever they want. There is a bar and restaurant area, a relaxation area with a pool table, table football, and board games.
Is climbing on the rise in recent years?
Romain Isnard: Of course! It's impressive to see so many people in the halls over the last few years, and since the Olympic Games. We'll see how all this evolves over time. We hope it's not just a fad.
