Alex Honnold Takes On Bleau’s Black Circuit | Part 1/2
"Alex Honnold Takes On Bleau’s Black Circuit | Part 1/2" is a rock climbing video (33 minutes) published by Montagne en Scène on September 3, 2026 with 144K views. Available to watch free on CouchClimbs.
Alex Honnold trades big walls for sandstone boulders as he takes on the legendary Black Circuit at L'Éléphant in Fontainebleau, France. Established in 1972 and featuring around 40 problems ranging from V2 to V6, the circuit is beloved for its many committing highballs — tall boulders where a fall carries real consequence. Joined by local climbers, Honnold works through the full circuit in the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that defines the spirit of Bleau. What makes this film so compelling is the contrast: one of climbing's most celebrated free soloists embracing the quiet, communal culture of a forest bouldering circuit far removed from the vertical world he's known for. The highball problems demand the same mental presence that has defined Honnold's career, and watching him engage with locals and navigate each problem with genuine curiosity is a refreshing reminder that great climbing is great climbing at any grade.
Montagne en Scène · 33:36
🎬 New Edition of Mountains on stage film festival until November 12 - https://www.mountainsonstage.com/ Last winter, while Alex was spending a few weeks in Fontainebleau with his family, he was invited to try one of the forest’s most iconic circuits: the Black Circuit at L’Éléphant composed of 4O boulders 🪨 Known for its many highballs—particularly tall boulders where commitment matters just as much as difficulty—the Black Circuit was established in 1972 and features around 40 problems, ranging from V2 to V6. Joined by local climbers, Alex took on the circuit in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that captures the true spirit of Bleau. Watch Alex take on Elephant’s most beautiful V9 in our next video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPZZplTy91o 0:00 Intro 1:59 Start here (n°3–n°11) 10:10 Aigle déployé highball (n°12) 13:33 Smooth sailing (n°13–n°30) 21:07 Honnold in trouble (n°31) 24:22 Back at it (n°32–n°39) 29:00 Highball n°40 & circuit complete
Categories: Alex Honnold, Fontainebleau, France, Bouldering, V5, V6