Today I wanted to tell you about a special place I discovered in 2018, re-tested twice in 2021, and that I really enjoyed: Arkose Nation. This bouldering gym opened its doors in early 2017 near Nation, and it is actually a brand that already has several boulder parks in Montreuil, Lyon, Massy, and Bordeaux. Covering a surface area of 1,000 m² with over 200 boulders and an eco-friendly dining area that we tested with my favorite photographer, Arkose Nation offers a unique concept combining sports activities and a living space, all with a very urban spirit.
The place is pleasant and bright with its huge glass roof and its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The main appeal of Arkose is obviously linked to its bouldering walls, which are bustling with people on weekends and frequented by enthusiasts of the discipline as well as novices. The establishment also offers art exhibitions, and since I know one of the artists (a proud moment), Théo Lopez, I couldn’t help but include a little photo of one of his works below…
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The bouldering section at Arkose Nation
The bouldering section is accessible for all levels, and you choose your route based on colors that define the difficulty levels: from easy routes to extremely difficult ones (6 levels in total + a children’s route). You can rent climbing shoes on-site (it’s always very strange the first time because these shoes are always smaller than your normal size to support the foot well when climbing), and there are also changing rooms.
Once you’re geared up, head to the boulder park to find a wall to tackle and try to finish it while following the rules (which will be explained to you by the staff if it’s your first time). The really great thing about this discipline is that people help and advise each other, even if they don’t know each other at all. And if you’re struggling on a route, someone more experienced will surely come over to give you some tips to overcome the challenge. In any case, I have to say we really got into the game with my favorite photographer and had a great time (though I won’t even mention the arm soreness we had the day after the session…).
Arkose Nation climbing rates
Memberships: €50 per month or €550 per year (€31 per month or €350 per year during happy hour)
Single session: €17 or a pack of 10 sessions for €135
The tip: HAPPY HOUR rates before 4 PM or after 9:30 PM on weekdays / from 6:30 PM on weekends and public holidays!Bonus: you can also take yoga classes on-site, although the venue isn’t perfectly adapted to this practice (I felt a bit cold while practicing in the room because the heating wasn’t very strong)
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The Arkose Nation shop
The space also features a nice shop where you can find all the necessary equipment for climbing, as well as a selection of local products, including the famous Oskare craft beers that you can also find at the Canteen I’m telling you about just below.
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The Arkose Nation Canteen
On the food side, the restaurant space located in the heart of the venue offers local, seasonal, and/or organic products that align well with the values of the place: eco-responsibility, friendliness, and proximity. Furthermore, Arkose Canteen is the 1st network of establishments with the Ecotable label in France. Indeed, Arkose Canteen eco-responsible restaurants earned 27 Ecotable badges in 2023 after an environmental audit. This label is the most demanding in terms of eco-responsible catering (organic/anti-waste/local/sustainable & responsible).
Must-try:
- For a starter, the smoked eggplant hummus with Greek yogurt and paprika (€6).
- The original burger with organic Aquitaine beef, farmhouse Tome de Savoie cheese, pickles, and red onion chutney (€14).
- A daily special, such as a tartiflette with smoked scamorza, brie, and Espelette pepper (€12), or during another visit, vegetable curry penne with butternut, eggplant, and zucchini (€12).
- Desserts: a chestnut roll, speculoos, and coconut sauce (€5.50)—not very light, however, so don’t eat it before a climbing session… Another healthier dessert: the deconstructed key lime pie with homemade lemon curd, Breton shortbread, and homemade meringue (€5.50).
- For drinks, Arkose offers a very nice selection of Oskare (anagram of Arkose) craft beers brewed locally (between €4.50 and €6) that I highly recommend you discover.
Arkose Nation Restaurant
Price: Dishes between €12 and €16
The tip: lunch deals (except weekends) with starter + main or main + dessert for €15.50 / starter + main + dessert for €19 / children’s menu for €10
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The summer terrace of the Arkose Nation Canteen
During the summer period, a small terrace is set up in front of the establishment, and I told you about it in my selection of Parisian terraces for summer 2021 if you want to know more!
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Thanks to Arkose Nation for these lovely invitations.
Arkose
35 rue des Grands Champs, 75020 Paris
Open weekdays from 8 AM to midnight, and weekends and public holidays from 9 AM to midnight
Restaurant hours from 12 PM to 2:45 PM and 7 PM to 10:45 PM
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ All my restaurant reviews in Paris
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ All my restaurant reviews in Paris
MAP OF MY FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS IN PARIS AND THE ILE-DE-FRANCE REGION
Restaurant 
Bar 
Bakery / Pastry Shop 
Tea Room / Coffee Shop
Brunch 
Ice Cream Shop
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos are not royalty-free, photographer authorization required before any use
