# Joining a French climbing club

**Language:** French  
**CEFR Level:** B1  

> Join Lucas and Pauline as they navigate joining an outdoor climbing club, one short conversation at a time. Each lesson trains your ear until you can follow every word and answer back.

**Setting:** Lucas and Pauline meet at an annual Club Alpin Français registration evening in Paris before the start of the outdoor season. Both are signing up to join weekend trips to Fontainebleau and cliff climbing outings in the region, bonding over their shared preparation and passion for nature.

## Lessons

### 1. Asking about registration and preferences

Pauline asks Lucas if she is in the right queue for climbing registration. They discuss whether they are interested in cliff climbing or trips to Fontainebleau.

### 2. Comparing indoor and outdoor climbing

Lucas and Pauline discuss why they prefer outdoor rock climbing over indoor climbing walls, noting the atmosphere and fresh air outdoors.

### 3. Discussing sports history and injuries

Pauline asks Lucas how long he has been climbing, and Lucas explains his ten-year break and how his body handled returning to the sport.

### 4. Sharing professional advice on recovery

Pauline mentions she is a physical therapist, and Lucas asks her for tips on managing finger soreness after a tough climbing session.

### 5. Explaining background and missing outdoor activities

Pauline shares that she moved to Paris from Biarritz for work and takes up climbing to compensate for missing the ocean and surfing.

### 6. Asking about someone's outdoor profession

Lucas explains that he works outdoors all week as a bouquiniste along the Seine, selling books from green stalls near Notre-Dame.

### 7. Talking about weather and staying warm

Pauline realizes she cycles past Lucas's bookstand regularly, and she asks him how he manages to cope with the cold winter weather by the river.

### 8. Checking required documents for registration

As the queue moves, Lucas lists the paperwork needed for registration, and he reassures Pauline that her medical certificate is still valid.

### 9. Verifying medical document details

Lucas asks Pauline if her medical certificate specifies climbing, and he reassures her that the club staff are relaxed about paperwork.

### 10. Inquiring about fees and inclusions

Pauline asks about the total cost of the annual membership, and Lucas clarifies that club outings are included beyond carpooling.

### 11. Clarifying gear requirements and equipment

Lucas explains what gear the club provides for cliff climbing and reminds Pauline that bringing her own helmet is mandatory.

### 12. Scheduling weekly practice sessions

Pauline asks about training schedule options, and she finds a suitable evening session that fits around her clinic hours.

### 13. Getting trip details and departure times

Lucas gives Pauline the details for the upcoming trip to Fontainebleau, including the early morning meeting time and destination.

### 14. Suggesting climbing partnerships

Pauline proposes pairing up with Lucas as climbing partners, after which they step up to the desk as their turn arrives.