The Roof Pays-basque

What The Roof Pays-basque does

The Roof Pays-basque, branded as La Maison Basque de l'Escalade, is a single-site indoor bouldering operator in central Bayonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, opened January 16, 2016 by two co-founders, and operating as part of a national The Roof network that also includes locations in Brest, Poitiers, Rennes, Le Havre, Vercors, Toulouse, Albi, and Saint-Brieuc. The facility spans approximately 1,000 m² (800 m² adult, 200 m² children's zones) with walls up to 4.5 m height, over 5,000 climbing holds, 120+ active boulders refreshed weekly (10-15 new problems per week), a connected Kilter Board, a dedicated training area, three kids' climbing zones, and a Junior Jungle Wall for ages 2+.

The core product is walk-in, self-serve bouldering, augmented by a structured climbing school (annual cycle of 30 weekly sessions for ages 3+), private lessons with certified instructors, vacation camps during school holidays, children's birthday party packages, corporate team building and event services, and guided outdoor bouldering excursions. A vertically integrated F&B and retail layer - restaurant (Tue-Sat lunch), bar, coffee shop with Pays Basque roaster Azeria, specialty tea salon, and a boutique stocking Scarpa, Ocun, Petzl, EB Climbing, Myleore, and Symbioz - converts gym visits into higher dwell times and per-visit spend.

Revenue is generated across usage-based single sessions (€7-15), multi-entry carnets (5- or 10-packs without expiry), monthly no-commitment subscriptions (€40-50), annual subscriptions, course and camp fees, birthday packages (€160 base), corporate quotations, and direct F&B/retail. Marketing is largely organic: Instagram (@the_roof_euskal_herria), the company website, the Union Des Salles d'Escalade's national Faites de l'Escalade event, and word-of-mouth within the local climbing community. Operationally, the company runs with a lean team of 7 employees, supplemented by certified instructors (named: Baptiste, Cassandra, Félix for private lessons) and contracted service providers such as head chef Niels and pâtissière Lili.

Name

The Roof Pays-basque

Legal name

The Roof Pays-basque

Website

https://bayonne.theroof.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Roof Pays-basque operates a 1,000 m² indoor bouldering gym in central Bayonne, France, combining weekly refreshed bouldering problems and a Kilter Board with a climbing school, kids' zones, restaurant, bar, boutique, and corporate events to serve Bayonne families, children, adult climbers, schools, and local enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recreational Climbing Facility

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Climbing & Mountaineering Gyms/Guides (Indoor, Outdoor, Via Ferrata) (THAAAKAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata & Mountaineering (THAJABAE)

Keywords

• Indoor bouldering gym
• Climbing school courses
• Private climbing lessons
• Climbing equipment retail
• Restaurant bar venue

Headquarters

HQ city

Bayonne

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Climbing Session Fees: Pay-per-visit single sessions for non-members, priced by age/tariff category (normal, reduced, solidarity). Price range €7–€15 per session.
2. Multi-Entry Cards: Carnet (book) of 5 or 10 entries at discounted per-entry rates. No expiry date. Owner can bring guests against their carnet.
3. Monthly/Annual Subscriptions: Monthly rolling subscription (no commitment) and annual subscriptions at tiered normal/reduced/solidarity rates. Monthly: €50 normal, €45 reduced, €40 solidarity/under-12. Annual subscriptions available at reduced rates.
4. Annual Climbing School Courses: Year-long group climbing courses for children (from age 3), teens, and adults with weekly sessions (30 sessions per academic year), taught by certified instructors.
5. Private Lessons: One-on-one or small group (couple, friends) private instruction with a certified instructor, available from age 10, booked by contacting staff.
6. Vacation Climbing Camps: Multi-session (2- to 4-day) vacation camps for children and adults, including family formats, run by certified instructors during all school holiday periods.
7. Corporate Events & Team Building: Bespoke corporate packages including team building, seminars, cocktail receptions, private events, and ticket bundles at preferential rates for CE/company accounts.
8. Group Tickets for Clubs & Schools: Bulk ticket sales to climbing clubs, schools, and associations at discounted group rates.
9. Birthday Party Packages: All-inclusive party package for children aged 6+ including 1h of supervised climbing, equipment rental, party table for 1h, invitation cards, and 2 free entries for the birthday child. Optional cake and drinks.
10. Restaurant, Bar & Coffee Shop: On-site restaurant (Tue–Sat 12:00–14:30) serving locally sourced meals, plus all-day tea salon with sweet and savory pastries, and a bar with local/artisanal drinks. Catering service for private events.
11. Climbing Equipment Boutique: Retail sale of climbing shoes, textiles, outdoor gear (crash pads, ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, helmets), accessories, and locally made chalk bags. Subscribers receive 10% discount.
12. Outdoor Climbing Excursions: Organized outdoor bouldering trips (e.g., to Mont Mondarrain) led by instructors, with crash pads provided. Priced at €55 for members and €65 for non-members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Roof Pays-basque operates a 1000m² indoor bouldering gym in Bayonne offering open-access climbing sessions across multi-height walls (up to 4.5m), supplemented by a structured climbing school (ages 3+), private lessons, vacation camps, an on-site retail boutique, and a bar-restaurant serving locally sourced food and beverages. The venue also hosts corporate events, school groups, birthday parties, competitions, and an active social events calendar.

Product overview

The Roof Pays-Basque is a unified lifestyle climbing venue combining an indoor bouldering gym (salle de bloc) as its core product, augmented by a structured climbing school (école d'escalade), private coaching (cours particuliers), vacation camps (stages), a retail climbing shop (boutique), and a full bar-restaurant. The venue also operates as an events space serving children, families, schools, and corporate clients. The Kilter Board connected wall and dedicated children's areas are integrated sub-products within the facility. The offering is centered on the 1000m² bouldering gym and supplemented by hospitality, retail, and instructional services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Indoor Bouldering Gym (Salle de bloc) Indoor bouldering facility with 1000m² of climbing surfaces (800m² adults, 200m² children), walls at 2.50m, 3.50m, and 4.50m, over 5,000 holds, and approximately 120 boulder problems refreshed weekly with 10-15 new problems added each week. Open 7 days/week for walk-in access for all ages and skill levels.
• Climbing School (École d'escalade) Annual structured group climbing courses (30 sessions per academic year) for ages 3 through adult, taught by certified instructors across Baby, Children, Teen, Adult, and Perfectionnement tracks. Available with optional Full Access add-on for unlimited gym use.
• Private Lessons (Cours particuliers)

Quantifiable outcome

• 10–15 new boulders refreshed each week, keeping the gym fresh and driving repeat visits
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SymbiozminorOthersLocal artisan Hélène makes chalk bags and accessories using a sustainable, transparent, and human-centred production model. 100% Pays Basque origin. Sold at The Roof boutique.
• ScarpacoreOthersItalian climbing shoe brand (since 1956, family-owned by Parisotto family, based in Asolo valley). Scarpa products sold at The Roof boutique, including as prizes in competitions.
• OcunminorOthersCzech climbing equipment manufacturer (since 1998) producing all equipment in the Czech Republic. Products available at The Roof boutique.
• PetzlcoreTechnology or IntegrationFrench world-leading climbing and verticality equipment manufacturer (based in Crolles near Grenoble since 1913, family-owned). Supplies ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, helmets, belay gloves, and helmets for The Roof boutique and outdoor excursions.
• EB Escalade (9A Climbing)minorOthersFrench brand distributed by 9A Climbing (created 2009 by ex-elite climber Frédéric Tuscan, based in Voiron, Alps). EB Climbing products distributed via The Roof boutique.
• HaizeminorOthersAdrien Ballanger creates hiking guide books covering the western Pyrenees and beyond, from ocean to high rocky peaks. Available at The Roof boutique.
• MyleorecoreOthersFrench company producing high-purity liquid magnesium for climbing. Chosen for 100% French manufacture, extra-pure formula, clean use without dust, and optimal grip. Mandatory at The Roof from 31 July 2025. Available in 150ml, 250ml, and 1L formats. Subscriber discounts offered.
• KupelaminorOthersBasque cider house (Kupela means 'barrel' in Basque). Highlights the history of cider consumed by Basque mariners who sailed around the world. Featured on The Roof's bar menu.
• GingeurminorOthersPremium organic ginger beer made from carefully selected noble ingredients with no food additives. Available at The Roof bar.
• La Superbe BrasserieminorOthersCraft brewery producing artisanal, unpasteurised, naturally re-fermented beers. Available at The Roof bar.
• Brasserie KipettminorOthersCraft brewery based in Briscous, Pays Basque. Artisanal beers brewed and bottled locally. Available at The Roof bar.
• Cellier des DocksminorOthersIndependent wine merchant specialising in bio and natural wines from small independent winemakers, including no-sulfite options. Available at The Roof cave/bar.
• AkerbeltzminorOthersBasque craft brewery producing Blonde, Blanche, Ambrée, Brune, Triple, Noire, Spring and Christmas beers. Available at The Roof bar.
• AzeriacoreOthersSpeciality coffee roaster based in Anglet, Pays Basque. Sources beans scoring above 80/100 from Brazil and Guatemala via small-producer supply chains. Roasted and packaged to order. Used in The Roof coffee shop and barista drinks.
• Grain de Soleil et Petit GrainminorOthersBio and ethical grocery stores in the Pays Basque area offering bulk products, run by a passionate, smiling team. Supplies The Roof restaurant.
• Farmily & CocoreOthersDirect-from-producer store near The Roof, sourcing from South Landes, Saint-Jean-de-Luz port, Soule, and Labourd villages. Products include fruit & veg, butcher, fishmonger, dairy, and groceries. No intermediaries. Supplies The Roof restaurant.
• Ferme des AcaciascoreOthersPig farm in URT, Pays Basque, operating for 30 years. Animals raised on-farm and fed with local cereals. Processed and packaged on-site using family recipes with no preservatives or colourings. Supplies The Roof restaurant.
• La Ferme GaraycoreOthersFamily farm in Oregue, Pays Basque, raising outdoor pigs and cattle with local cereals (guaranteed non-GMO). Fully local production and processing. Supplies The Roof restaurant.
• AlbadiaminorOthersFarm committed to preserving local know-how, operating in short supply chains throughout the Pays Basque with animal welfare and territory-respecting methods.
• Ferme Cunicole d'ArcanguesminorOthersFamily farm in Arcangues (since 1991) raising rabbits, chickens, and free-range laying hens. Supplies The Roof restaurant.
• Arcadie Viandes (Lur Berri / Bigard Group)minorOthersJoint structure between Lur Berri cooperative and Bigard Group, specialised in slaughtering, cutting, processing, and marketing quality-certified beef, sheep, and pork from local cooperative members.
• Lo MolièrminorOthersOrganic flour producer in Saint-Pé-de-Léren. Operating a historic mill dating to the 12th century. Encourages ultra-local organic production by working with local Bio farmers in the department.
• Turbulente KombuchaminorOthersProduces living kombucha drinks from natural fermentations of teas, dried flowers, or aromatic herbs. Brewed fresh weekly with subtle, acidic, sparkling notes. Available at The Roof bar.
• OlatuminorOthersCBD-infused relaxation drinks made from plant infusions with subtle hints of CBD for stress and anxiety relief. Available at The Roof bar.
• Compagnie Anglaise des ThésminorOthersTea merchant offering 250+ varieties of pure, flavoured, flower, and fruit teas. Operating since 1823, sourcing from the world's best gardens. Supplies The Roof tea salon.
• Centre de BrassothérapieminorOthersBeer importer and distributor since 2004, based in Tyrosse, now operating nationally with a selection of world-class beers. Available at The Roof bar.
• Yakadansé BB (DJ collective)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBayonne-based DJ collective playing cumbia, hip-hop, and funky music. Performs at The Roof's Bamboche and other evening events.
• Nana Makeup Pro (Makeup artist)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional makeup and drag artist. Featured at The Roof events (Bamboche, 10-year anniversary) providing professional makeup services to attendees.
• Otaam (DJ / Beatmaker)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBayonne-based DJ/beatmaker performing opening sets at The Roof events.
• Lee Scratch Pourri (DJ)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerDJ invited by Yakadansé BB collective to perform at The Roof's Bamboche evening event.
• Local tattoo artists (regional)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerA team of three local tattoo artists with diverse styles invited to The Roof's Bamboche event to provide tattoo flash designs to attendees.
• Union Des Salles d'EscaladecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational federation of indoor climbing halls in France. The Roof participates in national events like Faites de l'Escalade, and aligns with the federation's standards and initiatives including the transition to liquid magnesia.
• The Roof Network (Brest, Poitiers, Rennes, Le Havre, Vercors, Toulouse, Albi, Saint-Brieuc)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Roof is part of a national network of climbing halls. The shared brand, systems, and community cross-promotion benefit all locations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Pure Climbing: Smaller-scale French indoor climbing-gym operator. Comparable in single-site focus and integrated hospitality, though typically outside Pays Basque — a useful benchmark for unit-level economics of independent climbing gyms.

Broad incumbents

• Decathlon: While primarily a retailer, Decathlon is both a corporate customer of The Roof (team building) and a broad incumbent in French sports/active-lifestyle, including climbing equipment and increasingly climbing venues. Relevant for benchmarking commercial relationships and ecosystem positioning.

Direct peers

• Block'Out: French bouldering gym chain with locations across major French cities. Offers bouldering walls, training areas, and on-site bar/restaurant — directly analogous to The Roof's integrated lifestyle-climbing model.
• Vertical'Art: French indoor climbing-gym chain combining bouldering, training zones, and lounge/restaurant areas. Closely comparable in integrated sport-and-hospitality positioning and target customer profile.
• Arkose: Largest French indoor climbing-gym chain with multiple urban locations. Directly comparable business model (bouldering + restaurant + coworking + fitness) serving the same French consumer base, though at materially larger scale than The Roof Pays-basque.
• The Roof Brest: Sister location within The Roof network. Operates the same bouldering-gym-plus-hospitality model under shared brand systems, providing the most direct operational and brand benchmark for The Roof Pays-basque.
• The Roof Rennes: Another network location in Rennes operating the identical multi-activity climbing-house format. Useful benchmark for unit economics, programming cadence, and customer engagement patterns.
• Climb Up: Major French indoor climbing-gym chain offering bouldering and rope climbing with multiple sites. Operates the same core product (indoor climbing walls with accompanying hospitality) targeting similar urban and suburban French markets.

Emerging players

• Hapik: French climbing concept focused on kids and family climbing activities. Partial overlap with The Roof's children/family positioning, though Hapik specializes in the under-12 segment rather than full-service adult climbing.
• Salaün Evasion / Réseau Sport & Aventure: Regional sports and adventure-activity networks in France. Comparable in delivering organized recreational experiences to local communities, though broader in activity mix (kayaking, hiking) than The Roof's climbing specialization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/the_roof_euskal_herria
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-roof-pays-basque

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Roof Pays-basque