Verdon Dreaming

Monique Forestier first visited the Verdon Gorge, France, in 2007. Gazing across at the far side of the gorge she became captivated by an extraordinary line which follows a single "tufa" line for most of the 60-metre route. It is called "Tom et je Ris" (8b+). Time and conditions didn't allow her to seriously try it that trip but it gave her plenty to dream about for the next few years. She finally returned in October 2011 and as her daughter would say, "I did it!".

• Category

  Sports

[bryant aucoin]

great video. The knee bar and splits were especially impressive, although I'm curious to know if she got out of those splits.

[onsightsimon]

Sure she did!

[Ryan Critchfield]

how the heck did they film that? I'd like to see the rig they used to get those close up back shots. Obviously they were hanging from above....but incredible climbing too!

[onsightsimon]

No special rig for those shots, I just shot it from an abseil rope and since the climb is overhanging I was able to get some nice perspectives, although wasn't ideal for keeping the camera steady. Could work quickly that way though.

[onsightsimon]

The music is "Wait for me" by Moby, it's credited at the end.

[stuartp3]

That horizontal splits stemming at the end was nuts. Well done.

[davidblankenship666]

Very inspiring!

[NinjaBenification]

Wow!

[chokey121]

I was here 02-09-12, and the Gorges Du Verdon just mesmerized me,

I hope to climb Tom et je Ris someday,

Ridiculously gorgeous clip

[roossi]

now you just need to climb down :D

[elfspicer]

Excellent video, just wish you would upload more.

[Marc Le Menestrel]

Beautiful! I remember having dreamed of this line as far as the 80s! It is very inspiring to see it climbed and shot so nicely.

[AngieSJ3]

Magic!



[Coin Lee]

imagine if you abseil down and not strong enough to climb out. X.X

[gasgas270]

Sensational. Kudos.

[rockclimbermaca]

She reminds me of Beatrix Kiddo from the Kill Bill series! Amazing climb.