Boulder problems

The first 7C in the forest.

L’Abbé Résina is said to be the original name, however it appears in Jacky Godoffe's 1993 guide as just La Bérézina. A typical Bleausard word-play, La Bérézina in French is a synonym for complete disaster or catastrophic failure, referring to the disastrous retreat of Napoleon’s army from Russia, where huge losses occurred crossing the river Berezina – a name which continues the theme of the neighbouring Le Carnage (7B+). L’Abbé Résina meanwhile, translates roughly as 'The Abbot of Resin', no doubt referring to the 'pof' pine resin product widely used at the time to improve stickiness on Fontainebleau's slopey holds.

The steep prow on Le Bloc aux Mille Visages was for many years a last great problem, before Marc Le Menestrel succeeded in 1999.

A right hand finish had previously been climbed by Philippe Le Denmat c.1998, rocking onto the slab at 8A.

In 2002, a key right hand hold broke, bumping the climb up to 8A+. (1)

References

[1] https://fontainebleaupassion.blogspot.com/2014/04/la-merveille-un-bloc-culte.html

Chironico

L'Autre Toit roof linkup at Cul de Chien.