Seb Bouin Claims First Ascent in Verdon Gorge
Seb Bouin steps up for the first ascent of A Muerte Bilou (9a/5.14d) in France's Verdon Gorge.
Become a member to unlock this story and receive other great perks.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
All-Access
Intro Offer
$3.99 / month*
- A $500 value with 25+ benefits including:
- Access to all member-only content on all 17 publications in the Outside network like Rock and Ice, Climbing, Outside, Backpacker, Trail Runner and more
- Annual subscription to Climbing magazine.
- Annual gear guides for climbing, camping, skiing, cycling, and more
- Gaia GPS Premium with hundreds of maps and global trail recommendations, a $39.99 value
- Outside Learn, our new online education hub loaded with more than 2,000 videos across 450 lessons including 6 Weeks to Stronger Fingers and Strength Training for Injury Prevention
- Premium access to Outside TV and 1,000+ hours of exclusive shows
- Annual subscription to Outside magazine
*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
France’s Seb Bouin has taken the transnational send train from Norway to the Verdon Gorge for a first ascent of A Muerte Bilou. Bouin proposes 9a (5.14d).
A Muerte Bilou ascends 150 feet of 60-degree overhanging limestone through the steepest section of Verdon’s Ramirole cave. Antonin Rhodes, who bolted the route, is responsible for opening many of the cave’s hardest lines. According to 8a.nu, Ramirole hosts at least eight routes clocking in at 8b+/5.14a and harder.
Bouin just returned from a trip to Norway, where he had his sights set on Flatanger Cave’s Thor’s Hammer (9a+/5.15a). Projecting the route before Alex Megos and Jakob Schubert, Bouin had to leave before he was able to redpoint Adam Ondra’s opus.
This first ascent marks another accolade for Bouin to chalk up on his summer list. Just six weeks ago, Bouin secured the first ascent of Kmira (9a+/5.15a) at Pic St. Loup, France. Bouin also became the second Frenchman to climb 9b/5.15b with an ascent of Spain’s Chilam Bilam in May.
Watch Seb Bouin project A Muerte Bilou:
A muerte Bilou Teaser from melnacnac on Vimeo.
