matt_

as of a week ago the road had more potholes than I remembered but was otherwise cruisy 2wd.

yes, both are outdoor stores. Decathlon is a big generic sports equipment chain. Au Vieux Campeur is more specialized for climbing/skiing and other outdoor sports. It is a bit complicated to find the right store because each department has a separate entrance. http://www.au-vieux-campeur.fr/gp/html/adresses/PARIS.asp?magasin=6

there are probably 50 or more sites scattered in the forest, some accessible by train, others need a bike or car. the most accesible by train include: Rocher Canon (train to Bois le Roi then 25 min walk) Bas Cuvier (train to Bois le Roi then 1h walk) Saint Germain, Mont Ussy, Mont Aigu (train to Fontainebleau-Avon then 30-60 min walk). The train is usually marked GARE DE MONTEREAU and leaves from Gare de Lyon. It will stop at Melun, Bois le Roi and Fontainebleau-Avon. On week-ends some trains also stop in the middle of the forest. It goes every hour or so, and is about 35-40 minutes.You can also take a bike on the train, then more sites are accessible. It costs €7.50 each way or €60 for 10 tickets otherwise by car it is about 1h drive from paris and then you can easily get to all the sites. Make sure you exit the A6 just before the first toll station. there is a small IGN map of the forest available from Le Vieux Campeur or Decathlon (about 5€) which is very useful if you want to spend your time bouldering instead of orienteering. If you have a car, I'd recommend something in the area Trois Pignons or Gorges du Franchard. otherwise probably Rocher Canon or Bas Cuvier. specific circuits depend on what level you want.