If you catch the rock climbing bug, you’ll soon be looking for places to climb all over the world. Taking a climbing vacation to Europe should be on your list. In fact, you should take a LONG vacation!

When you think of Europe, you probably think of things like bull fights in Spain, fine wine in France, historical sites in Rome, a good soccer brawl in the UK and so on. Rock climbing probably doesn’t come to mind immediately, but it should. There are some great spots.

France is an epic climbing destination. Paris dominates the country, but you have to major mountain ranges in the Pyrenees and Alps. Petit Dru near Vingrau in the south is legendary although it can be HOT. The cliff face at Buoux in the west is well thought of. Personally, the Verdon Gorge above Lake St. Croix is the most picturesque and offers a lot of different climbs at different levels of difficulty. Frankly, you can find good climbs all long the borders in the south of France and be plenty challenged.

If you would like to be able to speak to the surgeon in English should you happen to have an accident, the UK is the place to climb. Cold and drab is often how the UK is described. It can be, but there are also some excellent climbs. You can boulder just about anywhere on scrags and short walls found just about everywhere.

To get a bit more of a challenge, head up to the village of Llanberis in Wales. You can spend a few days here hitting climbs within an hours drive in many different directions. Find a local to lead you and you’ll be happy. If you refuse to ask for help, try Cloggy. It’s the biggest rock in Britain. Somebody with much too much time apparently figured it out.

Way off the beaten climbing path is Norway. The country is far to the north, so timing is everything. It can be cold, wet and miserable for climbing for much of the year. Catch the perfect time during the beginning of the summer and you can hit the Fjords. They offer the most incredible views…and climbs. There are no real notable climbs, but the locals know them. If all else fails, try Nissdal as a starting point.

Combining your vacation and climbing is a great idea. The problem is finding enough time to hit everything you want. Then again, all the climbs you missed are always a reason to just go back again!

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of rock climbing journals to keep track of your climbs and routes.