La Dame du lac, Concrete sculpture and climbing wall in Évry-Courcouronnes, France.
La Dame du lac is a 17-meter-tall concrete sculpture standing on a peninsula at the center of the lake in Parc du Lac. The artwork combines monumental form with a climbing wall that features routes across multiple face sections.
This artwork was designed by Pierre Szekely in 1975 and became the first permanent artificial climbing structure in the Paris region. It marked a turning point in how urban art could serve as functional training space.
The structure carries the name 'The Lady of the Lake' and evokes the image of a female figure rising from the water. Visitors can see how the raw concrete form creates a dialogue between the artwork and its natural surroundings.
The climbing routes use removable holds distributed across wall surfaces of varying angles. Access is best during park opening hours, and visitors should bring appropriate gear and climbing experience.
The structure is linked to the early days of Parkour, serving as a training ground for pioneers like David Belle who helped shape the sport. This unexpected connection to a movement's origins gives the artwork historical significance beyond its artistic intent.
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