Hard Sends: Sébastien Bouin on the first ascent of “Le Chant des Muses” (9b)

In April 2026, Bouin successfully completed his project "Le Chant des Muses" on the Romeyer Wall in the Drôme region. A film by Black Diamond shows the exceptional French climber behind the scenes and his journey to the successful ascent.

He is familiar with difficult first ascents: Sébastien “Seb” Bouin He is not only one of only five climbers to have freed a potential 9c, but also regularly delivers first ascents of 9b and 9b/+. Black Diamond filmed him working on "Le Chante des Muses," an endurance test piece in the Drôme region of southeastern France. The accompanying 25-minute short film is now available.

“Le Chant des Muses”: a perfect match for Seb Bouin

The film follows Seb Bouin as he works out the bouldering pattern and ultimately completes the ascent of the route, which is characterized by sustained climbing and a particularly difficult final sequence. The Frenchman was made aware of the project by a local route setter. With the prediction that the route "full of Bouins thing" It could be, should he be right.

^{Bouin during the first ascent | Photos: Jules Pivet}

One of the toughest routes in southern France

"Le Chante des Muses" begins with a section of approximately 8c difficulty, which also includes a bouldery compression move. Endurance is then tested on an overhang before reaching the resting position with a kneebar. This is followed by a short but intense 8c+ sequence that primarily demands finger strength.

The final crux is a long reach onto a left-hand sloper before transitioning to less steep terrain. Bouin's attempts ended at this point more than once until he finally succeeded. The ascent is narrated by Bouin himself in the short film.

Video: Seb Bouin performs “Le Chante des Muses” (8b)

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Cover image credits: Jules Pivet