When a French Spider-Man Dads Up the Climb
BARCELONA — In a daring move that could be seen as a family bonding exercise, Alain Robert — the world‑famous “French Spider‑Man” of vertical adventures — decided to tackle Torre Glories (formerly the Torre Agbar) on Saturday, 1 October. The 60‑year‑old epic wrestler squeezed past a 144‑metre glass façade without a harness, and this time he carried his 34‑year‑old son Julien Robert in tow.
Father‑Son «‑High‑in‑the‑Game‑» Diplomacy
- Alain: “It feels different. Julien isn’t a climber, but I feel this dad‑responsibility coming on strongly.”
- Julien: “I’m a big kid, but the rush is new. I’ve done scary stuff before, yet this: I’m terrified for life. Luckily, Dad is my guide.”
The daring duo scaled the glass‑covered office tower designed by Jean Nouvel, well‑known for its luminous night displays. Spanish police and a crowd of onlookers watched from below as the older climber negotiated ledges, all while his son clinging to his stoic chest.
“No Safety Net, Yes A Dad”
“This is a no‑harness kind of business. I’ve never felt more scared,” Julien grumbled before launching up the side. Alain chuckled, “I never turn water into a poem, but I turned fear into a lesson. The only safety net here is that I have my son’s trust.”
With the sky swirling above them, the event was a testament to the dynamic of a man who has ‘beat the absolute verticals’ and now turned that expertise into a father‑son adventure that left a crowd cheering. Stay tuned for the next chapter: Will the next generation take the baton to the next skyscraper?
<img alt="" data-caption="French climber Alain Robert, also known as "The French Spiderman", and his son Julien Robert climb a skyscraper Torre Agbar to spread awareness towards Global Climate Change in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct 1, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”2f1c4114-6bf9-4aff-a25f-9b71af04a551″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/02102022_spiderman_reuters.jpg”/>
Heads‑Up: Two Adventurers Beat the Clock and the Authority
In a blink‑of‑an‑eye hustle, a daring duo scaled the structure in under an hour. Right at the summit, the local police lined up to greet them. Instead of issuing tickets, the officers handed them a more traditional descent—walking down the inside of the building—so they got away with no trouble.
Meet the Pro
- Julien is a military vet with eight years of service under his belt.
- When he had to tackle his first climb, he split his training into mental prep and physical conditioning.
- He watched his dad’s past ascents on video, learning the ropes (literally) from the best.
Each climb was the kind of mission that combines grit with a dash of swagger—proof that a splash of cunning and a dash of admiration can make the impossible feel a lot more attainable. The police? Pretty happy to see folks enjoy the view and came our way with a friendly salute, sending them safely back to reality.
<img alt="" data-caption="French climber Alain Robert, also known as "The French Spiderman", and his son Julien Robert climb a skyscraper Torre Agbar to spread awareness towards Global Climate Change in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct 1, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”34acdf6a-e8d7-4c92-8e7a-ab8366ae3361″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/02102022_on%20top%20of%20the%20world_reuters.jpg”/>
Meet Alain Robert: The Original “Rock‑Paper‑Scissors” of Modern Skyscrapers
Back in the mid‑70s, Alain Robert grabbed a pair of climbing shoes and set his sights on the natural little cliffs that dot the countryside around Valence, a sleepy town in southern France. By 1977 he was hitch‑hiking his way to some of the most iconic structures on the planet—all without a safety harness. Yep, you read that right: only his fingers, toes, the four‑good shoes, and a bag of chalk.
What Makes Alain a Climbing Legend?
- More than 150 climbs – from skyscrapers to towers to bridges.
- Famous landmarks – he’s scaled the Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest), the Eiffel Tower, and even the Golden Gate Bridge.
- No permissions needed – he usually just pops up, does the work, and disappears.
- Training ground – a stretch of cliffs near his hometown served as his first gym.
Why the World Is Still in Awe
Alain’s approach to climbing is less about gadgets and more about raw grit. His philosophy? “If you can’t get a rope, grab the rope.” He turns the city into a playground and the sky into a personal horizon.
Some folks call him the “French Spiderman,” and it’s not hard to see why. The lightness of his movement and the audacious angle at which he tackles walls are absolutely mesmerizing. A recent trip to Paris saw him scaling the city’s favorite skyscraper—just to celebrate turning 60. Old and wise, but still unstoppable.
Keep an Eye on Alain…—and on That 60th Birthday Party
Because nothing grabs fans’ attention like a climbing legend who can turn a glass façade into his personal jungle gym. And if you ever feel a bit bored, just think: somewhere in the city, a fearless Frenchman is probably pulling off the impossible without anyone’s permission.
