Villandry: 7 to Survive – Team Building Survival Adventure
Imagine stepping away from your usual office routine to spend a day in the Loire Valley’s private forests, facing challenges that test your teamwork, communication, and resilience. For $111 per person, you get eight hours of hands-on survival training led by seasoned instructors in Villandry, a region best known for its stunning chateaux and lush landscapes.
What we really love about this experience is how it combines practical outdoor skills—like shelter building, fire lighting, and edible plant identification—with team bonding activities that feel more like adventures than work. Plus, the setting feels genuine, not overly commercialized, which adds a layer of authenticity to the day.
One possible consideration is that the tour is not suitable for children under 16, so families with younger kids might want to look elsewhere. Also, since the main language is French, non-French speakers should check if an English guide is available or prepare for a bilingual experience.
This tour is perfect for corporate teams, adventure lovers, or anyone curious about survival skills. If you want a memorable day that combines learning, laughter, and the beauty of the French countryside, this experience is worth considering.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Survival Skills: Led by experienced instructors, the activities are practical and hands-on, not just for fun but for real-world skills.
- Team Bonding Focus: Activities like shelter building and knot tying promote cooperation and camaraderie, making it ideal for groups.
- Beautiful Location: The private forest setting in Villandry offers a tranquil, scenic backdrop for outdoor challenges.
- Flexible Cancellation & Payment: You can cancel up to 24 hours before and reserve with a pay later option, providing peace of mind.
- Full-Day Engagement: With an 8-hour duration, expect a mix of active challenges, a hearty campfire lunch, and relaxing evenings around the fire.
- Suitable for Adults Only: The experience is designed for participants over 16, ensuring a mature and engaged group.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
Setting the Scene: Villandry’s Forests and Privacy
We love that the tour takes place in a private forest, which means no crowds, just pure nature. Being 20 minutes from Tours, the location is accessible yet feels worlds away from urban life. The forest’s calm, shaded environment makes it perfect for outdoor learning, and the tranquility helps participants focus on the challenges without distractions.
Meeting the Instructors and Overview of the Day
Your day begins at 10:00 a.m., with the instructors—whose experience and enthusiasm shine through—welcoming your team. We appreciated how professional yet approachable they are, creating a supportive atmosphere for even the most inexperienced participants.
More Great Tours NearbyMorning Challenges: Mapping, Shelter, and Fire Techniques
The morning kicks off with mapping and area identification, which sharpens your group’s navigational skills. You’ll learn to use basic tools and natural cues to get your bearings—a skill that’s surprisingly satisfying when you get it right.
Next, you’ll move onto shelter building using creative uses of everyday objects. This is where teamwork truly comes into play, as everyone pitches in to construct a safe, dry refuge. The instructors emphasize safety, especially when it comes to fire lighting, and share fire lighting techniques that are practical and adaptable—crucial skills for survival but also fun to master.
Afternoon Activities: Edible Plants, Knot Tying, and Slingshot Practice
In the afternoon, expect to get your hands dirty with edible plant identification and learn how to utilize these natural resources. We found this particularly fascinating because it offers a real connection to nature, and the instructors make it approachable and safe.
Knot tying and shelter setup revisit earlier lessons, reinforcing your new skills through teamwork. Meanwhile, slingshot practice adds a playful element—something you might not expect but that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Lunch and Evening Relaxation
A hearty lunch cooked over the campfire provides fuel for the second half of your day. The food is simple but satisfying, and the experience of preparing and eating it outdoors makes it memorable. After completing the day’s challenges, everyone gathers around the fire in the evening to relax, share stories, and enjoy the scenery—creating some genuine camaraderie.
Overnight Camping & Practical Skills
For those opting for an overnight bivouac, the tour includes camp setup, which is a great way to put skills into practice in a real-world scenario. It also offers a taste of how survival techniques can extend beyond a single day, adding an extra layer of immersion.
What Participants Say
One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the instructors explained everything clearly and made it accessible for everyone.” Others appreciated the authentic outdoor experience, saying, “It felt like we were really learning survival skills, not just playing games.” The combination of practical skills and group activities consistently receives praise for making the day engaging and worthwhile.
Analyzing the Value
At $111, the tour is a solid value for anyone interested in outdoor skills, team development, or simply trying something different. Unlike typical sightseeing tours, this experience offers lasting takeaways—skills you might use in camping or outdoor adventures, or simply as a memorable story to tell. The inclusion of a full meal over the campfire and the chance to relax around the fire in the evening enhances the feeling of being truly immersed in nature.
While the cost might seem high for some, the professional instruction, access to a private forest, and well-organized activities** justify the price. It’s also flexible because you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve with payment later, which is helpful for planning.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience suits corporate groups looking for team-building activities, adventure enthusiasts who want practical outdoor skills, or travelers interested in authentic experiences beyond the usual castles and vineyards. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with outdoor activities and eager to learn in a relaxed yet engaging environment.
Practical Details & Tips
- The tour lasts 8 hours, so prepare for a full day outdoors.
- Meeting point is a private forest in Villandry, with exact directions provided after booking.
- Participants should be over 16 years old; younger children are not suited for this experience.
- The main language is French, so check if English guidance is available if needed.
- Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes, as activities involve physical work and walking.
- Bring essentials such as water, sunscreen, and insect repellent—the forest environment can be quite lively.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for participants over 16 years old due to the physical nature of the activities and safety considerations.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.
Is there an option to stay overnight?
Yes, the tour includes the possibility of setting up a bivouac and camping overnight, which allows for a deeper practical experience.
Will the tour be conducted in English?
The tour is led by French-speaking guides, but you should check if English-speaking guides are available or if materials are provided in English.
What is included in the price?
The fee covers all activities, instruction, a campfire lunch, and the use of necessary equipment. The evening around the fire is also part of the experience.
How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves walking, building, and some physically engaging tasks, but activities are designed to be accessible for most healthy adults.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an unusual, practical, and team-oriented outdoor experience in France, the Villandry “7 to Survive” adventure promises a memorable day of skills, teamwork, and genuine outdoor fun. It’s especially suited for groups wanting a break from sightseeing to connect more deeply with nature and each other.
While it’s not a typical tourist activity, this tour offers authentic skills and camaraderie that can inspire confidence and foster stronger bonds. Whether for corporate team building, adventure seekers, or curious travelers, it’s a chance to learn useful skills while enjoying the peaceful beauty of the Loire countryside.
In short, this experience offers a real taste of survival skills in a gorgeous setting, with plenty of opportunities for bonding and fun. It’s a worthwhile choice for those ready to get outdoors and challenge themselves—and their team—in a relaxed, supportive environment.
You can check availability for your dates here: