by When we first arrived in Paris, the sunlight danced on the surface of the Seine, sparkling as if beckoning us forward. I had originally imagined this trip would be filled with museums, cafés, and the leisurely rhythm of the old city—posing in front of the Louvre, wandering through the streets of Saint-Germain, or sampling French pastries on the Champs-Élysées. But the children’s eagerness, combined with my own yearning for adventure, eventually pulled us away from the city’s hustle. We found ourselves heading into lush woodlands and hidden medieval castles tucked away in the countryside—embarking on a family adventure full of challenges, nature, and joy. At the heart of this journey was a series of carefully designed family programs by PGL, each step more exciting than the last.
1. The Decision to Go: Seeking a New Rhythm of Travel for the Whole Family
Children grow through challenges and new experiences. As we searched for family-friendly activities around Paris, we stumbled across PGL’s website. Not only did they offer camps across the UK, but they had also set up several adventure centers in France, especially in Normandy and just outside Paris—options that immediately caught our eye.
One line in their introduction resonated deeply with me: “Learn in nature, grow in teams.” It perfectly captured what I wanted from this trip—not just sightseeing, but giving the children the opportunity to build confidence through activities, and allowing us, as parents, to reconnect through shared experience.
Eventually, we booked a five-day family adventure at a PGL site near Fontainebleau National Forest, just outside of Paris.
2. First Impressions of the Camp: From Castle Walls to Forest Grass, a Dream Begins
On the day we arrived, the sky was a brilliant blue and golden light filtered through the trees. The PGL camp in France is tucked beside a wide green clearing, with an old French manor house transformed into the main family hub. Surrounding it were vast areas of untouched forest, winding paths, and an atmosphere that felt both serene and enchanted.
The kids were immediately drawn to the outdoor climbing wall, while I found myself enchanted by a small reading nook made of oak wood in the main building. The staff were professional and welcoming, fluent in both English and French. Young volunteers from the UK greeted us warmly and quickly helped us settle in.
What reassured me most was PGL’s thoughtful approach to families—every activity was tailored by age group, ensuring both safety for the kids and enjoyment for the adults.
3. Daily Adventures: Laughter in the Mud, Growth on the Ropes
Our daily schedule was full yet perfectly paced:
Day 1: High Ropes and Orienteering
After breakfast, we headed with our instructor into the forest for the high ropes challenge. Bridges, ladders, and tightropes stretched between tall pine and oak trees. My child hesitated for a moment on the 3-meter-high platform, clutching the harness tightly, then took the leap—with a proud smile shining through. I could hear the cheers from other families echoing through the forest, creating an atmosphere of encouragement.
In the afternoon, we tackled orienteering. Our family of four was armed with maps, compasses, and a sense of adventure, searching for “mission points” hidden deep within the woods. Each stop presented a puzzle, a riddle, or a physical task that required us to collaborate. What started as a game turned into a real-life survival adventure, where communication and teamwork were key. All of it was expertly arranged by PGL, making us feel safe yet excited throughout.
Day 2: Rock Climbing and a Campfire Evening
In the morning, we set out for the outdoor climbing session, held on a natural limestone wall just beyond the main camp area. It was rugged and imposing, but beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape. Our child, initially anxious and clinging to the base of the wall, gradually gained confidence with each foothold. With gentle guidance and cheers from the instructor, they completed not one but two full climbs. I saw a spark of bravery and pride in their eyes that I hadn’t seen before—a quiet but powerful moment of growth.
That evening, the campfire gathering became a warm and magical memory. Families circled the fire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars. Children from different backgrounds bonded quickly, performing skits and singing songs. The PGL host, with a guitar in hand and a heart full of humor, brought everyone together into a joyful “adventure community.”
Day 3: Canoeing and a Lakeside Picnic
We ventured to a nearby man-made lake for a full morning of canoeing. The water was calm, reflecting the blue sky and surrounding woods like a mirror. After a short safety briefing and paddling lesson, each family boarded their own canoes. Working in pairs, we glided smoothly across the lake, occasionally racing, splashing, or simply drifting in silence. It was both invigorating and peaceful.
Onshore, PGL had set up picnic tables under the trees. A delightful lunch awaited us—fresh sandwiches, seasonal fruits, homemade pastries, and lemonade. The children played freely on the grass, flying kites, playing tag, and chasing bubbles. The sound of their laughter mingled with birdsong, creating the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing afternoon.
Day 4: Cultural Excursion and French Handicraft Workshop
. Adventure isn’t only physical—PGL thoughtfully included a cultural element to balance the program. That morning, we joined a local guide for a short trip to a nearby historic village. Cobblestone streets, ivy-covered cottages, and a small medieval castle opened a window into rural French life. The guide shared fascinating tales of knights, artisans, and royal hunts that once filled these woods.
In the afternoon, back at the camp, families participated in a traditional handicraft workshop. Long wooden tables were set with herbs, wax, molds, and natural oils. We made our own herbal soaps and hand-poured candles, adding personalized scents and decorations. It was quiet, calming, and surprisingly meditative—a gentle moment of bonding that allowed us to create something beautiful with our hands.
Day 5: Family Challenge and Farewell Ceremony
On our last day, PGL brought all the families together for a spirited “Family Showdown.” The event was packed with friendly, lighthearted competitions—water gun relays, charades with hilarious twists, blindfolded obstacle courses, and large puzzle-solving challenges. Laughter echoed across the field as each family brought their best energy and teamwork. We were thrilled to be awarded the “Best Cooperation” prize, a testament to how close-knit we had become through the week.
That evening’s farewell ceremony was unexpectedly emotional. We gathered in the main hall, where PGL staff had prepared a short video montage capturing highlights of our journey. Moments of laughter, courage, and quiet triumph played on screen. Each child was called up to receive a handwritten note from their PGL mentor, praising their individual strengths and contributions. I was deeply moved—not just by the gesture, but by the growth I had witnessed in my own children and in ourselves as a family.
4. Why I Would Choose PGL Again
The morning after we returned to Paris, our child asked, “Can we go back to PGL next year?”
What made this journey special wasn’t just leaving the city—it was the way PGL created a space where families grow together. Each activity wasn’t just play—it was learning, stepping outside the comfort zone, and building lasting memories.
As a city-dwelling parent, this kind of focused, joyful, quality time with my children felt rare and priceless. I found myself transformed—from the planner to the participant; from “taking the kids to play” to truly “playing together.” And behind all this was PGL’s thoughtful design and seamless execution.
5. Practical Tips: How to Book a PGL Adventure Near Paris
If you’re considering a similar family adventure, I recommend checking PGL’s official channels at least two months in advance. Their camps near Paris are especially popular during summer and spring breaks, so early planning ensures you get the dates and programs that best suit your family’s schedule and interests.
In addition to standard programs, PGL also offers themed options like bilingual French-English camps, “Father and Child” challenge weeks, and nature-art fusion workshops—perfect for tailoring your trip to your family’s needs.
6. Growing Through Adventure, Connecting Through Presence
Five days may not seem long, but they were enough to create unforgettable family memories. Every leap, every game, every burst of laughter quietly brought us closer together.
PGL isn’t just a travel provider—it’s a stage set for families to create shared experiences. If you too want to step beyond the borders of Paris and into a world where nature, culture, challenge, and connection meet, look no further than the forest, the castle—and PGL.
Our family is already counting the days until our next adventure.
