School Adventure
Activities
We deliver a positive, safe, learning experience through our adventurous activity programmes. Activities are set in the French Pyrenees and run by experienced professional guides. Individuals and groups have the opportunity to take part in all activities, having fun together while also stretching themselves and reach their full potential. Activities can include, giant high ropes across a natural gorge, caving, climbing, trekking, rafting and canyoning to name a few. In between activities or at the end of the day there is time to relax with friends at the centre or continue with outdoor activities such as boule, swimming, and football as part of our full activity programme.
Activity Programmes
We offer young people the opportunity to face exciting challenges, develop new skills and share in their experiences. See an example of a 6 day activity programme.
For those looking to take part in a mountain trek over 2 – 4 days see The Freedom Trail. The Freedom trail is a route that offers a few variations to suit the experience of the group. Part of the trail can also be included in an activity programme as a trekking day.
Location
Our School adventure weeks are based in the mountain village of Seix, 18 kilometres south of St. Girons.
Seix is a friendly and vibrant village, set around a bustling market place. The river Salat runs through the middle and provides some of the best rafting and kayaking in the area. Ease of access to the mountains, caves and gorges, enable groups to maximise their time taking part in the activities. There are hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars and modern facilities. Then there are the traditional weekly market, vide greniers (the French equivalent of a garage sale) music festivals, and other seasonal events including the annual Transhumance festival in June. All these activities go to make Seix a hive of activity throughout the year.
Accommodation and Food
Groups stay in a holiday centre in Seix, which is comfortable, clean and provides good quality, wholesome meals (including vegetarian options).The centre accommodates groups of 40+, with each group located on their own floor. Bedrooms are shared by 2-3 people, with shower and hand basin in each room. There are relaxation areas with table football and pool, a cinema, meeting rooms and easy access to the village.
Safety & Welfare
We have many years of experience in delivering outdoor activity programmes for children and adults. Safety is of paramount importance and never compromised. Whether taking part in an activity or during your recreational time, our role is to ensure our clients safety and welfare.
Working Partnership
We work with professional instructors and guides, many of whom have worked with us since we started in 2009. They are all qualified and licensed to operate in France. They offer detailed instruction along with support and encouragement. In our view, they offer an outstanding service which is rooted in their knowledge and enthusiasm for their sport along with years of experience.
Fan Mail & Feedback
…what the pupils have been saying about our activity weeks…
“I really enjoyed it because it was a completely new experience and… it was just FUN!”
“All in all it was one of the best weeks of my life.”
“All the bags are packed, but the general feeling is that we don’t really want to leave.”
and then the Staff comments…
We cannot thank you enough for the fantastic trips you organise for our Year 8 leavers in the Pyrenees. Adventure is very much at the heart of our school ethos and you have consistently provided that. From white water rafting to hiking and camping in the Pyrenees, along with the cultural and linguistic opportunities the programme offers; our pupils are ensured an experience of a lifetime that they will not forget. We believe it is an ideal way for our leavers to end their time at Pinewood, before making the big step up to their senior schools.
As an organiser I have always found you very easy to work with. You understand exactly what we want and if there are any problems along the way, they are dealt with quickly and without fuss. I value your local knowledge and expertise and the good relationships you have with local guides and instructors.
Our parents are very appreciative of your attention to detail. The annual visit to the school to talk to the pupils and parents alike before the trip, not only fires up their imaginations but also eases any anxieties. It is also appreciated that you provide such a detailed kit list and a kit hire service.
Colin Acheson-Gray.
Deputy head master at Pinewood School. Wilts.
Weekends organised by The Pyrenees Adventure company are always eagerly anticipated by those that know what is coming! Will Burchnall’s calm, reassuring and highly organised characteristic ensures that there is very little for the client to do other than thoroughly enjoy the activities on offer. Whether it is learning how to tie knots, light camp fires or build shelters in order to camp in the middle of the wood, or traversing the huge high-wire course 200 metres above the ground; each adventure weekend is always remembered for the right reasons long after the ropes have been packed away and the feet are back on solid ground.
It is true that to get the most out of these trips, one needs to be positive and willing to try out new experiences; but the challenges are made all the more achievable as a result of Will’s approach. His underlying message is that he wants his clients to work things out for themselves, to experience things as individuals – but at the same time to learn a lot about their own limits. The educational benefits of these trips can often be over looked, but are hugely appreciated during and after the event…..and amongst all the ideas and gems learnt, it is impossible to forget the very clear message that ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’!
Neal Bailey
Cothill Educational Trust.
By Air
Fly into a Toulouse-Blagnac; (click for airport information) Coach transport can be arranged from Blagnac to Seix.
By Train
From Toulouse (Matabiau) to Boussens (Tarbes line) then SNCF bus to St. Girons. See SNCF for more details.
By Road
From Toulouse to St.Girons: A64 exit 20 (St Girons), head south to the village of Seix. (see map )