Contents
Key points
- Set the objective: getting to know each other, cooperating, celebrating, giving meaning.
- Choose an activity that is accessible to everyone.
- Plan for 1 hr 30 to half a day, no more.
- Use a provider who supervises and insures the activity.
1. Define the objective
| Objective | Suitable formats |
|---|---|
| Getting to know each other, breaking the ice | Pétanque, cooking class, tasting, walking rally |
| Cooperating | Regatta, cooking challenge, escape game, corporate olympics |
| Pushing yourselves together | Hiking, kayaking, sailing: see sports team building |
| Giving meaning | Litter pick, Climate Fresk (Fresque du climat) |
| Celebrating | Evening party, tasting, cruise |
2. Choose an inclusive activity
- No physical prerequisites for a compulsory activity.
- An alternative for those who do not wish to take part.
- Mixed teams (departments, levels of seniority).
- Non-alcoholic drinks and meals suited to everyone’s dietary requirements.
3. Set the duration and timing
During a corporate retreat, schedule the activity in the late afternoon, after the working session: it helps people unwind and leads into dinner. Between 1 hr 30 and half a day is enough. In Provence, avoid physical activities during the hottest hours in high summer.
4. Find the provider
- Tourist offices: Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Toulon and Avignon publish offers for groups. See Marseille, Aix, Toulon, Avignon.
- The corporate retreat venue: many offer their own activities (pool, vineyards, hiking).
- Always ask about: supervision, insurance, a plan B in case of rain or mistral, maximum capacity.
5. Set the budget
Published prices in Provence (recorded on 11 November 2026): €15 incl. VAT per person for a group visit to the Cosquer cave, €71 to €99 incl. VAT for the supervised packages of the Aix tourist office, €90 to €150 for a cooking class. See all the ideas with their prices.
6. Safety and rules
- Check that the provider is insured for the activity.
- During a corporate retreat, the employee remains on assignment: an accident may be treated as a workplace accident (accident du travail). See the company offsite.
- On alcohol, see the recommendations of INRS, the French national institute for occupational health and safety, on our company party page.
7. Extend the effect
A short debrief straight afterwards, a few shared photos and a reminder at the next meeting anchor the memory. Link the activity to the objectives of the corporate retreat.
Checklist
- Objective written down and shared
- Activity accessible to everyone, alternative planned
- Provider insured, supervision confirmed
- Weather plan B
- Transport to the activity
- Non-alcoholic drinks, dietary requirements
- Budget approved, quote signed
Describe your corporate retreat and tick “On-site activities or team building”: the venues will suggest their activities.
Sources and method
Information checked on 11 November 2026.
- Avantages en nature (§ 1260) — BOSS : sporting activities offered to all employees
- Organiser votre team building — Office de Tourisme d’Aix-en-Provence : packages and prices
- Adult groups — Cosquer Méditerranée : group rate
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should you organise team building?
Allow a few weeks for a simple activity and several months if it is part of a residential seminar, especially in spring and September, which are periods of high demand in Provence.
Is team building subject to social security contributions?
According to BOSS, the official French social security bulletin, employer funding of sporting activities or events offered to all employees is excluded from the contribution base up to an annual limit of 5% of the monthly social security ceiling (plafond mensuel de la sécurité sociale) per employee. For other activities, have the treatment checked by your chartered accountant.
