Contents
Key points
- Cohesion is built by doing things together and talking to each other differently.
- Balance a working session on a shared topic with group activities.
- Choose inclusive activities that everyone can do.
- A residential format strengthens the effect: the dinner and the evening matter as much as the workshops.
The right moments for a team cohesion retreat
- After a reorganisation, a merger or the arrival of a new manager.
- When remote working or multiple sites have made meetings less frequent.
- After an intense or tense period, to make a fresh start.
- Every year, as the team’s regular get-together.
Structuring the day
- A shared topic: our ways of working, our plan for the year, what makes us proud.
- Formats that get everyone talking: small groups, rotating pairs, short feedback sessions.
- A group activity that requires cooperation.
- A relaxed social moment with nothing at stake: a meal, drinks, an evening.
- A follow-up: two or three concrete commitments, reviewed a few weeks later.
Activities that work in Provence
- Provençal cooking workshop or farmers’ market.
- Trail game in a village or on an estate.
- Pétanque tournament, simple and open to everyone.
- Tasting and cellar visit at a wine estate.
- Guided hike, adapted to the group’s level.
See also team building in Provence and our activity ideas.
7 team day ideas in Provence
- Regatta in the bay of Marseille, from 10 to 200 people. See team building in Marseille.
- Pétanque and aperitif in Aix-en-Provence, a package from the tourist office. See team building in Aix.
- Hiking and watercolour painting towards Sainte-Victoire, for all levels.
- Cooking class followed by a shared lunch. See cooking classes.
- A day on Porquerolles, departing from Toulon or Hyères. See team building in Toulon.
- Private visit of the Palais des Papes after closing time, in Avignon. See team building in Avignon.
- Litter pick in the Calanques with a local association, to give the day a purpose.
All the ideas, with published capacities and prices: 30 team building ideas.
The venue
A venue where the group can be on its own, with outdoor space for the activities and a room for working. Estates and mas (Provençal farmhouses) available for exclusive hire are particularly well suited. Describe your corporate retreat and tick “On-site activities or team building”.
Frequently asked questions
When should you organise a team cohesion retreat?
After a reorganisation, a merger, a period of tension or rapid growth, or when remote working has loosened ties. Or, more simply, once a year to keep a team close-knit.
Should there be work during a team cohesion retreat?
Yes, in part: a working session on a shared topic (values, ways of working, team project) gives meaning to the activities and avoids the impression of a mere day out.
Which activities should you choose?
Ones that everyone can take part in, whatever their age or fitness, and that require cooperation: cooking workshop, trail game, creative challenge, treasure hunt. Avoid activities that make some participants uncomfortable.
