Whether you are sporty at heart, a thrill-seeker or simply curious by nature, you can make the most of your trip to discover new, sometimes unusual activities along your stages. Are you ready for a non-exhaustive overview of the different sports you can try while following La Scandibérique?
In northern France, thrills and emotions guaranteed!
The Oise seen from the sky, 100% adrenaline!
In the Oise département, experience the pure joy of imitating the birds, hanging from a parachute. At Frétoy-le-Château, Skydive offers a introductory skydive, in tandem. 50 seconds of free fall, then 5 minutes of gentle descent and a unique opportunity to discover the landscapes of the Hauts-de-France from the sky.
Horse riding in the forests of Compiègne and Chantilly
The Oise is also home to two of the most beautiful forests in France, those of Compiègne and Chantilly. These centuries-old woods have seen many kings, queens, dukes and duchesses pass beneath their foliage. To follow in their footsteps, hire a horse and ride the forest paths in your turn: in Compiègne, follow the 4 km long “Trouée des Beaux Monts”; in Chantilly, ride from the Manse pavilion to the château park.
A trip on a Peugeot 103 moped in the Valois
Nostalgic for the 70s? Off you go for a ride on a Peugeot 103 moped in the Valois. Led by a guide, you will discover the secret corners of this area between the Aisne and the Oise, for an ultra-rural outing with a nostalgic flavour.
Bludgers, quaffle and golden snitch in Vincennes
J.K. Rowling invented it, and Harry Potter fans made it popular! In Vincennes, you can try your hand at quidditch, the emblematic sport of wizards. No flying brooms (alas!) but a team match, where you can choose to play the keeper (and stop the goals), the chaser (and knock out your opponents, dodgeball style) or the seeker, who captures the golden snitch (a player with a tennis ball attached to their shorts, who tries to escape by every means!). Laughter guaranteed!
Fontainebleau, for sporty types!
The Fontainebleau forest, a climbers’ paradise
Once you have passed through Paris, you arrive in Fontainebleau, famous for its château and its forest dotted with rocks, which have made it the historic and worldwide reference for climbing. To discover the pleasure of climbing yourself, the Fontainebleau tourist office offers introductory sessions led by qualified instructors.
A ride in a kart pulled by sled dogs
Stay in Seine-et-Marne for an unusual outing, aboarda kart pulled by sled dogs. Guided by a musher, you will enjoy a trip in the heart of nature while discovering the secrets of dog teams.
Following the Loire…
By canoe, along the water
Once in the Loire Valley, alone, as a pair or with the family, travel the Loire by canoe for a return to the wild. Accessible to all, the experience quickly takes on the feel of an adventure, especially if you opt for a tipi or under-the-stars bivouac.
In Orléans, throw axes!
In Orléans, try the axe-throwing lanes! Originating in Canada, this activity – which consists, as its name suggests, of throwing axes at targets – is as fun as it is sporty.
Surf and pelota in the Landes & the Basque Country!
Surfing’ France
Dancing with the waves… More than a sport, surfing is a state of mind, an encounter between man and sea. In Europe, it is on the beaches of the Landes and the Basque Country that you will discover “reef”, “beach” and other “point breaks”. The clubs welcome beginners for a taster session; to be found at the main spots: the beaches of Anglet, Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Chistera & pelota
There is not a village in the Basque Country without its fronton, in front of which players of Basque pelotaface each other. Many clubs and associations offer introductory sessions to discover the many variations of this traditional sport and learn the subtle art of handling the chistera to send the ball back in the right direction.
So many ideas and tips to satisfy your need to burn energy and your curiosity. Following La Scandibérique from north to south, you will be spoilt for choice. In fact, why choose at all?!
