Are you looking for a retreat in the countryside near Paris for your team, but the thought of spending hours on a bus or train is putting you off? Between country estates an hour and a half away, forest châteaux, and hotels in Normandy, it seems like you have to leave the capital. But what if the best natural setting were actually… right here in Paris?
On the Ourcq Canal, in the heart ofthe 19th arrondissement, AKWA is transforming an urban neighborhood into a true haven of peace. It’s a place where you can spend a productive morning working on a dock, then hop aboard license-free electric boats in the afternoon for a relaxing and team-building experience on the water.
Find out how to organize a true “green” seminar in Paris—one that’s eco-friendly, offers a change of scenery, and is still just a few metro stops away from your office.
A retreat in the countryside without leaving Paris: is that possible? The answer lies on the water.
Reading time: ~11 min
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- Why plan a retreat in the Paris countryside in 2026
- A Seminar in the Great Outdoors: The Natural Beauty of the Ourcq Canal Right Outside the Office
- Work in peace and quiet, then unwind on the water
- A unique and eco-friendly business venture
- What can a nature retreat on the water with AKWA include?
- Comparison with traditional alternatives
- How to Plan Your Outdoor Seminar
- A seminar in the countryside in Paris: a breath of fresh air without leaving the city
Why plan a retreat in the Paris countryside in 2026
The Challenges of Holding a Green Seminar in Paris
Corporate retreats are no longer just a perk; they have become a key tool for team cohesion and performance. Executives and HR departments are looking for formats that allow employees to work, reconnect, and give meaning to their CSR policies.
A well-planned outdoor seminar in Paris offers several tangible benefits.
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- A true mental break while minimizing travel time
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- Better listening and more creativity during the workshops
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- A stronger sense of trust built on a shared experience
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- A more environmentally responsible approach by avoiding long car trips
Traditional offerings often focus on venues located 1 or 2 hours from the capital, complete with accommodations and catering. Whether it’s a day-long or evening event, participants sometimes spend more time on the road than on the seminar itself. That’s why a seminar in a green setting within Paris is so appealing: it offers maximum accessibility and a genuine immersion in nature.
A Seminar in the Great Outdoors: The Natural Beauty of the Ourcq Canal Right Outside the Office
A refreshing change of scenery in the heart of the capital
The Ourcq Canal, still largely unknown to businesses, offers water, green riverbanks, preserved wildlife, monumental street art, and a rich river heritage. Far from the hustle and bustle, it serves as a haven where time seems to slow down.
AKWA has set up shop there to create a vibrant community space on the water: electric boats that don’t require a license, gathering spots, and routes tailored for groups. To learn more about the site’s history and cultural richness, content dedicated to heritage, street art, and biodiversity is available on the AKWA blog.
Work in peace and quiet, then unwind on the water
A well-balanced daily schedule
One of the most common obstacles is the fear of neglecting one’s career. In this case, the two aspects complement each other. Here’s an example of a typical day:
Morning: Welcome coffee, a quiet work session, followed by a relaxed break by the water. Afternoon: Board small electric boats in teams, enjoy free sailing, informal discussions, or a fun challenge, then return to the dock for a debrief or a floating cocktail hour.
This format is ideal for team-building events, works council days, creative team seminars, or executive committee meetings that aim to break away from the usual routine without sacrificing effectiveness.
More info: private events for groups
A unique and eco-friendly business venture
Combining fun, nature, and responsibility
Going to the countryside to “get close to nature” while racking up miles no longer makes sense. AKWA addresses this inconsistency with silent electric boats, easy access via public transportation, shorter travel times, and a focus on responsible boating. Plancha boats, floating aperitifs, and relaxing moments create memories without increasing your carbon footprint.
What can a nature retreat on the water with AKWA include?
Modules tailored to your retreat
The program is flexible: meetings on the dock or in the partner area, boat rides on boats that don’t require a license, a floating cocktail hour with views of the city, boats equipped with grills for a casual meal, a treasure hunt-style nautical scavenger hunt, exploring street art and local heritage, or contemplative activities for teams seeking a peaceful experience.
Comparison with traditional alternatives
A seminar in the countryside: the benefits of the Ourcq Canal
| Option | Average travel time from Paris | A Sense of Nature | Environmental impact | Originality | Flexible schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKWA Ourcq Canal | 15–30 minutes or a few subway stops | Strong | Reduced | Very high | Excellent |
| Estate 1 hour away | 1–2 hours by bus or car | Strong | Higher | Average | Average |
| Downtown Hotel | Low | Low | Variable | Low | Good |
For multi-day seminars, country estates remain a viable option. But for a one-day team-building event or an expanded executive committee meeting, the Canal de l’Ourcq offers a rare combination of logistics, natural surroundings, and experience.
How to Plan Your Outdoor Seminar
The main steps in preparation
Clarify the objective: team building, celebration, vision, or appreciation. Define the format: participants, date, duration, and intensity. Develop a plan: morning meeting, lunch on the canal, afternoon cruise, floating cocktail reception. Contact AKWA to finalize details: duration, boat type, grill options, schedule, and additional activities. Confirm logistics: transportation, dietary restrictions, weather, and internal communication regarding the CSR initiative.
Explore our team-building options.
FAQ
Does a retreat in Paris necessarily mean staying on-site?
No, the format offered on the Canal de l’Ourcq is designed for full-day or half-day seminars in a natural setting. You get to enjoy a true immersion in nature while still allowing teams to easily return home at the end of the day.
How much time should be set aside for a seminar in a rural setting on the water?
Most companies opt for a full day or a half-day, combining a period of focused work with time for sailing and relaxation. The idea is to minimize travel time so that participants can devote as much energy as possible to the seminar content and team-building activities.
Is a team-building retreat along the Ourcq Canal suitable for all types of teams?
Yes, this format is suitable for both small teams and larger groups, whether for team-building activities, creative team workshops, employee council meetings, or executive committee meetings. The program is flexible and can be tailored to the pace, objectives, and desired level of intensity.
How can you incorporate CSR into a retreat in the Paris countryside?
By choosing a nature-based seminar in Paris along the Ourcq Canal, you reduce long car trips and opt for quiet electric boats that are accessible via public transportation. This approach aligns your desire for nature with your CSR commitments.
A seminar in the countryside in Paris: a breath of fresh air without leaving the city
Take action with your team
Thanks to the Ourcq Canal and AKWA’s expertise, you can offer your teams a truly immersive experience in nature, productive work sessions, and shared memories—all without leaving Paris. Less travel, more team bonding: the answer lies on the water.
Get in touch now: contact us
