All you need to know about tree climbing
Since the 2000s, treetop adventure parks have proliferated throughout France, much to the delight of climbers of all ages. Variously called adventure parks , treetop acrobatics parks , or treetop adventure parks , they have never been so popular with the general public. But what exactly are we talking about? What is treetop adventure ? Who invented this unique sporting activity ? This rapid growth has led authorities to regulate the practice of adventure courses to guarantee user safety . The question of preserving the trees used in the parks also arises . At Extérieur Nature , we have been welcoming outdoor sports enthusiasts to our magnificent adventure park since 2007. We explain everything you need to know about treetop adventure.
What is tree climbing? A sport of climbing in the middle of the trees!
Adventure courses are located in parks equipped with structures, facilities, and platforms that allow you to move from tree to tree (or sometimes between pylons or rocks). The principle is to move at height , without ever touching the ground, in a more or less acrobatic way, independently.
Using cables, ropes, bridges, planks, and branches, participants, equipped with harnesses , climb, balance, jump, launch themselves into the void, and overcome various obstacles . It is the variety and difficulty of the obstacles that make these courses fun and athletic!
And it's safe to say that the creativity and imagination of the designers of treetop adventure parks are limitless:
- rope ladders to climb;
- slacklines and vine bridges to cross;
- beams, suspended logs and zigzag boards to cross;
- barrels to squeeze through;
- giant cobwebs to climb;
- zip lines on pulleys and Tarzan ropes to soar into the void;
- etc.
One thing is for sure: adventure courses can be quite a workout. Their benefits are numerous: they contribute to the development of balance , motor skills , coordination , and even self-confidence . They're also an excellent way to share great moments with family or friends. So many good reasons to plan a trip to an adventure park!
Of course, the activity is safe : equipped with a harness, lanyards, and carabiners , participants are constantly secured and cannot fall. There are, however, safety rules to follow. We'll tell you more about them below. But first, let's look at the origins of adventure parks.
Who invented adventure parks?
The origins of tree climbing
The first zip lines were invented and installed in the Alps at the beginning of the 20th century . Then, a few rope bridges and tightropes were erected here and there in the 1980s .
The term " Accrobranche® " was first used in the 1990s to describe a supervised treetop adventure course in the forest , involving moving from tree to tree. However, it's important to note that this activity was originally practiced not in an enclosed park, but in a natural, wild environment . No structures or platforms were installed in the trees. The trademark was registered by the pioneer of this outdoor activity.
The first adventure parks
The first true adventure park equipped with semi-permanent structures was created in 1995 in Serre Chevalier , in the Hautes-Alpes. A retired soldier had the brilliant idea of drawing inspiration from commando training courses to design a safe, suitable, and accessible park for the general public. It was an immediate success!
The concept was then adopted and developed in mountainous areas , particularly in ski resorts to support summer tourism. But the treetop adventure phenomenon quickly spread beyond the mountains to cover the entire French territory . After all, there are trees everywhere! Eager for outdoor experiences, a reconnection with nature, and thrills, the number of treetop adventure enthusiasts is constantly growing.
The terms Adventure Park , Adventure Park , Adventure Course , and Tree Climbing began to be used. But from the start, the word " Tree Climbing " has remained firmly established and is the one most commonly used by the general public. Officially, the activity was initially called " Forest Adventure Park ," before finally being renamed " High Ropes Course (HBC) ."
From nature to urban areas
In recent years, we've even seen the creation of treeless adventure parks , both indoors and outdoors, made up of pylons and platforms connected by cables and obstacles. Even urban areas have their own courses!
We are a long way from the first treetop adventures in the wild, in the heart of nature... And we also understand why the official name of the activity is now "High Ropes Course", without any reference to forests or trees.
Book your treetop adventure in the South of France
By phone 7 days a week
from 9AM to 20PM
Online
By email
Is tree climbing dangerous?
High ropes courses are strictly regulated and controlled by the state . Numerous rules exist to ensure the safety of the courses and prevent falls. Be sure to check them before venturing into the treetops!
Secure courses of different levels
Tree climbing can be enjoyed by children , teenagers , and adults . Adventure parks typically offer different courses adapted to the skill level, age, height, and weight of participants . These courses are differentiated by color codes.
- white or yellow for toddlers, from 3 or 4 years old: height is limited and parents can follow and help children from the ground;
- shiso for everyone from 6 years old: easy routes;
- blue for everyone from 6 or 8 years old: medium courses;
- Red for older children, teenagers and adults: difficult routes up to 10 meters high;
- Black for teenagers and adults: very difficult and physical routes.
We recommend that you start with an easy circuit to get you warmed up, before making things a little more difficult.
It should also be noted that all courses must be secured using collective protection measures such as nets, mats, railings, etc. Furthermore, while it is an independent activity, it must be carried out under the supervision of operators holding a state-recognized qualification.
Individual standard equipment
You surely don't think you're going to launch yourself onto zip lines more than 10 meters high without safety systems!
Participants are equipped with a harness connected to two lanyards and two pulleys . This is mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) and must bear the "CE" marking. This equipment must be the correct size and in good condition.
The life line continues
In the 2000s, tree climbing facilities were developed, improved and designed for safety.
A revolutionary device has been introduced to make adventure parks safer: the continuous lifeline and the " Clic-it® " fall arrest system. The idea is to allow "treetop adventurers" to move around the entire course while remaining safely secured from start to finish.
How it works ? It's very simple and ingenious: practitioners are equipped with two carabiners which they use alternately to attach themselves to the lifeline. When you open one, the other locks automatically. Thus, there is always a carabiner hooked, while we attach the second to the next point. Smart, right?
Treetop adventure parks offer a briefing at the start of the activity , including a short training session and a practice course, to teach you how to use the equipment and learn the safety rules. Follow them carefully to set off safely! Even if you're a seasoned adventurer and come back every day, you must attend the safety briefing each time.
Do adventure trails damage trees?
If you're environmentally conscious , you've probably asked yourself this question. And the answer is… it all depends! On what? Well, it all depends on the parks.
Even though most treetop adventure park operators understand that it's in their (economic) interest to preserve trees , not all of them use truly environmentally friendly systems. Trunks are often drilled, and platform construction techniques are not always appropriate.
Fortunately, many parks are taking the necessary steps to use trees without damaging them . At Extérieur Nature , we consider nature our greatest asset. We have chosen to preserve, care for, and respect the trees on our treetop adventure courses by following various measures:
- Choosing the right trees : essence, age, quality of rooting;
- Ban drilling trunks and branches and replacing it with structures made by compression;
- Edit Compression Points every three years so as not to weaken the trees, hamper their growth and disrupt the circulation of the sap;
- prune the branches every year, to allow the trees to breathe;
- Preserve the roots by limiting trampling areas to avoid soil compaction;
- Maintain the park : regular verification of the installations and annual phytosanitary control.
Where to do tree climbing in France?
From now on, you can practice tree climbing almost everywhere, in town, in the countryside, by the sea and of course in the mountains. You will necessarily find a site near you, indoors or outdoors. That said, the most beautiful parks are necessarily located in wooded and tree-lined regions. If you are looking for a pleasant experience in the middle of nature, we advise you to aim for forests and woods.
Looking for a refreshing escape and an authentic natural setting for your treetop adventure ? Why not treat yourself to a holiday or weekend getaway in the South of France ? Discover Extérieur Nature, the largest adventure park in the Pyrénées-Orientales, just 25 minutes from Perpignan . Nestled in lush greenery along the riverbank, our twelve treetop adventure courses welcome you every weekend and during school holidays. Contact us!
Read also:
What to do near Perpignan when it's hot? 11 great ideas
11 ideas to stay cool near Perpignan, even in the middle of a heatwave. When the thermometer climbs above 35°C near Perpignan, one question keeps coming up.
What to do with teenagers in the Pyrénées-Orientales?
8 family activities in the Pyrénées-Orientales that teenagers really enjoy. Does your teenager often respond with "Meh..." or "That's rubbish..." to a suggestion of
What is the Accrobranche? Everything you need to know
All you need to know about tree climbing Since the 2000s, tree climbing parks have multiplied throughout France, for the most
Why go tree climbing? 6 good reasons to get started
6 good reasons to organize an outing to an adventure park Are you wondering why you should go tree climbing? Are you wondering about the benefits and the