Survival Training in the Dordogne

Day 1

- 8 p.m. Welcome participants at the meeting point and briefing on the course (meal not provided)

- Contact and mental preparation for survival, followed by workshops: making simple traps, then making an emergency shelter

- 12 a.m. Bedtime (basic sleeping arrangements at Le Rozel farm)

Day 2

- 7.30 a.m. Wake up, breakfast (not provided) and briefing on the fundamentals of survival: what is a survival situation (priorities, dangers, objectives, etc.).

- 8.30 a.m. Departure from "base camp": introduction to orienteering techniques in the wilderness, observation of vegetation, recognition of edible and poisonous plants and fruit, collecting and carrying water, observation of animal tracks, etc.

- 1 p.m. Arrival at the bivouac site: choice of a suitable place to set up the bivouac, learning the main principles of assembly and techniques for making a shelter, learning how to make a fire (the 5 basic techniques without matches or lighters, role-playing and distribution of tasks, etc.)

- 3.30 p.m. Learn how to make drinking water (technique used to purify water)

- 4.30 p.m. Learn how to make and handle weapons and traps (bows, arrows, etc.) and a reminder of the law on trapping and hunting

- 5.30 p.m. Departure for an expedition to gather edible plants, learn hunting techniques, collect edible insects, set traps, etc.

- 6.30 p.m. Meal around the campfire using only the fruits of the afternoon's fishing, hunting and gathering

- 8 p.m. Evening meal: stories, impressions, group cohesion, reminder of the various techniques learnt during the day, coping with lack of water and food, followed by an introduction to recognising the main constellations to help you find your way by the stars and a night walk in the forest without a torch

- 11 p.m. Bedtime

Day 3

- 8 a.m. Departure for an expedition: gathering edible plants and fruit, learning hunting and fishing techniques, collecting edible insects, setting traps, etc.

- 8.30 a.m. Lunch around the campfire: stories, impressions of the night, group cohesion, reminders of the various techniques learnt, then setting up of daily tasks

- 9.30 a.m. Introduction to recognising forest animal footprints

- 12 p.m. Renovation of shelters, fuel collection and rope-making, followed by a stretcher workshop and a workshop on how to find your way using fire, the sun, etc.

- 7 p.m. Meal around the fire made entirely from the fruits of the afternoon's fishing, hunting and gathering

- 8 p.m. Vigil: stories, impressions, group cohesion, reminders of the various techniques learnt during the day and coping with fatigue and the lack of food and water

- 11 p.m. Bedtime

Day 4

- 7.30 a.m. Wake up and set off on an expedition: record the traps set the night before, collect plants and insects, collect water such as dew, etc.

- 8.30 a.m. Lunch around the campfire: stories, impressions of the night, group cohesion, reminder of the various techniques learnt, followed by an introduction to first aid and making a stretcher

- 10.30 a.m. Break camp (tidy up the site and learn about respect for the environment and how to behave around fire) and leave the bivouac in complete autonomy: introduction to orienteering in the wilderness with map and compass (how to set a course, read a map, etc.)

- 1 p.m. Return to the gîte: shower, comfort, debriefing, etc. with complimentary buffet and coffee

- 4.30 p.m. End of the course

Cameras, GoPro and SIM-free phones are permitted.

Watches are prohibited.