Here we go for Branche Evasion, its 16 courses and some 190 activities at height!
At the tourist office, nothing scares us. So, to the question, “Who wants to do the tree climbing test? », I said « me me ! », like a seagull on a crouton.
So off we went, the husband and I, to Evasion branch and its 16 routes and some 190 activities at height.
A thoughtful welcome
After a smiling welcome, donning the harness and technical review: – carabiner, it's good, – pulley, it's good, – Zaza hook… kezako?
First good surprise, the park is equipped with an extremely ingenious continuous life system. Zaza is a semi-open hook, which allows you to move freely, without ever coming off. Zaza will therefore be our best friend for the day.
Everything there is to know is then explained on a very well done video, subtitled in English and Spanish. The tourist agent in me is impressed. Second check, short passage through an initiation course to learn how to use Zaza and the pulley. If all goes well, the adventure is yours!
I find this introduction reassuring. Safety here is not left to chance and the public is given confidence by a friendly team and well thought-out tools. Zaza even adds a Chinese puzzle dimension, which makes us laugh. Enough to satisfy both sportsmen and gamers.
Today the real fun begins
We decide not to get carried away and start with a green course. Each tree climbing course has a nice little name, and the colors go from green (easy) to black (very difficult). The highest point of "Châtaignier" is barely 7 m away, the obstacles, designed for all sizes (from 6-8 years old), it's perfect for warming up.
Rope bridges and zip lines follow one another gently. A few people on the course, we take the time. The sensations of previous experiences return slowly, the muscles warm up little by little.
Very comfortable after 20 minutes of this first round, we embark on a blue course (moderate). Chickadee already rises to 11 m. My Viking husband manages to crack a rope from the rope bridge, just by putting one foot on it. We have a good laugh with the instructor who came to check on our call. Nothing serious, a connection with a carabiner will suffice.
It's really very nice. The trees make a pleasant shade which keeps the cool. A passage on a vine gives us the impression of being real Tarzan!
Those who thought they were sportsmen
At that moment, we say to ourselves that we are ready for the championship, so here we go in the direction of the red course (difficult). Ouch, departures alone are no mean feat. Your choice for the first obstacle: a very steep climbing wall or a vertical ladder. Husband opts for the "Spiderman" (I suspect a secret dream of being a superhero), 13m tall, go.
Climbing, extra-long zip lines (the park has more than 2.5 km), obstacles worthy of commandos. We are less clever. Fortunately, at lunchtime, no one in front or behind us. We are going there quietly. The "Spiderman" is out of the way and takes you to the edge of the tree climbing park, it's very quiet.
We laugh a lot about tyros. I curse about a poorly designed workshop for women (the ropes across the chest, it's not terrible). A net crossing finishes us off. Luckily, the next platform offers an escape. A slip of the cable and we're back on solid ground.
Break and afternoon under the trees
The enclosure of baby tree climbing is adorable, with its “fox” or even “hedgehog” routes. We sit down to picnic near the junior course, in the shape of a castle. I regret not being less than 1.40 m* tall or not having a little one with us as an alibi.
*husband tells me that within 5cm management will surely make an exception. He's so funny. I'm thinking about pushing him from the top of a platform...
At the start, we do two blue courses in a row. Papuan scale, Nepalese bridge, Japanese steps, Canadian scales, tree climbing makes you travel. About 45 min per circuit, the afternoon takes place in a nice atmosphere, in the shade of the trees. Even if the physical effort is intense, the temperature remains very bearable compared to the 38°C in the sun. The entire park is immersed in a pleasant freshness. The tree climbing is really a good plan to surpass yourself without forcing, while having fun and enjoying nature.
Fatigue is felt. We end with the zip line course. We cross the park up and down, in total suspension. Our favorite cable will remain the one in the shape of butt pullers, with an arm pedal.
So, is it tree climbing?
In total, 3 blue courses, 1 green and 1 red. 5 hours on the courses. A picnic break and a well-deserved ice cream. The results of a great day. Of all the tree climbing done so far, this park is unquestionably the most successful.
- We liked it
- Unlimited access all day to the park.
- layout, equipment, safety
- Courses by level, and for all ages
- Freshness by 38°C outside!
- The well-deserved little ice cream at the end.
- We liked less
- One or two workshops designed for athletic or large adult sizes (red course)
- We're not going to lie to each other, sporty or not, you're going to leave with a few bruises and scratches.
Our opinion : perfect activity with family or friends.
Unlimited access allows you to spend the whole day in the park.
– Great, for take care of children or teenagers.
- Ideal for a trip with friends, for a birthday or a bachelor party (the park offers tailor-made formulas)
- Families with toddlers appreciate the originality of baby tree climbing, for a few hours. Extend the day with a walk under the trees on the tower of the Brushes, in a 4×4 stroller or hiking baby carrier (1h15 – departure from the car park)
The equipment of the little branchist
- Loose clothing and sports shoes. Trousers are recommended.
- Protective gloves (gardening type). Reusable pairs are sold on site (€1). Tip: don't save it, it's really more comfortable with it.
- A backpack with water bottle.
NB: the bag can accompany you on the courses.
Practical information
Who is it for? The whole family ! The courses range from 2 to 99 years old, depending on the size and levels of each.
How much does it cost ? 23€ per adult for access to the full park. The child rate ranges from €8 to €18, depending on age and size. The cool price: a formula at 13€ to accompany a child under 1,20m on the Junior courses only.
Where to eat ? Picnic tables spread over the park allow a lunch from the bag, in the shade of the trees. The place also offers savory and sweet snacks all day long. (2€ to 12€ meal plan). A drinking water point allows you to recharge your water bottle.
Where to park? Les Brosses car park is free, 50 m from reception. Many shaded places.
What to do around?
The park car park is the starting point for many trails to the Allymes castle ou blue lake (swimming and nautical activities unfortunately prohibited but a delight for the eyes).
They also tested and loved it
Tried, but not sure yet? Family Lyon CityCrunch came to test a real weekend in the trees of Bugey. You know what ? Like us, they loved it. After reading the story of their experience, you won't hesitate for a second.
