In few words
After the summer break, the return to work often comes with a burst of energy… and sometimes a little post-holiday blues. To bring teams together, reignite motivation, and start the new season with purpose, organizing a back-to-work seminar is a powerful and inspiring way to kick off the year. Between workshops, team-building activities, shared meals, and well-deserved breaks, this kind of event helps teams reconnect around a stimulating, collective goal : perfectly aligned with your company’s vision.
Here are 10 tried-and-tested ideas for a memorable seminar or team-building retreat - ideally hosted in one of Châteauform’s inspiring venues, from elegant estates to charming countryside châteaux.
1. Icebreakers: warming up the room
Start the day on a light and positive note! Icebreakers are perfect to quickly create trust and laughter within the group. A touch of humor, a dose of listening, and a spark of interaction - the recipe for strong team spirit from the very first minutes.
2. Escape Game: collective challenges, shared victories
From spy missions to detective mysteries, thematic escape games (DGSE, Méhari, La Maison, Casa de Papel…) offer playful challenges that demand teamwork, problem-solving, and coordination. A great way to re-activate collaboration reflexes after the summer break!
3. Live Music Blind Test: rhythm, laughter, and team spirit
Nothing brings people together like music! This interactive quiz blends humor, nostalgia, and energy — a lively, joyful activity that hits all the right notes for your seminar.
4. Climate Fresco: meaning through collaboration
Want to give your event a deeper purpose? This creative workshop encourages reflection and discussion on environmental challenges. A team-building experience that combines awareness, creativity, and collective intelligence - perfectly in tune with today’s corporate values.

5. Gourmet Bites Workshop: create, taste, and enjoy
Bring your teams together around a culinary challenge! This hands-on cooking session awakens creativity and strengthens conviviality - perfect as an afternoon activity or pre-dinner warm-up before a cocktail reception.
6. The “Six Lyon Challenges”: variety and guaranteed fun
Dexterity, logic, coordination… this lively set of challenges keeps everyone engaged in a relaxed, laughter-filled atmosphere. The perfect blend of competition and collaboration!
7. Murder Party: sharpen your minds, build your strategy
In teams, participants investigate, question, and analyze clues. A murder mystery is a brilliant way to develop analytical skills, teamwork, and communication, all wrapped up in a fun, suspenseful scenario.
8. Thematic Co-Working: rethinking the meeting
Why stick to a standard meeting room when you can co-create in a warm, inspiring space? These modular co-working sessions encourage creativity, innovation, and renewed motivation - far from the usual office routine.
9. Cocktails, Lunches & Coffee Breaks
Never underestimate the power of informal moments! A good meal, a coffee, or an evening cocktail can spark ideas, deepen bonds, or simply bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Because great conversations often start over a shared table.
10. Free Time & Walks in the Estate
A successful seminar isn’t just a sequence of activities. Taking time to breathe, walk, and talk freely helps restore balance and foster genuine connection - essential ingredients for long-term engagement and well-being.
Choose a welcoming venue with meeting spaces and on-site accommodation, design a balanced program that mixes work and pleasure, and adapt each activity to the heart of your company’s culture. That’s the secret to a successful and inspiring back-to-work seminar - one that motivates, unites, and sets the tone for the months ahead !
Planning to organise an event ?
FAQ – Organising a Corporate Seminar with Châteauform’
Who is Châteauform’?
For over 25 years, Châteauform’ has been the specialist in hosting corporate seminars and business events. Our venues – country houses, châteaux, and elegant town mansions – are entirely dedicated to companies and designed to foster teamwork, conviviality, and creativity.
What makes a Châteauform’ seminar unique?
With us, everything is included and designed to make your life easier: fully equipped meeting rooms, comfortable accommodation, friendly dining, engaging activities, and the warm support of a dedicated host couple. You focus on your teams – we take care of the rest.
What does “all-inclusive” mean?
Our all-inclusive package covers accommodation, meals, gourmet coffee breaks, fully equipped meeting rooms, technical equipment, and personalised support. There are no hidden costs – everything is included from the start.
What types of seminars and events can we organise with Châteauform’?
- Study days
- Residential seminars (with overnight stay)
- Executive committees
- Training sessions and workshops
- Festive events (cocktail receptions, dinners, team evenings)
How much does a Châteauform’ seminar cost?
Our prices depend on the venue, the number of participants, and the duration of your stay. The all-inclusive formula makes it easy to manage your budget – on average, expect between €290 and €400 (excl. VAT) per participant for a 24-hour residential seminar.
Where are Châteauform’ venues located?
Our houses are located across France and Europe – including Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland. Whether it’s a château in the countryside or a town mansion near a major city, each venue is designed to host your corporate events in an inspiring setting, close to urban centres or surrounded by nature.
How can we book a seminar with Châteauform’?
Simply get in touch in the way that suits you best: fill in our online form, call us directly, chat via WhatsApp, arrange a meeting with one of our advisers, or send us an email.
Can we organise a tailor-made seminar?
Of course. Every seminar is built around your objectives. From meeting formats to dining and activities, we tailor every detail to reflect your expectations and your company culture.
What kind of activities can we include during a seminar?
Our country and city venues offer a wide range of activities: team-building workshops, sports sessions, ice-breakers, creative and cultural experiences, and festive evening events. Activities are adapted to your goals, your team, and the season.
Why choose Châteauform’ rather than a traditional hotel?
Because everything is designed with you in mind. Our venues are fully dedicated to corporate seminars, with purpose-built meeting spaces, exceptional dining, personalised support, and an all-inclusive package with no hidden fees. You enjoy simple, stress-free organisation and a setting that encourages both productivity and connection.
Summary
- 1. Icebreakers: warming up the room
- 2. Escape Game: collective challenges, shared victories
- 3. Live Music Blind Test: rhythm, laughter, and team spirit
- 4. Climate Fresco: meaning through collaboration
- 5. Gourmet Bites Workshop: create, taste, and enjoy
- 6. The “Six Lyon Challenges”: variety and guaranteed fun
- 7. Murder Party: sharpen your minds, build your strategy
- 8. Thematic Co-Working: rethinking the meeting
- 10. Free Time & Walks in the Estate