Intrepid Travel has expanded its strategic footprint in France in a significant move by acquiring French adventure travel company Altaï Group.
The Altaï Group operates out of Lyon, with nature-based, active, small group and tailor-made travel experiences through several brands, including Atalante, Altaï Travel, Copines de Voyage and Les Aventureurs.
It was acquired from the investment company of Julien Leclercq who is an Intrepid key shareholder and chairman of sports brand Decathlon.
Adding more than AUD100 million in revenue and an additional 35,000 customers a year, the acquisition will unlock further potential in Europe for Intrepid, it says
. . . Strategic Moves
The move will also allow for growth in French-speaking mar kets beyond France, including Switzerland, Belgium and Canada. This is the latest step in Intrepid’s steady expansion into non-English speaking markets, and its second major investment in Europe following its acquisition of Dutch tour operator Sawadee Reizen in early 2025.
Altaï Group will continue to be led by md Yann Wulser, who will report to Intrepid md EMEA Zina Bencheikh.
In the short-term, Altaï Group will remain based in France and continue to operate with existing names and brands.
“We’re delighted to welcome the Altaï Group to Intrepid,” says Intrepid ceo James Thornton. “We see the French-speaking market as a massive opportunity to further propel our growth and look forward to sharing our strategic vision. The world needs more Intrepid people with new, French-speaking customers.”
Like Intrepid, Altaï Group is B Corp certified and operates with the highest levels of environmental and social standards. See more on the Altaï Group HERE.
