Global adventure travel company Intrepid Travel has completed its largest acquisition to date, taking full ownership of France-based Altaï Group from the investment firm of Julien Leclercq, a major Intrepid shareholder and Chairman of Decathlon. The move significantly reinforces Intrepid’s footprint in France—one of Europe’s most important adventure travel markets.

This milestone marks another step in Intrepid’s strategy to expand beyond English-speaking markets, underlining its ambition to grow its responsible small-group travel model across Europe. It follows the company’s earlier 2025 acquisition of Dutch tour operator Sawadee Reizen, further consolidating its presence in the region.

Headquartered in Lyon, Altaï Group specializes in nature-focused and active travel experiences, offering both small group and tailor-made journeys. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Atalante, Altaï Travel, Copines de Voyage, and Les Aventureurs. Like Intrepid, the group operates a vertically integrated model, delivering trips through its own network of destination management companies worldwide.

Finalized this month, the acquisition is expected to contribute more than $100 million in revenue and bring an additional 35,000 travellers annually into Intrepid’s global network. It also opens up opportunities to expand across French-speaking markets, including Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada.

Julien Leclercq, who joined Intrepid as a key shareholder and Board member in 2021, has been instrumental in the company’s growth trajectory, which has seen record financial performances since 2023.

Altaï Group will continue to operate from France under the leadership of Managing Director Yann Wulser, reporting to Intrepid’s Managing Director for EMEA, Zina Bencheikh. For the near term, the group’s existing brands and structure will remain unchanged.

Welcoming the acquisition, Intrepid CEO James Thornton noted the significant potential within French-speaking markets and emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its global community of responsible travellers.

Julien Leclercq added that the partnership represents a natural alignment, positioning Altaï Group to scale further through Intrepid’s international reach and expertise, while deepening his long-term involvement with the business.

Both Intrepid and Altaï Group share a strong focus on sustainable, community-driven travel. As certified B Corporations, they are committed to maintaining high standards of environmental and social responsibility as they grow.