Marie-Cécile Truchet, founder of the Evalys agency based in Lussas, close to Aubenas, is really pleased to have become in 2008 one of the SNCF’s recommended suppliers.

I’m listed as an incoming agent for the Rhône-Alpes, but in particular for the Ardèche and the Drôme. The SNCF sells package deals to groups using the train as transport, with the opportunity of organising seminars for them too in partnership with recommended agencies .

This approval will certainly help to build the reputation of this young Ardèche-based agency, created in 2006. An SNCF team from Lille has already been to check out the area with the agency who obviously merits the train operator’s trust, having organised about 20 groups last year all of which came by train via Valence TGV or the station at Montélimar.

Our group and seminar work represents about 60% of our business, notes Marie-Cécile Truchet, who has also taken on an assistant. It’s usually for groups of between ten to 125 people. But we can handle up to a thousand participants without a problem, thanks to the capacity at the Domaine du Rouret which is run by Pierre et Vacances .

The companies involved usually stay for two days with one overnight and mostly come from the Paris region. The fact that there is a one and a half hour journey from Valence train station to Grospierres, where Rouret is located, obviously does not bother them – probably because their colleagues spend as much time travelling to work on the public transport system in Paris , laughs the director of Evalys.

To continue on the upward trend, the agency has developed a range of new products such as a half-day canoe challenge on the Ardèche exploring the natural reserve, a game involving clues to solve and local product tastings. Another package that is very popular is a cocktail dinner evening organised in one of the caves that is part of the Cocalière network.

Despite the current economic situation, Marie-Cécile Truchet has noticed a steady increase in her business even if the groups are smaller and the events shorter . The Ardèche, with its natural environment, its lower prices and tailor-made products marketed by Evalys all match the current trend in clients’ requirements. In June, the agency offers for example a three day/two night stay in Les Vans for a group of about 20 participants costing 390 € per person, inclusive of full board, meeting room and aperitif in the cave. Furthermore, clients who have already called on the services of the agency continue to work with it on other projects outside of the Ardèche. This winter, Evalys has also organised a meeting for 80 people at La Clusaz as well as various different events in other areas of southern France.