Retiring military captain Bernard Bardou wants to build a recreational archery park in Chaumont, France, but has been unable to secure a plot of land after a year of searching, jhm.fr reported.
At 51, Bardou is preparing to leave the military after reaching the rank of captain. He spent twelve years with the 61st Artillery Regiment and grew fond of the region during his service mutations.
He describes Chaumont as a large village where residents can commute by bicycle near the woods. He told jhm.fr that the area offers an exceptional quality of life.
His wife works locally as a dental assistant, and the family wants to settle down together. “It is reasonable to put down one’s backpack,” Bardou said.
Bardou has been developing plans for a dedicated archery leisure space since 2018. He noted that no similar facility exists within a 500-kilometer radius.
His vision includes traditional target lanes, 3D archery courses, and organized archer battles. He also plans to offer casual games, scored assessments, and introductory sessions for schools, tourists, and caregivers.
He emphasizes the mental focus required for the sport. “During the session, archers are away from everything,” he said. “They talk about shooting perimeters and positioning, and think of nothing else.”
The primary obstacle remains finding a suitable site. Bardou is searching for a five-hectare plot measuring roughly 250 by 200 meters, aiming to buy, rent, or secure a rent-to-own agreement.
Despite approaching private owners and the city of Chaumont over the past year, his search has yielded no results. He seeks a semi-boised area near a road and parking lot with space for a picnic zone.
Bardou is currently backed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lille as he prepares to take an entrepreneurship leave. He is targeting a July 2027 opening for the site.
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