French Holiday Ideas | Five great theme parks in France for children

France knows how to treat its young visitors to fun and exciting days out. Here is our pick of five of the best theme parks to keep your children entertained.

1. Parc Asterix



Really, can there be a more French theme park than the one dedicated to the diminutive creation of comic legends Goscinny and Uderzo?

Situated about 20 miles north of Paris, it boasts a celebrated range of roller coasters and themed rides that take the life of the Gauls and Romans, Ancient Greeks, Vikings as well as time travel as inspiration.

One highlight is Tonnère de Zeus, the third longest wooden rollercoaster in Europe and considered by many as one of the very best rides in the world.

To learn more and book your tickets, head to the website


2. Vallée des Singes

Are your children mad for monkeys? Then head to Romagne in the Loire where the Vallée des Singes devotes itself to our simian ancestors.

Kids will be mesmerised by the array of animals running, swinging and roaming about. There are various zones dedicated to different species, including gorillas, chimpanzees, lemurs and dwarf monkeys.

For younger visitors who might find the monkeys a little frightening there is also a farm where they can get up close with goats, sheep and rabbits.

www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr

3. Futuroscope

The shows and spectacles in this forward-thinking theme park near Poitiers really are something else. It's all about using technology and visual wizardry to inform and educate the countless numbers of wide-eyed visitors that flood through its gates every year.

As well as giant screen shows, there are also interactive elements to captivate kids and adults alike. Current highlights include Arthur, the 4D Adventure and a unique version of The Little Prince, complete with tickles, breezes and mists!

For a unique kind of leisure experience, Futuroscope has to be seen to be believed.

More informations on Futuroscope here

You can see samples clips of the shows at the website


4. Puy du Fou

In terms of scope, ambition and wholesome family fun, Puy du Fou takes some beating when it comes to France’s best theme parks. It was created in 1977 as a “Cinéscénie” destination – a kind of outdoor theatre putting on live shows with massive casts.

Today the show laid on every evening around the remains of the old chateau tells the story of 700 years of local history with thousands of actors, hundreds of horses and around 400 fireworks per performance.

All of the dialogue is in French, but English dialogue is provided via headphones. It’s truly a sight to behold.

Elsewhere in the grounds are magic and puppet shows, falconry displays and even Viking and Roman chariot racing in a huge amphitheatre.

www.puydufou.com/

5. Nigloland

Located near Troyes in the Forêt d’Orient in the Champagne region, Nigloland is a family theme park with some 35 attractions and ‘spectacles’.

It has some great rides for little ones to enjoy, including Pirate Galleon; the soggy fun of the rapids on the Canadian river with its 20-metre waterfall; a bumpy ride on board the Mine train, a mind-blowing Space Experience, and spooky thrills in the Haunted Manor.

New for this year is Magic Las Vegas, a magic show featuring great illusions, on a 200sqm stage.

For more information, visit the Champagne-Ardennes website.

Monday, 14th, November by Katharine Barrau