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Holiday in the Poitou CharentesParc de la Belle, La Vallee de Singes, Futuroscope Park for Families
Holidays with the family can be frought affairs, especially if you're trying to please everyone so these suggestions could prove useful when planning your trip
Taking the family to France this summer? If your planning a touring holiday there’s bound to be a time when the kids just can’t (or won’t) take any more sightseeing, travelling and culture. You may be enjoying it, but a car full of bored children will be guaranteed to dull the edge of the long anticipated holiday. And as for teenagers …it really doesn’t bear thinking about! It’s good to have an alternative up your sleeve. If you’re anywhere near Poitiers, in the Poitou Charentes, how about a night in a tree house?The Parc de la Belle in the village of Magne was, until about three years ago, a 10 hectare site with the usual forested area, a lake, a small river (La Belle) and a large collection of plant specimens. But in a part of France that bristles with chateau, caves, and theme parks a new attraction was needed to bring in the families. And so the ‘ Cabanes’ were conceived. Four tree houses have been built in four of the biggest elm trees on the site. They range in height and accessibility from two lower level family houses reached by a proper wooden staircase to the highest pair which involves shinning up a 12 metre rope ladder. Bear in mind that 12 mts. equates to 40 feet, so these are not for children under 12, or those suffering from vertigo! A safety harness for climbing up is essential, but with 36 vertical rungs to climb you will appreciate being attached to it. All the effort is forgotten however when you reach your accommodation. From the balcony of your little eyrie you are really are master of all you survey. You’re up in a canopy of leaves, looking down on the lake, the park, and further on, to the village of Magne. The houses are of course built entirely of wood, the furnishings are simple, the lighting is by candle light, There’s no electricity, so no DVD or internet connection. That’s the whole idea. You really are back to nature. Breakfast is provided in the price. A picnic supper is probably the best choice for an evening meal as trying to negotiate a rope ladder after a hearty meal in a local hostelry may not be wise! But for kids, a picnic instead of a meal in a stuffy restaurant will be greeted with enthusiasm. The lower ‘family’ tree houses have security netting all around and the whole complex is subject to the most rigorous safety checks. But its still ‘wild’ enough to satisfy the family Tarzans and without the distraction of TV etc. a great location for a family evening of adventure. What to do the next morning?Ten minutes away is La Vallee de Singes, a natural park containing 350 free ranging monkeys on man made islands. There is a wide range of apes from the mighty gorilla to the enchanting little capuchins and La Parc de La Belle offers a combined ticket to these neighbouring attractions. After that the children can be safely decanted back into the car for another round of culture. While you’re in the Poitiers area you might like to combine fun with education…the kids will never notice the educational bit…..and visit the magnificent Futuroscope Park. It’s a cyber-world of fun-packed action…..a sort of cultural Disneyland, but without the fancy dress. New attractions are added every year, and as this is its 20th anniversary there’s even more to see and do. You can dance with robots, dive into a 3D world under the sea and come face to face with deep sea monsters, canoe down a virtual Nile and lots more.. The Poitou Charentes really does have something for all ages..
The copyright of the article Holiday in the Poitou Charentes in France Travel is owned by Joy Levesley. Permission to republish Holiday in the Poitou Charentes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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