May school holidays are coming up – be inspired by our France for families visit tips: boats, bikes, beasties and brilliant theme parks...
Bordeaux River Festival
The festival takes place every two years along the Garonne River. For 9 days the Bordeaux harbour will be swarming with experienced yachtsmen and sailing enthusiasts for one of the world’s greatest yacht races: “La Solitaire Urgo Le Figaro”. The program includes water sports, rides on the river, boat exhibitions, concerts and fireworks – something for all the family right in the heart of this beautiful city.
Every kid loves to play in the water and in Bordeaux “Le Miroir” water sculpture welcomes everyone to join in the fun in the sun! For mums and dads there’s the added appeal of a very good glass of wine to finish the evenings in style in this beautiful city.
24 May – 4 June http://www.bordeaux-fete-le-fleuve.com/
On your bike in the Tarn
Enjoy sunny days in southwest France in the lovely Tarn-et-Garonne deparment. This is a land of ancient and picturesque churches and beautiful villages, fabulous street markets and gorgeous scenery.
There are plenty of safe cycle routes here including the Canal des Deux Mers which runs between Bordeaux and Séte. Or why not set a gentle place for a scenic ride to the stunning Gorges de l’Aveyron, a haven for wildlife. Adventurous families will love canoeing and swimming and a picnic here is memorable, surrounded by outstanding natural beauty.
For a fabulous break and with special offers even during the normally expensive school holidays check out the lovely Lausoprens, a cottage that’s suitable for up to 4 people and is in a fabulous location near to the famous Gorges. Set in 10 acres of oak forest, it’s peaceful and rustic with its own power supply from the sun and the wind.
A theme park like no other – Puy du Fou
Va va voom to the Vendée for a theme park that’s like no other.
This award winning theme park, twice voted best in the world, is celebrating 40 years of outstanding entertainment in 2017. Here you’ll discover the most incredible live shows from the Vikings onwards. Expect to see Romans racing chariots and real lions in the arena, musketeers, Kings and Queens, singing and dancing – night and day. There’s a bird show that’s unforgettable as birds of prey swoop around you, a grand aviary, water show, medieval village, cinema and a whole lot more. This park presents history, culture and awesome adventure for the whole family.
The Island of the Machines, Nantes
Welcome to the old shipbuilding yards of Nantes, perched on the River Loire where you can’t fail to be awed by the vast and peculiar mechanical creatures that shudder into life around you. This is The Island of the Machines, the vision of 2 artists and an amalgamation of performing art, engineering, tourism and regeneration, set on an island and former industrial centre within the Loire. Described on their website as a place where Leonardo di Vinci meets Nantes native Jules Vern, this truly is a wonderfully weird and captivating world, bizarrely evocative of the excitement and unique inventions of times gone by. From giant elephants you can ride on to enormous ants and extraordinary sea creatures, the youngest to the oldest in the family will be enthralled in this very odd, unique and totally fun place.
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