Charente Vendee Attractions  This area of France has a rich variety of attractions for the holidaymaker.  Of course the miles of sandy beaches draw the crowds year after year, but there are some delightful towns and villages as well, plus vineyards aplenty with the added benefit of the home of Cognac and the local speciality Pineau. Also you will find splendid theme parks such as le Puy du Fou or Futuroscope, as well as idyllic islands, fascinating geographical features....

Futuroscope

Make a great escape with your family and enjoy more than 30 breathtaking experiences that bring you fun and thrills….

Come to discover unique adventures in a place like no other!”

Location: Direct access by road either from the A10, exit number 28, or from the N10 taking the exit signposted Futuroscope (between Poitiers and Châtellerault).

General Info:  2010 opening from 10AM until nightfall on the 6th of February until the 2nd of January 2011 (except 15 to 19/11, 22 to 26/11, 29/11 to 03/12, 08 to 10/12, 13 to 17/12/2010).  Prices for one day are 35€ per adult and 26€ per child (aged 5 to 16).  Children under 5 are free.  Daily evening show is included in the 1 day entrance ticket.

For further information, or for bookings please visit their website or contact on + 33 5 49 49 59 06.

Description: The concept of the Futuroscope theme park has been developed around the moving image.  Over 2 million people a year visit to enjoy 3D cinemas, virtual reality simulator rides and the latest in communications technology.  There are evening shows (with only a few exceptions) on all days when the park is open.

Our recommendations: Entrance ticket price offers a good value for money and a great day out for all the family.  So make sure you spend a day there to get maximum value for money!

For the children: Futuroscope is made for them, especially good for the over 8s - they will have a great day out here - allow plenty of time to see all the exhibitions and get the best value for money.  Alternatively, the whole complex is vast incorporating many hotels so you can stay overnight or longer. Take advantage of special packages as shown on the  website.  Not very interesting for toddlers though.

           - Aquarium at La Rochelle
           - Aqualand theme park
           - Atlantic Toboggan
           - Château des Enigmes
           - Futuroscope
           - Ile de Ré
           - Le Dune du Pilat
           - Le Marais Poitévin
           - Le Puy du Fou
           - Tepacap
           - Zoo de la Palmyre

If you're staying in the north of this region, consider a trip to the Loire or  Brittany, if you're in the Gironde area then the Dordogne is within reach.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Holidays France Atlantic Website
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

     - Top Attractions in Charente / Vendee
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France

- Special offers are mentioned here http://uk.futuroscope.com/promos-offers.php.  And concessions are available for students and disabled visitors http://uk.futuroscope.com/promos-concessions.php.

- If you have a "carte famille nombreuse" you may be entitled to a discount - we know people that got a "famille nombreuse" discount without even having the card, so it's worth asking for it.  They can only say "no"!  The "carte famille nombreuse" can be purchased from railway ticket offices and allows reduced price train travel as well as discounts at many attractions.

Futuroscope highlights:

Arthur, the 4D Adventure - New for 2010 - This Adventure, from Luc Besson takes visitors into the make-believe world of the Minimoys. The full array of image technologies (3D modelling, large-format IMAX 3D images, motion simulator and physical effects) and the creative flair seen in the Minimoys world thrust visitors on a roller coaster ride of excitement and thrills.

Hurricane on the Bayou – New for 2010 - The gigantic images on the 9,700-ft² dome screen take viewers deep into the Louisiana heartland: A thrilling story and a musical celebration of New Orleans that teaches about the importance of preserving wetlands and ecosystems.

Brush with Genius – New for 2010- The images on the 6,500-ft² screen offer a totally new look at Van Gogh and his work, and the film’s stunning graphics are a moving journey to the sources of the artist’s inspiration.

The Future is Wild New version 2009 - Live a world exclusive extraordinary experience and climb aboard expedition vehicles for an interactive enhanced-reality adventure, to meet and interact with animals that could be roaming the planet millions of years from now.

Cosmic Collisions – New in 2009 - This spectacular, immersive and instructive show from the American Museum of Natural History, narrated by Robert Redford, takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through time and space to witness the cosmic smashes that shape the universe.

Fly Me to the Moon, new in 2009 - Be a fly on the wall inside the first moon shuttle and live an incredible adventure with three stowaways.

Children’s World - Enjoy the amazing new games in Children’s World; A fun area for children where all the family can relax.

And at the end of the day, the Blue Note Mystery evening show will bring you in a stunning musical fairy tale with lasers and special effects…..