Disneyland Paris attracts around 15 million visitors every year, making it one of the most popular theme parks in the world.
But France also boasts a number of smaller and lesser-known parks that offer a different kind of experience for visitors.
One of the highly acclaimed alternatives is Futuroscope – which, located in the west of France, near the town of Poitiers, welcomed around 1.9 million visitors last year.
The park’s website says “Futuroscope is the intelligent theme park”, offering visitors a range of attractions.
They include huge rollercoasters, film and media experiences, as well as a flying theatre.
Here is a list of some of the attractions:
- IMAX-based astronaut mission Through Thomas Pesquet’s Eyes
- L’Extraordinaire Voyage flying theatre
- The Kube Mysteries
- La Forge aux Étoiles night show
The park opened in 1987. Many of the attractions are located indoors.
The park has a long opening season, welcoming visitors from February to December every year.
Public money was used to build the park for its launch. In 2014, Compagnie des Alpes was allocated a 45 percent stake in the company operating the park.
A £250million expansion saw a state-of-the-art water park and two hotels built.
Many reviewers on Trip Advisor enjoyed their time at the park. One said: “We loved this park. Two adults and two kids (11 and 14). We went on nearly all the rides in one day. A few more than once.
“The show at the end of the night was good so is worth staying for. We stayed at the neighbouring Alteora city hotel which was a short walk. Bring swimsuits if you have younger kids.
“There is a splash area which is fab on a hot day. It reached 38 when we were there and we did put our feet in the fountains a few times to cool down.
“Most of the rides have air con queues which made the heat bearable. Lots of places to eat. Not bad value for money.”
Another added: “Outstanding value, great fun with something for all of us. The attractions that my 6-year-old loved were also great fun for adults.
“Ticket prices were fair, and queue times manageable. Food is quality from middle to high end, low end was typical for a theme park. It’s in France, so unsurprisingly, being able to understand French is a bonus – but not essential to have fun. Staff were ALL friendly & helpful.”