Futuroscope, a lesser-known French theme park near Poitiers, has won over a self-confessed theme park sceptic, who now recommends it to every parent. The park offers a unique blend of thrilling rides and immersive, imaginative attractions that set it apart from global brands like Disneyland Paris.
A reluctant start
Lynda Moyo, a mother of three, approached a weekend trip to Futuroscope with her 11-year-old son with an endurance test mindset. She had never heard of the park before and expected a typical theme park experience, but was surprised to find herself recommending it to other families by the end of the trip.
The journey from Manchester involved an Avanti train, a night near St Pancras, an early morning Eurostar, the Paris Metro, and a high-speed train to Futuroscope station. Despite sounding like a lot, the journey became part of the adventure, with her son enjoying checking maps and practising French on DuoLingo.
Staying at the Ecolodgee
The family stayed at the Ecolodgee, a short walk from the station and near the park entrance. The nature-inspired cabins overlook a lake teeming with frogs, which provided endless entertainment for the children, who named themselves 'the frog hunters'. The cabins feature cleverly separated cabin beds for kids, and a hand-delivered breakfast basket each morning was a highlight.
According to the son, the breakfast was the best meal of the trip, and the mother agreed, enjoying the peaceful terrace views without screens.
Rides and attractions
Despite once riding Blackpool's Pepsi Max Big One six times in a row, the mum admitted age has made her less fearless. However, she stepped out of her comfort zone for rides like Dances with Robots, a nine-metre-high robot that throws you around to music, with a fear factor chosen by the rider. Her son chose 'expert level'.
Futuroscope isn't a traditional theme park, she realised. While there are thrilling rides like Objectif Mars (Destination Mars), which her son called 'the best ride ever', much of the park's appeal is immersive and imaginative, with a distinctly French character. English translation is available via the ListenWIFI app for story-led attractions, but she embraced using her GCSE French.
Chasseurs de Tornades (Tornado Chasers) was a favourite, plunging riders into a tornado on a revolving platform. La Clé des Songes (The Key to Dreams) was a spectacle of water screens, projections, lights, and pyrotechnics. The balance of rides allowed her son to be wired on water rapids one minute and peacefully gliding the next, giving her recovery time.
Food and allergies
Futuroscope offers a huge variety of food options, from French dining and buffets to gelato and street food, without a nugget in sight. La Table d’Arthur offers a generous self-service buffet, while L’Atelier des Saveurs provides a more traditional French dining experience. The Space Loop Restaurant is a futuristic dining experience where meals travel to tables via a rollercoaster suspended overhead, with the famous blue burger as a star attraction.
Her son has multiple food allergies, including sesame, nuts, and fish, making eating out stressful. Space Loop had a delicious pasta option and fries, and staff at La Table d’Arthur provided a detailed allergen information sheet, which was reassuring. Once she knew how to ask, meals became easy and enjoyable.
Overall verdict
The mum loved that Futuroscope felt genuinely unique and affordable, not a global brand. The food, language, and attractions reminded her they were in France at every turn, which she saw as its biggest selling point. The trip also provided precious one-on-one time with her son as he edges closer to his teen years, something she hadn't expected from a theme park holiday.
Whether eating food delivered on a rollercoaster or exploring virtual worlds, the trip gave them space to try new things and be together. She'll look back fondly on the time together, and they'll both remember the frogs.
Booking details
Stay three days and two nights at Futuroscope from €896 (£774) for a family of four at Hotel Ecolodgee, with Futuroscope and Aquascope tickets. Find out more and book at futuroscope.com.
