In late spring there’s loads to do in France. And if you’re looking for fabulous things to do in or out of the school holidays – be inspired by our France for families visit tips: boats, bikes, beasties and brilliant theme parks…
Bordeaux River Festival
Massive fun for the whole family at this fabulous festival. It takes place every two years along the Garonne River (uneven number years eg 2019, 2021). For four days Bordeaux hosts an incredible programme of boating fun. From tall ships to sail boats, races, regattas and nautical activities and plenty more. Fireworks, exhibitions, concerts and of course, this being Bordeaux, gastronomic street food galore. At this event you’ll find there’s something for all the family right in the heart of this beautiful city. For mums and dads there’s the added appeal of a very good glass of wine to finish the evenings in style. Details: www.bordeaux-fete-le-fleuve.com Read more about Bordeaux
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. See Tarn Cycling Holidays for organised biking fun in the area.
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 really is out of this world. Here you’ll discover the most incredible live shows depicting the days of the Vikings amonst much else. 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. Plus 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. Details: www.puydufou.com
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. The Island of the Machines is the vision of two artists and an amalgamation of performing art, engineering, tourism and regeneration. It’s 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. Details: www.lesmachines-nantes.fr Read about more to do in Nantes here.
