Holidays with children: our ideas for unusual visits in France

Whether you are on holiday in the countryside, in the city or by the sea, we have concocted a little guide to walks and places to visit in France that are out of the ordinary. How about diving aboard a real submarine? From a fairy garden where elves and refreshing fountains will make you happy? Or a little train that looks like a child’s toy that will take you to the heights of the Pyrenees to a pretty lake? Or even works of art projected onto the gigantic walls of a former quarry. Or a palace straight out of the imagination overflowing with a strange postman. A junk elephant, mountains of candy, rides for young and old, and adventurous “Monsieur Madame”, all these funny places, and more, are to be discovered in our slideshow.

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    Mini World in Lyon

    Built entirely indoors over more than 3 m², it is the largest park of animated miniatures in France. 000 hours of work were required to manufacture the first 70 worlds (city, mountain, countryside). There are so many and so many things to observe… Especially since this summer, the famous characters of “Monsieur Madame” are hidden all over the models. A fun treasure hunt that will be rewarded with a small gift for all those who have managed to find them.

    Mini World Lyon, Carré de Soie shopping and leisure center, 3 avenue de Bohl, Vaulx-en-Velin (69)

    miniworldlyon.com 13 euros per adult, 8 euros per child, free for children under 4.

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    The garden of petrifying fountains

    A magical and refreshing garden, possibly combined with a pretty wheeled boat like on the Mississippi. Embark on board on the shores of Royan, enjoy an unusual cruise lasting an hour, before arriving in this plant and aquatic gem which has been awarded the “Remarkable Garden” label. A refreshing and bucolic day in perspective.

    Petrifying Fountains Garden, 184 impasse des Tufières, 38840 La Sône

    https://bit.ly/2ub58Gw Entrée de 5,40 euros, 9,20 euros par personne, gratuit pour les moins de 4 ans

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    The Jardin d’Acclimatation in Paris

    If you are visiting Paris, we will not point you to the Eiffel Tower or the Cité de la Villette, sure that these places are already in your program! On the other hand, did you plan to go to the Jardin d’Acclimatation, which has had a makeover this year? At the entrance to the Bois de Boulogne, this park offers 40 rides inspired by the world of Jules Verne, 18 hectares of bucolic walks, water games, and some 400 farm animals. A very pleasant break after the marathon of the more classic visits of the capital.

    The Acclimatization Garden, Rue du Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris.

    jardindacclimatation.fr 5 euros entry for over 3 years

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    Carrières des Lumières in Baux-de-Provence

    At the heart of a quarry of dizzying dimensions, the painting is spread over the 7000 square meters of limestone walls, projected by multicolored lights and in music. Nose in the air, amazed, we lose track of time in these gigantic underground passages which also have the advantage of taking a refreshing break during our stay in the land of cicadas. This year, the place offers a screening dedicated to Picasso and the masters of Spanish painting.

    Carrières de Lumières, Route de Maillane, Les Baux-de-Provence (13)

    carrieres-lumieres.com 13,50 euros per adult, 10,50 euros for children, free for children under 7 years old.

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    The little train of Artouste

    Embark aboard the pretty little yellow train of Artouste, the highest in Europe. Almost an hour’s journey into the heart of the Ossau valley, with an impressive view of the Pic du Midi, and marmots close at hand. On arrival, a small 20-minute walk will take you to Lake Artouste for a cool break, before taking the train back.

    The little train of Artouste (64)

    https://bit.ly/2ruOVM9 Billet découverte (aller-retour en télécabine + train), 25 euros par adulte, 18 euros par enfant, gratuit pour les moins de 5 ans.

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    The sculptural path of Mayronnes

    For good walkers, this place offers a 6 km route in the heart of Hautes-Corbières, between vineyards and scrubland, where large contemporary sculptures follow one another and add magic to the landscapes. Bring a hat and water, because it can hit hard around here!

    At the entrance to the village of Mayronnes (11).

    free trailsculpturel.com

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    The Vallon du Villaret in Bagnols-les-Bains

    For 25 years, this park has been mixing play, art and nature, through an accessible route from 2 to 92 years old. Several hours of fun discoveries in the heart of the Cévennes where it will be possible to toboggan, trampoline, walk in the trees, by the river, to discover works of art scattered here and there … In total, more than 100 surprises are installed.

    The Vallon du Villaret, in Bagnols-les-Bains (48)

    levallon.fr, 13 euros per person.

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    The Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval in Hauterives

    The dream of a man who has spent his life building the palace of his dreams, without the slightest architectural rule, giving free rein to his overflowing imagination. A crocodile here, shells there, statues of giants and turrets that lead to nothing but a pretty view of the surrounding garden. The visit is well thought out for children, with a little treasure hunt to be performed while climbing the steps of this surreal palace.

    The Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval, 8 rue du Palais in Hauterives (26)

    Factorcheval.com 7,50 per adult, 5 euros for children, free for children under 6.

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    Machines of the island in Nantes

    Jules Verne would have had fun like crazy in this real bestiary of animated machines. In addition to the Gallery of Machines, set in motion by somewhat crazy machinists, children will have stars in their eyes by climbing to the top of a 12-meter-high scrap elephant, or by diving into the Carrousel des Mondes Marin.

    Machines of the island, Parc des Chantiers, bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes

    lesmachines-nantes.fr, € 8,50 per adult, € 6,90 for children, free for children under 4.

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    The Haribo Candy Museum

    Didn’t you forget the little toothbrush in the suitcase? Because there will be need after visiting this paradise for children (and adults too, admit!). Smell this good smell of sugar… We start with the manufacture of the famous little candies of the brand with its machine room, until the marketing stage, ending the visit with the essential Shop area where the sweets are at price factory.

    Haribo Candy Museum, Pont des Charrettes, Uzès (30)

    museeharibo.fr 7,50 euros per adult, 5,50 euros for children, free for children under 5.

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    The Espadon submarine in Saint-Nazaire

    Dive aboard a real war submarine for a completely new visit. The Espadon submarine has sailed for 25 years on, or rather under, all the seas of the world. It was also the first French submarine to surface beyond the Polar Circle. Total immersion.

    Espadon submarine, Saint-Nazaire submarine base, bd of the Legion of Honor, Saint-Nazaire (44)

    https://bit.ly/2o2QjSe 10 euros par adulte, 5 euros par enfant, gratuit pour les moins de 4 ans.

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