Family friendly activities along the coast
There are plenty of family-friendly things to see and do from theme parks to zoos, child-friendly cycling, surf schools and much, much more!
Theme Parks
Puy du Fou, Vendée
Second only Disneyland Paris in popularity, this 12-hectare park doesn’t have rides but amazing recreations of historical events. Read more …
Futuroscope, Poitiers, Vienne
The award-winning high-tech and science theme park with futuristic style architecture and exhibits that boast the latest in audio-visual technology. In towering cinema pavilions set in landscaped, fountain-filled gardens see films in 3D and 4D and be thrilled with rides that have you swooping through the universe. In the evening, the lake is the setting for laser-light displays.
Paleosite, near Cognac, Charente
Go back to prehistoric times with recreations of villages and life during that time. Great fun for kids is being able to see their face transformed into that of Stone Age man or woman using computer technology. Read more …
Parc de Pierre Brune, Mervent forest, Vendée
This 25-acre park has a variety of attractions for children of all ages, from a train ride through the forest to bouncy castles, a giant slide and the ‘giant elastic’ that flings you up into the air. More information …
Parc des Dunes, at Brem-sur-Mer, Vendée
One of the largest fun parks in the area with more than 40 attractions. There’s something for all ages from giant slides and water slides, pedal cars and a 18-hole mini-golf course. More information: TripAdvisor – Parc des Dunes
Animal Parks
From zoos to open air safari and monkey parks and aquariums, there are many to choose from. See all here …
Child-friendly châteaux
Château de Barbe Bleu, Tiffauges, Vendée
Also known as château de Barbe-bleue (Bluebeard’s castle) after its most infamous resident: Gilles de Rais, known as Barbe-bleue. More information …
Le Château de Talmont-Hilaire, Talmont-Hilaire, Charente-Maritime
This château was founded in the 10th century, but it most famous for being the property of Richard I of England who became lord of Talmont. More information …
Château de la Gataudière, Marennes, Charente-Maritime
Have fun on the dirt (scramble) and quad bike circuit, the paintball & laser tag area and a treetop adventure obstacle course. Read more …
Le Château des Énigmes, Pons, Charente-Maritime
At this Renaissance château solve the final mystery of the castle through a series of 21 games. Read more …
Tree-top parks
Indian Forest, Moutiers les Mauxfaits, Vendée
An adventure playground set in five acres of oak trees. There are attractions for all ages from the adrenalin pumping water jump and bungy jumping to the tree-top rope walkways and trapeze and for young ones, water slides and bouncy castles. More information …
Aventure Parc Lacs de Haute Charente, Massignac, Charente
Set amongst the treetops, children can go from tree to tree using a series of rope bridges, ropes and aerial runways. More information …
Arbor & Sens, near Bordeaux, Aquitaine
Have fun in the treetops at this adventure park that has more than 300m of walkways through oak trees as well as a 800 zipline and more. More information …
Waterparks
Atlantic Toboggan, St-Hilaire-de-Riez, Vendée
An outdoor park with eight thrilling slides, a huge wave pool and children’s pool, jacuzzis and more. More information …
L’Aunisceane, La Tranche sur mer, Vendée
There’s fun for all the family with an indoor fun pool of 370m² and a four lane 25m pool. Outside is a fun pool of 250m², a paddling pool and a beach volleyball area. There are also lots of water-based activities for children (and adults, who can enjoy a gym with a sauna, hammam and spa). More information …
Cap Vert, Les Herbier, Vendée
Enjoy an indoors, a sports pool, fun pool with water jets, water cannons, waterfall, jacuzzis, giant toboggan, paddling pool with slide and sauna. During the summer months, there’s a slide, wave pool, outdoor beaches, beach volleyball and children’s play area.
Les Antilles Water Park, Jonzac, Charente-Maritime
An indoor aquatic centre that’s is one of the largest of its type in Europe. Read more ...
Nautilis Angoulême, Charente
This large indoor/outdoor water park, with pools, slides and diving boards for the children aged from six years old, and a whirlpools, sauna and solarium for their parents! There is also an ice rink. More information …
Centre Aquatique Atlantys, Saint-Jean-d’Angely, Charente-Maritime
Have lots of water fun with pool, a huge slide and diving boards, plus a paddling pool for young children. There is also a sauna for adults, plus a café too. More information …
Aqualand, Bassin d’Arcachon
10 different slides, a children’s play area and lots of kids activities too. More information …
Fall in love with a donkey!
L’Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou, Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, Charente-Maritime
The Poitou donkey, with its long, shaggy coat, is an endangered species. See them at L’Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou, which is dedicated to increasing their numbers. Read more …
Parc de la Barbette, Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Traditionally working donkeys on Île de Ré and its surrounds wore “trousers” to protect their legs from mosquitoes and other biting insects. Today, they no longer work in the salt marshes, but children can ride them at Parc de la Barbette in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the main town on the island of Île de Ré. See more on TripAdvisor – Parc de la Barbette
Europe’s largest sand dune
Dune du Pilat
Europe’s largest sand dune, which gives amazing views from the top — and kids love rolling down it! Read more …
Miniature boats
Les P’tits Mousse, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Vendée
Take a boat trip in a miniature ferry boat, fishing trawler or police and fire boat that can carry a maximum five people. For longer journeys exploring the Jaunay river there are kayaks, pedalos and motorboats (Derby or Cap 400). Open every day from the end of June to the last weekend in August.
Port Miniature, Saint-Savinien, Charente-Maritime
On a small lake, children, and their parents, can take to the water in miniature boats including a Mississippi steam boat, tugs, river pushing tugs, a trawler, a cargo ship, a sardine fishing boat and a ferry. As you sail around, look out for the lighthouse, suspension bridge and more.
The little train…
The P’tit Train de Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, Île d’Oléron, Charente-Maritime
A small, open-air train that combines railway history, tourism and environmental awareness — it runs on old chip oil — all in one little railway track. Read more …
… and the little village
Village Vendéen miniature, Bretignolles Sur Mer, Vendée
One-tenth scale replica of an entire Vendéen village from the past. More information …
Museums
Les Machines de l’île, Nantes, Loire coast
Described as a cross between the world of Jules Verne and the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci, see and ride huge mechanical machines. More information …
Cap Sciences, Bordeaux, Aquitaine
The region’s largest museum on science and industry with workshops that enable 8 – 14 year olds to put on lab coats and become scientists for the day. Those aged 6 – 11 can put on their chefs whites and get cooking.
Museum du Coquillage, Les Sables d’Olonne, Vendéen
A museum devoted to shells with more than 50,000 of them, in all colours, shapes and sizes, on display in glass cases. The shells range from those commonly seen on European shores to those found in the South Pacific. See reviews on: TripAdvisor – Museum du Coquillage
CIBDI, Angoulême, Charente
A comic strip museum that’s the Louvre for comics. Read more …
Maritime Museum, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
A treat for children who love spending time on a boat as the exhibits are housed on three ships. Read more …
Musée des Automates, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
This quirky museum is home to more than 300 mechanical characters, some dating back to the 19th century. There are animals and vehicles with displays such as Parisian scenes and modern ballet. Next door is the Musée de modèles réduits, which is a model car and boat museum and includes a huge room containing a working model railway.
The Musée-Aquarium, Arcachon
A small, old-style museum showing the local marine life (seahorses, eels) as well as tropical fish. There are some interesting shark skeletons. Something to do on a rainy day. More information… TripAdvisor – Musée-Aquarium
Boat trips
La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
From La Rochelle, head out to Fort Boyard and the surrounding islands. Read more …
Verdon-sur-Mer, Meschers-sur-Gironde and Royan
Take a boat ride out to Le Phare de Cordouan, one of France’s oldest lighthouses and one that still has a live-in lighthouse-keeper. Ten kilometres off the coast and 67-metre high, inside it boasts a black and white marble floor. More information …
Arcachon, Gironde
There are a variety of boat trip around the bay at Arcachon, including to the local nature reserves. Read more …
Saint-Simon, Charente
Not far from the town of Cognac, you can take a trip along the Charente river on a replica gabarre, a traditional boat once used to carry goods: cognac, salt and cannons, up and down the Charente. Read more …
Rochefort, Charente-Maritime
The Fluviobus also sails the Charente River, transporting you to the Pont Transbordeur bridge in Echillais, near Rochefort, the last bridge of its kind in France.
Vélorail
On former railway maintenance vehicles, pedal along disused railway lines, through leafy scenery and over viaducts. It’s good fun but you do need to be fit!
Vélorail Commequiers, Vendée
From Commequiers through Saint Maixent de Vie to Coëx. The vehicles take between 2 – 4 people (five if one in a child under 12). Do the track in one direction, then return after a short break or if you prefer, take longer and enjoy a picnic. In total the route is just shy of 20 km. You must book in advance. More information …
Le Vélorail de Saintonge, Cozes, Charente-Maritime
Cycle through the vineyards of the Saintonge from Cozes to Saint Andre de Lidon (or do it in reverse). Each vehicle takes five people and it takes two hours to travel the 10 kilometres. You must book in advance. More information …
Chemin de Fer, Charente-Limousin
Choose from two routes;
Confolens – Manot return takes two-and-a-half hours and is a round trip distance of 18 km through leafy countryside.
Roumazieres – Manot return is shorter at 15 km return and takes two hours, 15 minutes. You must book in advance.
Vélorail Chauvigny, Vienne
This route follows the railway line that transported stone from the surrounding quarries and gives a fabulous view of the medieval town of Chauvigny as well as over viaducts and footbridges. It return route of just over 17 km takes two hours (it is also possible to a return journey of half this distance). The vehicle takes five people. More information …
Indoor play centres
L’Ile aux Jeux at Challans, Cholet and Les Herbiers in the Vendée
Indoor parks for children of all ages, with inflatable slides, castles, trampolines, little bicycles and more.
Chouette Land, Smarves, Vienne
Not far from Poitiers at Smarves, Vienne, this is a great place for children aged 2-12 as they can have fun on giant inflatable slides, forts animals and more. They need to wear socks! There is also go-karting on an outdoor track. There is a bar serving sandwiches, ice-creams and hot and cold drinks. Indoor and outdoor.
Amusez-vous, Saintes, Charente-Maritime and Niort, Deux-Sevres
Huge climbing complex with slides for older children, a smaller one for those under four and trampolines.
Kid Parc, Gujan-Mestras, Aquitaine
For children aged 12 and under, games, shows, a little train, a pirate ships and more…
Make and — eat! — chocolate
Chocolaterie Letuffe, near Angoulême, Charente
Take a tour of Chocolaterie Letuffe which dates back to 1873. Then take the 90 minute workshop that will teach you how to make your own, from choosing and mixing the ingredients to pouring the chocolate into the moulds and then decorating your creations so they look as good as they taste and you leave with 250g of chocolate!
They’re great fun for a family or group of friends to do together. There are also workshops for making sweets. Read more reviews.
Go on ‘safari’
Junior Safari at Marais Yves nature reserve, near Châtelaillon-Plage, Charente Maritime
The reserve is 92 hectares of unspoilt marshland. For children there are Junior Safaris which cover seven topics: the wild rabbit, wading birds, small water creatures, flowers, tracking animals, fossil hunting, insects or the world on six legs. Reserve a place at the Châtelaillon-Plage tourist office.
Watersports
The coastal resorts all have watersports clubs with activities and lessons. For sailing and windsurfing head to Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée, as well as La Rochelle and Royan in the Charente Maritime.
South of Arcachon, on what is called Cote d’Argent for its long stretches of glistening beaches, Biscarrosse, Moliets, Mimzan and Hossegor are known for their surfing and there are surf schools where the kids can learn to ride a wave — but do remember, the Atlantic is powerful here, so not the place for children to go paddling. Further south is the lovely town of Biarritz which is another great place to learn.
Inland on the lakes around Lacanau there are also plenty of watersports as well as land-based activities such as tennis and archery. Then there’s the Charente’s Lake district, the Lacs de Haute Charente in the Charente-Limousin. The watersports centre at Lake Lavaud offers lessons and there are lifeguards on duty, and you can have a go at windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, and canoeing. There is also access for those who are disabled. See more here.
Also have a look at our guides for cycling holidays (advice for cycling with children).
Photo 1 by Objectif Nantes / CC BY 2.0 image cropped; Photo 2 by popelix.com; photo 3 by eidole / CC BY 2.0 image cropped; photo 4 by thierry llansades / CC BY 2.0 image cropped