Events in France
Things to do in France
If you're a fan of theme parks and you're an AA Member, then here's a round-up of some of the places where you can get a discount. Just remember to take your AA Membership Card with you.
And if you're relying on your car to get you there and back, it pays to get European breakdown cover.
Aquarium de la Rochelle
Jumping on the ecological theme, just near the towers of La Rochelle's old harbour sits this huge aquarium with a heart. Unusually it boasts a sea turtle sanctuary and devotes its time to rescuing washed-up turtles.
Apparently around 14 a year become stranded on the shores. These are rehabilitated for about four months before they're released back into the sea. Not only that, but they have also set up a cool initiative – ' la mer n'est pas une poubelle' which translates as 'the sea is not a dustbin'.
Where is it?
La Rochelle, France. It's a 5-hour drive from Le Havre to La Rochelle, and the route can take you through Le Mans, which hosts the iconic 24-hour race.
AA Member offer
Special group rate discount.
Cinéaqua
As the name suggests, this is where cinema meets marine life, 500 species of them. It's centrally located by the Eiffel Tower, Cinéaqua includes interactive shows for the children. They can even carry out experiments.
Where is it?
It's right in the heart of Paris, in front of the Eiffel Tower. The drive is just under 3 hours from Calais to Paris.
AA Member offer
15% off the entry fee or 15% off packages – lunch/museum or dinner/museum for up to 4 people in a group. Show your AA Membership Card to get the discount
France Miniature
Model versions of all the most well-known monuments in France are captured in this miniature park, which is apparently the biggest in Europe. Throw in attractions from slides to rides and you've got a venue that suits the whole family.
Where is it?
It's in Elancourt, just near Mont St Michel, and is a couple of hours' drive from Le Havre.
AA Member offer
Entrance FREE for a child when 2 adults pay. Show your AA Membership Card to get the discount.
Parc Asterix
Based on the comic book exploits of Asterix the Gaul, this park celebrates all things Ancient Greek and Roman. As well as an anachronistic haunted mansion, there's a druid forest too. And for those fearless water fiends, check out the flumes and rapides plus a swinging ship.
Where is it?
It's in Plailly, not far from Paris. It's roughly 2.5 hours' drive from Calais.
AA Member offer
€3 off the adult entrance price and €2 off the child entrance price. Show your AA Membership Card to get the discount.
Parc Bagatelle
Slap bang, near the town Le Touquet, Parc Bagatelle offers a range of attractions from an Astro Pinball simulator to waterslides and a monorail. Plus there's a circus.
Where is it?
It's an hour's drive from Calais to Le Touquet on the coast. Make sure you have the right Le Touquet when you do a route. Berck sur Mer may be a safer bet.
AA Member offer
€2 off the entrance price. Show your AA Membership Card to get the discount.
Parc du Futuroscope
One for the youngsters, this claims to be the largest theme park in Europe for sensory experiences and 3D techniques. From simulators to dancing with robots, this is a sci-fi extravaganza.
Where is it?
It's in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, near Poitiers, which is in the Poitou-Charentes region and it's roughly 5.5 hours' drive from Le Havre.
AA Member offer
10% off the entrance price. Show your AA Membership Card to get the discount.
Vulcania
Head to the picturesque Auvergne region to feed your fixation on volcanos. As well as a temperamental geyser which makes an almighty appearance every so often, there are also interactive fountains, water displays, a dragon ride simulator, plus the earth literally moves in the Earth's Rage – which helps you experience a seismic shift.
Where is it?
It's in Saint-Ours-les-Roches, near Clermont-Ferrand in the heart of the Massif Central region, and it's is 6.5 hours' drive from Calais. Knock off roughly an hour if you're driving from Le Havre.
AA Member offer
€1.5 off the adult price and off the child price. Show your AA Membership Card to get the discount.
Driving to France
- European breakdown cover
- Plan a route
- French toll roads
- French road rules and advice
- Compulsory equipment
- Tips for driving in France
- 90 days' European cover with AA Car Insurance
Before you head off, here's a word of caution. European breakdown cover could save you a lot of grief and expense. Take advantage of our online discount. You can get up to 30% off when you buy European breakdown cover online. Why not get a quote now?
Other self-drive ideas
Alternative options include:
Other products & services
Last updated: 18 June 2009
Offers correct as of publication date.