A FUTURISTIC theme park has just been named one of the best in Europe and you can fly there for just £13.
Futuroscope in France is a theme park dedicated to “multimedia, cinematography and emerging technologies”.
Named 15th on Blooloop’s best theme parks in Europe list, the theme park appeals to both adults and children.
The attraction originally opened back in 1987 and can be found just outside the city of Poitiers.
Speaking to Blooloop in 2024, Rodolphe Bouin, Futuroscope’s CEO, said: “Futuroscope is unique because it aims to develop visitors’ curiosity, not just entertain them.”
The park has even been dubbed as the “equivalent to Universal Studios in Europe”, by theme park content creator That’s So Mid on TikTok.
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The park features several attractions including an astronaut training programme-themed rollercoaster and the Mission Bermudes boat ride.
For adrenaline junkies, there’s Tornado Chasers, where you get to ride into a tornado on a rotating platform, with the world’s largest indoor LED screen.
Toddlers haven’t been forgotten either, with little electric cars, a small floating log ride and Waterworks play area.
There’s also a number of playgrounds including an airport theme one with a plane climbing frame.
In fact there are over 40 attractions at the park and three shows.
New for this year is the Greenhouse of Worlds, which is an immersive greenhouse that comes to life as you walk through it.
Another new attraction for this year is T.Rex – a 6K laser projection show that follows the true story of three children who discover a Tyrannosaurus fossil with a team of palaeontologists.
Opening on April 4, there will be Pulse! The Electric Odyssey as well.
The new attraction explores all the forces of nature, with interactive activities for children of all ages.
Parents can enjoy the experience too by heading to Bar Lab to try futuristic cocktails.
And more recently, in 2024, the theme park opened its second park called Aquascope – an immersive indoor waterpark.
Inside visitors can expect eight “XXL size” slides and four themed universes.
The indoor water park is also home to Les Abysses de lumière, which is Europe’s first aquatic cinema.
One interactive part of the aquatic cinema is The Eauculus, where visitors can dive under the water and discover a seabed of strange creatures.
There’s a lazy river as well that takes you on a journey through Aquascope.
Smaller children can make a splash in the Aquatic Maze or head to the Musical Cave to come up with a melody.
One visitor said: “Aquascope is a kind of aquatic nightclub crossed with a James Cameron film.
“Between the digital projections on the walls and the 29°C water, you no longer know if you’re there to swim or to attend a contemporary art performance.
“The ‘Luminous Abyss’ zone is the highlight of the show – swimming amidst interactive projections that react to your movements is the ultimate experience for anyone who has ever wanted to live in Avatar.”
Another person said: “The scenery is magnificent; it’s like being in Avatar!”
On sunny days, there is an outdoor pool and terrace too, with The Aquadynamic – a river course with effects throughout.
When it comes to having a bite to eat, head to the Space Loop restaurant – the only rollercoaster restaurant in France.
Inside, guests will be served their food via a small rollercoaster where dishes spiral down to where you are sat.
As this is an experience as well as a restaurant you do have to book and it does cost an extra €27.50 (£23.76) for adults and €16 (£13.82) for children.
Food then includes burgers, risotto and pork tenderloin costing around €16 (£13.82) each.
If you want to extend your stay, you can do at the Hotel Station Cosmos which is themed to be a space station, with themed rooms.
The hotel costs from €196 (£169.35) per night and includes a show, breakfast and access to Futuroscope park.
Other hotel options at the theme park include Hôtel Ecolodgee Futuroscope which features nature-themed lodges from €166.50 (£143.86) per night or the Hôtel du Futuroscope, with basic family rooms from €126 (£108.89) per night.
A day ticket to Futuroscope and Aquascope costs from €68.80 (£59.49) per adult or child aged over 13-years-old and from €56.80 (£49.11) per child between five and 12-years-old.
Children between zero and four-years-old go free.
The closest airport to the park is Poitiers Airport, which is about 17 minutes away by driving or just under an hour on public transport.
Flights from London Stansted cost as little as £13 one-way in April and the flight only takes an hour and a half.
In other theme park news, an English seaside theme park has scrapped its entry fees and will soon have a huge new ‘showstopper ride’.
Plus, the European theme park you won’t have heard that’s revealed a huge £78million expansion plan and you can fly there for £14.