Zoos, Parks & Adventure
Zoo Doué la Fontaine
Just past Saumur is a really excellent zoo. The animal pens are large and you can spend time in close proximity with those animals that are safe, and even those that are not; I don't think anyone will linger in the Vulture’s Pit watching them tear away at the flesh of other animals.
Upon reading that the animals were in a ‘troglodyte’ environment, it may not appeal however the rhino and giraffe pens are spacious.
Tip: Get to the restaurant early and be seated next the giraffes, after 1pm its busy and service slow. The interior of the restaurant is also superb.
www.zoodoue.fr
écomusée du veron
A farm with over 4 hectares of animals and farmland where animals roam free. Donkeys, goats, cows. See ancient farm equipment and other items from the past.
www.cc-veron.fr
Family Park
It small and ok for a half day out. French families head here for a day of activities and perhaps a picnic. Lots of climbing, water fun, pony rides and jumping castles. Open from 15 April to 2 September. 11.30am to 7pm. Cost: Adults: €9 child: €7. All activities are included in the entry price.
www.familypark37.com
'Chandon' Saint Martin le Beau 37270
Saint-Benoît Adventure
Anyone fancy being Tarzan for a day? Probably tree swinging is the place to start, there's even a course for the 'little' ones (5-9) and perhaps even one for mum and dad marked 'daring'. Go on!
Open April to November. Cash only no cards as no telephone line.
Strange Pricing:
Entry: 5 to 8 year €9 50, 9 - 10 €14.50, 11-13 €17.50 and 14-15 1€9.50 15+ €20
26, rue du Bourg, 37420 Savigny en Véron
Park La Gloriette
This is a great open space for flying kites, there annual Kite carnival is late September (24/23 2008). In summer there are tree climbing facilities for the over 9s. Great for a stroll but not really in the centre of town so you will need a car or follow one of the bike routes.
Youpimom
An undercover complex with lots of jumping castles and games. Would recommend only if its raining and you’re a bit stuck on things to do. French kids book this venue for their birthdays parties so it is always packed. There’s a computer in the corner for mum to surf. This place is situated in the middle of an industrial zone.
Open Wednesdays 2pm till 6pm
Saturday & Sundays 2.30pm till 6.30pm.
www.youpimom.fr
15 rue Edouard Brandly, Tours
Safari Train
Younger children will enjoy this train ride around the paddock of several different variety of deer, wild boar, ostrich and bison.
You can then lunch at the bistro located in the park whose house specialty is Wild Boar, venison and ostrich and deer steaks. I'm serious, but you can tell the kids its chicken. If you're lucky you might even see a boar on one of the biggest roasting spits I've even seen.
www.reserve-de-beaumarchais.com
Lulu Park
Wide open spaces full of inflatable water games, trains, dodgems cars; great on a hot day but not much cover, very open spaces so lots of sun cream. Closed in winter. Choose from a crayzgolf course and just the park.
7,50 € per child (with one accompanying adult free)
2,00 € per additional adult
www.luluparc.com
Quai de Loire, Rochecorbon