Family-friendly Normandy
Keep the kids entertained and the adults happy with the huge variety of zoos, farms, parks and activity centres across Normandy catering for energetic families!
Artmazia, Seine-Maritime
Made up of 5,000 beech and hornbeam trees and with trails covering over three kilometres, the Artmazia labyrinth is the longest maze in the world! Embark on a journey to the centre of the maze to discover the troll's grotto. The three hectare park also includes ponds, apple orchards and a stunning view of the Pays du Bray "buttonhole", as well as an art garden hosting annual exhibitions of contemporary sculptures.
Bec Hellouin organic farm, Eure
Product of the dreams of two nature lovers, Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer, the Ferme Biologique du Bec Hellouin invites young and old to experience the benefits of organic farming. Visit the farm and meet the Mérens horses, a hardy race from
the Pyrenees; the mini Shetland ponies; the sheep from the island of Ouessant; donkeys from the Cotentin Peninsula; pigs from Bayeux and not forgetting the rabbits, hens, geese, ducks and guinea fowl! Visitors to the farm can also lend a hand in working the soil with a draught horse.
Cerza safari park observatories, Calvados
A definite hit with parents and children, there's no need to go to Africa to go on safari with the Cerza safari park eco-friendly lodges! Set beside a serene lake and the beautiful bird sanctuary, the lodges offer fantastic views across the 'Asian Valleys' where you can spot Indian rhinos, antelopes and dwarf kangaroos. As of 2010, new triangular observatory accommodation also overlooks the Siamang gibbons, Indian rhinos, gazelles and antelopes.
Champrépus Zoo, Manche
For over 50 years, Champrépus Zoo has been delighting young and old with its fine collection of animals from the African continent and the island of Madagascar. Five lush themed gardens, designed according to biotopes offering conditions close to their original environment, are home to a myriad of exotic wildlife including magnificent lions, graceful giraffes and acrobatic lemurs. Younger visitors are invited to help out with feeding the lemurs, otters, giraffes and reindeer.
Roche d'Oëtre Orne Aventure, Orne
The new Roche d'Oëtre acrobatic park gives a new perspective on one of the wildest regions of the Orne department. Two different courses wind their way through the countryside: the first is in 25 stages and is accessible to children from five years; the second is much more physical. Thrill seekers test their nerve on the black course, cycling through the tree tops or base jumping to the ground - the best thing to do is just go for it!
Parc EANA, Seine-Maritime
EANA is France's first leisure park and discovery centre entirely dedicated to sustainable development. The park presents ongoing environmental matters in an informative yet exciting way, enabling younger generations to learn how best to look after the world they live in. Discover the creation and evolution of our planet in the Big Bang Cinema then get stuck into the interactive activities in La Grande Halle. Set in the fantastic Abbaye du Valasse and its 60 acres of grounds, the park's restaurants also serve up local, organic food.
