Big-screen theme park Futuroscope lies in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France and attracts 37 million visitors every yearThe 'Travellers by Air and by Sea' attraction shows footage of killer whales on two screens; one in the eyeline and one beneath your feet.
Just two hours from Paris on the TGV or a direct flight into Poitiers with Ryanair means it's within easy reach too. There are a good handful of hotels within a ten-minute walk of the park or, if you want a serving of history to balance out the science on offer here, then medieval Poitiers has it in spades. And some nice shops to boot.
The last word goes to Luc Besson. Does he think he now has the best ride at Futuroscope? He's modest, but does eventually admit: "It will be very unfair to say that we're the best but I can say I've seen the attraction [that was there] before Arthur and I can honestly say that this one is much better."
Travel factsStandard class tickets from London to Poitiers start at £89 return with Rail Europe (0844 848 4070, www.raileurope.co.uk).
Entrance to Futuroscope costs €35 for adults and €26 for children aged 4-16 years (under fours go free). A two-day family break including entry to the park and two night's bed and breakfast in a local hotel costs from €93 per person for a family of four (€129 x 2 adults and €57 per child aged 5 to 16).
Just two hours from Paris on the TGV or a direct flight into Poitiers with Ryanair means it's within easy reach too. There are a good handful of hotels within a ten-minute walk of the park or, if you want a serving of history to balance out the science on offer here, then medieval Poitiers has it in spades. And some nice shops to boot.
The last word goes to Luc Besson. Does he think he now has the best ride at Futuroscope? He's modest, but does eventually admit: "It will be very unfair to say that we're the best but I can say I've seen the attraction [that was there] before Arthur and I can honestly say that this one is much better."
Travel factsStandard class tickets from London to Poitiers start at £89 return with Rail Europe (0844 848 4070, www.raileurope.co.uk).
Entrance to Futuroscope costs €35 for adults and €26 for children aged 4-16 years (under fours go free). A two-day family break including entry to the park and two night's bed and breakfast in a local hotel costs from €93 per person for a family of four (€129 x 2 adults and €57 per child aged 5 to 16).
