Natura Resort-Pescalis

If you’ve got small sorts in tow, Puy du Fou is the area’s major attraction – the history-themed park has previously been voted the best theme park in the world (high praise indeed). Before setting off on the 40-minute journey, have a chat with the folks on site for details of how to buy tickets in advance. Those who seek fresh air and wildlife should do well at the Marais Poitevin Natural Regional Park, also around a 40-minute drive from the site. Birdwatching, boat trips, bike rides, canoeing and horse-drawn carriage rides are among the fave activities around the country’s second largest wetland area. A little closer to home, there’s an aquarium (with kid-friendly touch pool) a few minutes’ walk from the site, and an adventure park with treetop trails, ziplines and laser games a few minutes’ drive away. Natur’Zoo and the 14th-century Château de Saint Mesmin are both within a half-hour drive as well.