Back home, our kids love climbing the trees in our back garden and have always wanted their own tree house. When we found out that France has some of the best tree top adventure parks in Europe we knew we'd have to take them there. We've been a few times now, and the kids love it, so we thought we'd put together a list of the best tree top adventure parks we think you'll enjoy.
Passion d'Aventure, Forest of Guînes
Forest of Guînes is only a 20 minute drive from Calais, and we found it really easy to get to. Our kids loved clambering through trees, and whizzing up and down zip lines. There are trails for both youngsters and teens and our kids were in their element; they even learnt how to walk a tightrope! We're big kids at heart, so we loved the adult treetop trails, monkey bridges, zip line and giant swings! After such an adrenaline-filled day we were all glad of the quick journey home.
We'd recommend booking in advance; you can call them on 0687 6132 72. If you prefer email, you can contact them at contact@passiondaventure.com
Ouest Aventure St Quentin, Paris
This treetop adventure is a little further from Calais, but definitely worth it! The easiest way to get there is to drive directly from Paris, as it's only 20 km west of the city.
Ouest Aventure St Quentin is in a beautiful setting by the lake, and after an exciting day of clambering through tree tops you can enjoy a lovely afternoon picnic. During your trip you'll have so much to do, from canoeing to horse riding! The adventure park has three treetop courses which vary in difficulty, your kids are sure to love the Ecureuil course, but you'll probably prefer the dizzying heights of the Hulotte course which reaches 12 metres in height!
Make sure you book in advance to ensure you get a space, just call 0825 150280 or 06 88 62 26 37.
Accrobranche Adventure Park in the Trees, Montdardier in southern France
Once you've driven to Montpellier, Montdardier is only a 1 hour 11 minute drive away. The easiest way to get there is to head northwest on Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau toward Rue Haute, and take the D986 towards Montdardier. For the longer journeys we recommend listening to good music and packing yummy snacks for your kids.
Many people find this to be the most impressive treetop adventure park in France; its got 11 different tree top courses and 110 games which are sure to keep your kids entertained all day. Children of all ages can take part, and even adults can enjoy flying through the forest on zip wires - well, if you're brave enough.
It's best to call them on 33 6 08 53 93 70, but you can always contact them here .
Parcours Aventure, Saint François Longchamp, South Eastern France
Parcours Aventure is deep in the heart of Nant Burian forest, and the drive down is relaxing and picturesque. To get there, just follow the A43 and take exit No. 26 La Chambre in the direction of Saint-François Longchamp.
This is an adrenaline-fuelled adventure for your whole family. You get to balance on beams, monkey bridges and swinging trunks, and even get to slip down scary death slides! Don't worry though, you and your kids will be given safety harnesses so all you'll have to focus on is having fun.
To book, telephone +33 (0)4 79 59 13 80, but you can always email them at parcours-aventure@club-internet.fr
Homeward bound
We always love exploring the forests of France, zip lining from tree to tree and balancing over branches. If this sounds like your family's dream holiday, then take a look here to book your journey with us.