Autumn is just around the corner! As the leaves on the trees prepare to change color, plunging us into the heart of a bucolic atmosphere, it's too good an opportunity not to enjoy nature and the outdoor activities that go with it. And why not spend a weekend or a few days at Center Parcs? In France, no fewer than 7 estates await families to settle into cosy cottages in the midst of a rejuvenating natural environment. Once on site, a wide range of activities is on offer, in the heart of nature, in contact with animals, on the water or on play and sports facilities. From the Vosges to the Centre-Val de Loire region, via Normandy and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, here are just some of the activities you can enjoy on a Center Parcs getaway this autumn.
1. Water sports activities
Water sports are a must at Center Parcs. For families, it's a great opportunity to slow down and contemplate the surrounding countryside from the water. At Les Trois-Forêts near Metz, for example, Center Parcs offers canoe rental. But you can also discover the estate in an original way on a pedal-boat tour.
Or why not head to Le Bois aux Daims near Poitiers for amini-boat activity. The concept is simple: the children pilot the little boats, and the closest passengers, mom and dad, sit in the back and let themselves be guided!
2. Moments of contact with animals
Animal discovery is one of the highlights of a Center Parcs family holiday. Again at Le Bois aux Daims, animal caretakers await young and old alike for a chance to meet and immerse themselves in the daily lives of species such as fallow deer and doe. In various domains, such as Les Bois-Francs in Normandy, farms are open to residents for privileged contact with the animals. Rabbits, goats and many other animals are docile and always appreciate being petted.
Center Parcs also offers pony rides, where children can explore the paths of the various estates with their parents.
3. The Ouistiti course and tree climbing
How about a little height for the kids during their stay at Center Parcs? The Ouistiti course is an activity common to all the domains. At both Les Landes de Gascogne in Beauziac and Le Lac d'Ailette in Laon, youngsters can become real adventurers as they take ona challenging net course. The course, which takes place a few meters above the ground, is totally safe and supervised by an instructor. Quite simply, for a few moments they'll feel like Indiana Jones! Also not to be missed is the Parcours Aventure, as at Villages Nature Paris. This tree-top course, which can lift you up to 18 m above the ground, offers parents and children alike a whole host of sensations.
4. Discover the estates with your family
It's autumn and nature is changing. Two-wheeled outings are one of the best ways to enjoy the new colors taking over the estates. At Les Hauts de Bruyères, for example, electric bikes and scooters are available to help you discover this beautiful Sologne natural setting. Sometimes, the outings are a little more sporty. This is the case at the Domaine Les Trois Forêts near Metz, where you can ride a mountain bike along some of the steepest paths.
And if the kids aren't comfortable on two wheels, don't hesitate to offer them a Kids Safari. By this we mean a ride in a small electric car through the heart of nature.
5. And many more activities
An autumn getaway to Center Parcs with teenagers can be the perfect opportunity to try your hand at outdoor paintball, as at Les Bois-Francs in Normandy. Equipped with a mask and wetsuit, as well as a shotgun and paintballs, you can set traps for your opponents in a natural arena full of hiding places. At Les Landes de Gascogne, teams can play soccer, basketball or handball on the multi-sports pitch. And don't forget to try your hand at padel. This indoor activity is a mix of tennis, squash and beach ball.
In Marne-la-Vallée, at Villages Nature Paris, mini-golf is another activity that combines time in nature with fun.
