Opened in 1992, in the suburbs of Paris, the Disneyland Resort Paris offers great family entertainment. As the only Disneyland in Europe, this resort attracts some twelve million visitors annually. It is a wonderful adventure for those keen on spending a day outside the city in the world of magic and among Disney characters. Also, between April and October, families who would like to teach their children a bit of French history can take a 30-kilometre day trip to the Asterix Amusement Park, named after a character from a popular French comic strip. The Charles de Gaulle Airport bus station provides transportation to this amusement park.

Another popular French theme park for young and old alike is the ‘entertainment venue of the future’, Futuroscope, located near Poitiers. This multimedia park, accentuating audio-visual techniques, features the Digital City, the new IMAX 3D, The Robot Zoo, and many more attractions providing education and fun. It is advisable to devote two days for exploring this world of illusions. Futuroscope’s opening hours and events programme vary, depending on the season of the year.

Nature buffs will appreciate a visit to the Aquarium du Val de Loire, which holds two million litres of water and 10,000 species of fish, the largest such reservoir in Europe. A 15-metre long shark tunnel immerses visitors in the midst of sharks and related aquatic life. On certain days, visitors can take part in the feeding of the sharks and caimans. Rare tropical fishes are also on display, as well as turtles, piranhas and alligators.

France boasts of some 130 public casinos, with the French Riviera as one of the most popular gambling destinations, as well as such resorts in Nice and Cannes. The summer golden beaches of France are also an alluring attraction, as well as the snow-capped Alps in winter, ideal for skiing. Chamonix, a popular winter sports resort and town, is also located at the foot of Europe’s largest mountain, Mont Blanc.