6 family outings in Normandy this winter

1. Biotropica

Parc de Léry Poses

The animal garden

A great idea for a family outing in Normandy: take a trip to Biotropica, the large animal park near Paris and Rouen. Boasting Europe’s largest tropical zoological greenhouse, you can wander around to visit the exotic animals while keeping warm, cool isn’t it?

For those aged 12 and over, treat them to an exceptional afternoon by offering them the chance to join the team of animal caretakers. They’ll accompany them to clean the living areas and feed all the animals in the park! Maybe it will give them a taste for household chores…

Crocodile swimming in its tank at Biotropica in Val-De-Reuil, Eure, Normandy — ©Hugues-Marie DUCLOS

A red panda lying peacefully on its belly, resting on a branch in the Biotropica zoo in the Eure region of Normandy, surrounded by verdant foliage under a soft glow of light. — ©Discover serenity incarnate with this red panda relaxed in its naturally reconstituted habitat at Biotropica zoo.|M. Thierry

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2. Glacéo

Louviers

©Glaceo with your family|Thierry Martrou

Photo of the Louviers Glaceo skating rink showroom, Eure, Normandy — ©Thierry Martrou

©Family afternoon at Glacéo|Thierry Martrou

The ice rink

We’re leaving the tropical climate behind to return to the Eure winter. Head for Glacéo: the state-of-the-art skating rink in Louviers, one of the biggest rinks in Normandy.

Ice skating isn’t just practised here, it’s available in a range of family activities, each more “fun” than the last to discover the pleasures of sliding. On the programme: hockey, football, bubble football and broomball, all on ice!

After such family activities, there’ll be no trouble making way for bedtime come the evening.

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3. Caséo

the pool

Taking the kids to the pool? Far-fetched as a proposal for a winter family outing in Normandy, but wait a minute.

Outdoors, it’s cold, all the cats are grey and not just at night any more. In Caséo, it’s warm, at 29 degrees the water is heated. Children will have fun in the play pool thanks to the play area and entertainment.

Let your partner look after the children and escape to the relaxing SPA corner! For the bravest (or craziest) a fully-equipped gym awaits you upstairs, ideal for warming up.

©2014 02 22 Caseoimg visit 6416|Agglomeration Seine-Eure

child with float bathing in the caseo swimming pool in Louviers, Normandy — ©Children's equipment |Hugues-Marie DUCLOS

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4. Rally surveys

Louviers / Poses

Trail games

Winter also offers charming scenery in the countryside. Everything is quiet, the chimneys are smoking, it’s pleasant to walk around. After a good restaurant, for example, why not stroll through a village and let the children investigate with the rally kit?

You’ve got the choice: from a small village on the banks of the Seine to a small Normandy town crossed by the Eure, you should find something to suit you. Go to the family investigations page to choose your destination!

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5. Anymania

Val-De-Reuil

Child with a pony during a visit to anymania farm — ©Anymania Farm|Hugo Malliard

Animal shelter

Visiting the animals, but this time the ones at the farm at Anymania. Here’s a greatfamily outing idea, whatever the season.

Great hearts will appreciate this place whose mission is to offer a second life to animals in difficulty. After visiting the site and learning about its occupants, get your child to take part in the workshop making fat balls to feed the birds in winter.

Take the opportunity to eat a crêpe at the snack bar and taste some local produce, it always goes cream!!

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6. Augmented Walks

Pont de l'Arche - Poses

history and virtual reality

What if letting them play with the phone was a family activity for once? Alert to the great tourist innovation with augmented walks!”

First head to Pont de l’Arche in Normandy to discover this small medieval town through an app combining a game of enquiry and virtual reality. A great way to wander around its historic centre, whose charm is revealed just as well in winter.

To take part in the adventure we meet up at the Louviers tourist office or at a partner site in Pont-de-l’Arche to pick up your free virtual reality helmet… your armour and your horse (Of course we’re joking, neither armour nor horses will be provided but there’s nothing to stop you bringing your own equipment…)

And to continue the adventure, also discover la Balade Sonore de Poses! A walk accompanied by a funny and poetic audio story to find out all about the life and history of 19th century bargemen in this typical village of boatmen on the Seine.