Futuroscope, Poitiers

Theme Park in Poitiers

Futuroscope is a futuristic theme park unlike anywhere else in France, set in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou just outside Poitiers. Instead of traditional roller coasters and fairy-tale castles, you get sleek pavilions filled with multimedia adventures, 4D experiences, and virtual journeys that turn cinema into something you can feel as well as see. With more than 40 attractions and shows, it has grown into one of the best places to visit in Poitiers for families, tech fans, and anyone who enjoys inventive themed entertainment.

From the moment you arrive, the architecture and landscaping make you feel as though you have stepped into a science-fiction set, with angular buildings, reflective pools, and soundscapes that build anticipation. Inside, major attractions like Destination Mars, Tornado Chasers, The Extraordinary Journey, and Arthur the 4D Adventure mix motion simulation, giant screens, and clever storytelling to keep both adults and children engaged. After dark, the Aquaféerie La Forge aux Étoiles night show and spectacular water, light, and music effects turn the park into a huge open-air theatre, and the whole experience is often visited on walking-tours of Poitiers and its surroundings as a full-day or overnight excursion.

History and Significance of Futuroscope
Things to See and Do in Futuroscope
How to Get to Futuroscope
Practical Tips on Visiting Futuroscope
Where to Stay close to Futuroscope
Is Futuroscope Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Futuroscope
Nearby Attractions to Futuroscope

History and Significance of Futuroscope

Futuroscope opened in the late 1980s as an ambitious project to showcase new imaging technologies and immersive cinema, long before virtual reality became a buzzword. Rather than copying classic amusement parks, it was conceived as a futuristic landscape where education, innovation, and entertainment could blend. Over time, the site evolved from a technology showcase into a fully fledged theme park, but it has always retained its focus on visual storytelling and sensory experiences.

The park's pavilions and attractions have been regularly updated to keep pace with new media, from IMAX and 3D cinema to motion platforms, interactive dark rides, and VR headsets. This constant renewal means that even returning visitors usually find something new to experience, whether it is a reimagined classic or a completely new ride. At the same time, Futuroscope has become an important employer and economic anchor for Chasseneuil-du-Poitou and the wider Poitiers area, drawing visitors from across France and beyond.

Beyond its role as a leisure destination, Futuroscope is also a symbol of regional identity and ambition. It helped brand the area as a hub for innovation and digital media, attracting businesses, conferences, and events that build on the park's futuristic image. For many travellers, a day at Futuroscope is not just about thrills but about seeing how technology, creativity, and regional development can come together in a single, coherent project.

Things to See and Do in Futuroscope

The headline attractions at Futuroscope are a must, especially if this is your first visit. Destination Mars sends you on a high-energy, family-friendly roller coaster that simulates an interstellar mission, with launches, sudden changes of direction, and visual effects that make space travel feel surprisingly real. Tornado Chasers, meanwhile, plunges you into the centre of a powerful storm, using a mix of giant screens, moving platforms, and sound design to create an intense yet accessible experience.

The Extraordinary Journey is one of the park’s most memorable attractions, lifting you into a suspended theatre that glides in front of a huge curved screen as you “fly” over five continents. Wind, scents, and motion add to the sensation of travel, making it a good choice even for visitors who are not fans of traditional thrill rides. Arthur the 4D Adventure brings the whimsical world of Arthur and the Invisibles to life with a fast-paced, family-oriented ride that combines humour, storytelling, and dynamic movement in a richly detailed environment.

Outside the pavilions, make time for Aquaféerie La Forge aux Étoiles, the nighttime show that uses fountains, projections, lasers, and music to transform the park’s water features into a dreamlike stage. During the day, Le Turbo Splash offers a refreshing burst of adrenaline, lifting you several metres into the air before a dramatic water plunge, while the Aérobar lets you enjoy drinks with a view as you are gently hoisted high above the park for panoramic vistas. Between rides, you can slow down in landscaped areas, themed play zones for children, and quieter corners that offer space to rest and people-watch.

How to Get to Futuroscope

Futuroscope is located in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, a short distance north of Poitiers, and is well signposted from major routes. The nearest airport is Poitiers-Biard, with additional options in cities such as Paris or Bordeaux if you are arriving from further afield. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Poitiers on Booking.com. From these airports you can continue your journey by rental car, train, or long-distance coach towards Poitiers and Futuroscope.

By train, Futuroscope is particularly convenient: there is a dedicated Futuroscope station on certain routes, and frequent services run to nearby Poitiers from Paris and other French cities.You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. From Poitiers station, you can reach the park by local train, shuttle services, or taxis, making it easy to visit even if you do not plan to drive.

If you prefer to travel by car, Futuroscope sits close to the A10 motorway, with clearly marked exits and large car parks designed to handle the daily flow of visitors.If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Driving gives you flexibility with arrival and departure times, and can be especially useful if you are combining Futuroscope with a wider road trip around Poitiers, the Vienne department, or the nearby Loire and Atlantic regions.

Practical Tips on Visiting Futuroscope

Suggested tips: Plan your day around showtimes and popular attractions, arriving early for the biggest rides and using quieter periods for indoor shows or breaks.
Best time to visit: Weekdays outside school holidays are generally quieter, while summer and festive periods offer longer opening hours and a livelier atmosphere.
Entrance fee: Ticket prices vary by season and package; check current rates, family deals, and combined hotel offers.
Opening hours: Opening times change seasonally, with extended hours and night shows in peak periods; confirm on the official site before your visit.
Official website: https://www.arena-futuroscope.com/
How long to spend: Most visitors find that a full day is the minimum to experience the main attractions, and two days allow a more relaxed pace and repeat rides.
Accessibility: The park is generally well adapted, with step-free routes, accessible facilities, and information on ride access; check details in advance if you have specific needs.
Facilities: Expect multiple restaurants, snack bars, picnic areas, shops, and family facilities such as baby-changing areas and lockers throughout the park.
Photography tip: Capture the dramatic architecture and night-time light displays as well as ride moments; a waterproof case can be handy for attractions involving water.
Guided tours: While most visitors explore independently, special experiences, fast-track options, and packages may be available, especially in high season.
Nearby food options: Beyond the many on-site eateries, the surrounding area includes hotels and roadside restaurants, useful if you are staying overnight or arriving the evening before.

Where to Stay close to Futuroscope

Staying overnight near Futuroscope can make your visit much more relaxed, especially if you want to enjoy the night show without worrying about a long journey back. Right on the doorstep of the park, Hotel du Futuroscope offers simple, practical accommodation with direct access to the attractions, ideal for families who plan to spend most of their time inside the park. For a slightly more stylish base still within easy walking distance, Hotel Plaza Futuroscope combines comfortable rooms with facilities such as a pool and on-site dining. If you prefer a budget-friendly option with good value, ibis budget Site du Futuroscope keeps costs down while leaving you only a short stroll or quick shuttle ride from the park gates.

Is Futuroscope Worth Visiting

Futuroscope is absolutely worth visiting if you enjoy imaginative attractions that go beyond the classic theme park formula. It manages to blend technology, storytelling, and thrills in a way that works for mixed-age groups, with plenty to keep both adults and children engaged throughout the day. Whether you are gliding over the world on The Extraordinary Journey, bracing yourself in Tornado Chasers, or watching the night show reflections ripple across the water, the park delivers a distinctive, futuristic experience that you will not easily find elsewhere in France.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (83,395)

Futuroscope in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou is a futuristic, largely indoor theme park focused on high-tech multimedia experiences, 3D and 4D cinemas and motion simulators; visitors praise its family-friendly attractions, varied food and drink options, relaxed atmosphere and impressive evening light show, though some exhibits feel dated and may require decent French or a working translation app to fully enjoy, and food quality and prices draw mixed comments.

Paul Vivas

a month ago

"Favourite Park of my son in FrancenThis is a great place to come if you like science & Technology. The kids liked it so much that we came twice onthe course of 2 years. They have many attractions and great amenities. Highly recommended!..."

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Karl Thomas

2 months ago

"This was an enjoyable visit, helped by being almost deserted in the first week of October. As anyone considering going will know its more aboutexperiences than rides, and many were good. Some however are begi ing to feel a little dated. The rapid progress in computer imaging means some of the older ones are feeling a bit low res. I'd be dissapointed with many if I'd needed to wait 45mins to see them. Your French needs to be fairly good to enjoy it. There is a wifi app that suposedly allows for simultaneous translations of many if the 'exhibits', I could never get it to work. The light show at the end was fabulous, and the food available in the park is amazing. No greasy burgers here...."

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Matt- Fuller-Gmail

4 months ago

"What a great and different theme park. We didn't know what to expect as one of the kids found it on Google Maps so we went at 5pm the same day(cheaper tickets). It was really good. You probably need the while day to get round all major attractions, I think there's 22. But we went on loads and did most of the top 10 rides (according to Google searches and AI). Plenty of food and drink places and the Cique de Soller show at 10pm was worth staying on for. A fun evening for this family of 4...."

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FAQs for Visiting Futuroscope

Futuroscope is in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, just north of Poitiers in western France, and is only a short drive or train ride from the city, making it easy to combine with a stay in Poitiers.

Yes, the park is designed for families, with a mix of gentle attractions, interactive experiences, and play areas alongside more intense rides, so there is usually something appropriate for every age group.

You can experience many of the main attractions in a single full day, but staying for two days allows you to explore at a more relaxed pace, repeat your favourite rides, and fully enjoy the evening shows.

There are numerous restaurants, snack bars, and kiosks throughout the park, offering everything from quick bites to sit-down meals, as well as spots for coffee, ice cream, and treats.

Yes, many visitors arrive by train to the dedicated Futuroscope station or via Poitiers, then use local transport or short taxi rides to reach the park, so a car is convenient but not essential.

The park operates most of the year with varied opening periods and hours, including closures or reduced schedules in the quieter months, so it is important to check the official calendar before planning your trip.

Nearby Attractions to Futuroscope

Poitiers historic centre: A charming old town with Romanesque churches, medieval streets, and lively squares, perfect for a cultural contrast to the high-tech park.
Musee Sainte-Croix Poitiers: The city's main museum, combining archaeology from prehistory to Roman times with fine arts and a strong sculpture collection.
City Walls of Poitiers: Surviving stretches of Roman and medieval fortifications that make for an atmospheric walk around the edge of the historic plateau.
Parc de Blossac Poitiers: A large landscaped park with formal gardens, fountains, and viewpoints over the valley, ideal for a relaxing stroll.
Roman Sanxay: An impressive Gallo-Roman sanctuary complex with temple, amphitheatre, and baths set in peaceful countryside, reachable as a rewarding half-day trip from the park area.

The Futuroscope appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poitiers!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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