Nearly 2 million people visit Futuroscope every year. It is also one of the most popular parks in France, along with Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix, and Puy du Fou. So, how should you prepare for your visit, how much time should you plan for it, and when is the best time to go to Futuroscope? Discover our advice and tips to make the most of this visit!
The best time to go to Futuroscope
Futuroscope can be pretty busy on certain days. In the off-season, there are about 3000 people in the park, compared to over 15000 during the high season. The queues can then become unpleasant. It is best to avoid going to Futuroscope during school holidays to avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
The best times to visit Futuroscope are at the end of May, June, and September. It is not completely off-season during these periods, but the queues remain reasonable. Plus, the weather is often very good – neither too hot nor too cold – perfect for fully enjoying the park.
Shows. Some shows are not performed on certain days. For example, the magical children’s show “Illusio” only happens on weekends and public holidays.
If you are going to Futuroscope with your family, the best time to go is during the weekends in June or September. February can also be an option, although it will be cold. Another option is to take a “Pass Premium+” for 5 fast-track accesses to attractions. It’s perfect for making the most of the day. There is also a “Pass Gold” with unlimited priority access for 1 person. To book a pass, you must order the ticket on the Futuroscope website and add the option at the end of the order.
Tickets to visit Futuroscope?
The price of the entrance ticket to Futuroscope varies depending on the day of the visit. Prices range from 35€ to 55€. The Futuroscope website often has promotional offers (click here to see them).
In advance. When you are certain of the dates, you can buy tickets that allow up to 30% savings or even 40% for children’s tickets. (see prices here).
Why go to Futuroscope?
Great surprise. Visitors to Futuroscope often say that the park is a great surprise. The attractions are fantastic, and the park is well organized. You don’t get lost, it’s easy to find your way around, and you have a great time. Plus, the unique architecture of the buildings amidst the greenery is splendid. Moreover, the park is better rated on Google Maps than other well-known ones like Port Aventura in Barcelona.
The best attractions. The most popular attraction at Futuroscope remains Dance with the Robots. It has been modernized from Kamel Ouali’s original version. In this attraction, articulated arms, typically used in car factories, move you in all directions. Also noteworthy are “The Extraordinary Voyage”, the roller coaster “Objective Mars”, or the legendary “Dynamic Vienne”.
Tips for visiting Futuroscope
Opening hours. The park’s hours change depending on the seasons. The park generally opens at 10 am and closes between 9 pm and 10:30 pm. The evening show takes place 30 minutes before closing. You can check the schedules on the official website.
Height requirement of 1m20. Many attractions have a minimum height limit. It can be disappointing for children to be unable to do an attraction because they are too short. The limit is often 1m20.
Picnic. You can have a picnic in the park. You can even leave the park to eat elsewhere and return later, meaning a temporary exit.
TGV Access. If you come by TGV to visit Futuroscope, note that there is direct access from the train station via a footbridge. With the footbridge, you arrive at the back of the Futuroscope, near “Dance with the Robots.” It’s super convenient to start right from the park’s opening because those who enter through the main access must cross the whole park before reaching here.
Period. To maximize the experience, it is better to visit Futuroscope at the end of May, June, and July. There are many indoor attractions, so you can enjoy the park even when it rains.
How not to wait at Futuroscope?
On some days, the park is calm, and you can visit peacefully. On other days, however, you can spend between 40 minutes and 1 hour waiting for each attraction, which can be frustrating. Here are some tips to optimize your visit to Futuroscope.
Use the Single Rider queue. On some attractions, a special “single rider” queue can be used to fill available seats. This method allows you to enter almost immediately. It’s not available everywhere, but it’s possible at least on “The Time Machine” and “Dynamic. “
Reserve your spot in Lineberty. This app is available for certain attractions (for example: La Vienne Dynamique, The Extraordinary Journey, Sebastien Loeb Racing Xperience) and allows you to be virtually in the queue. An estimated waiting time is indicated, and when it’s your turn, you must present yourself at the attraction to enter almost directly.
Monitor waiting times live. The Futuroscope app shows live waiting times for attractions. You can then adapt and prioritize other attractions with shorter wait times.
Eat late. Usually, visitors take their lunch break between 12pm and 2pm. Therefore, there is generally less waiting during this period. If you can eat later, you can take full advantage of this time.
Premium and Gold Passes. A Priority Pass can be purchased when ordering. This is perfect if you go to Futuroscope during the high season, for instance, in the summer.
Period. There are quieter periods than others. Late May, June, and September, and on a weekday, are the best times to go to Futuroscope. The weather is often ideal, and there is not too much crowd.
How long does it take to visit Futuroscope?
Visiting Futuroscope in 1 day
You must be quick and optimize your visit to do all the attractions. When you go to Futuroscope alone or with friends, it is possible to visit in 1 day. However, the experience is more stressful and less enjoyable for families with children. Then you do not have the time to visit everything and have to choose in advance what you won’t do at Futuroscope.
With the evening show, the day ends quite late, and I find it convenient to stay the night before or after in a nearby hotel to make the day easier. And if you’re going to stay there, why not extend your stay with a second day in the park? The rates are decreasing with a ticket valid for several days!
Futuroscope in 2 days + 1 night
With two days and one night at Futuroscope, you have time to stroll between attractions and take your time to visit. It’s more relaxed when you come with family and children.
How to get to Futuroscope
Futuroscope Park is located in the Vienne department, next to Poitiers, in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou. The most convenient way to get to Futuroscope is by car or train.
By car. The park is about 330km from Paris (3.5 hours of travel) and 260km from Bordeaux. The closest parking lot is a paid one, in front of the Futuroscope.
By train. There is a train station with direct access to Futuroscope. And there are direct trains from Paris to Futuroscope in less than 2 hours! It is also possible to take a faster train to Poitiers and then take a taxi.
Address: Av. René Monory, 86360 Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France
Official website: futuroscope.com
What to do around Futuroscope
If you visit the region, you can see Château de Chenonceau or Zoo de Beauval (Coming Soon), a 1.5-hour drive away, or even Puy du Fou (Coming Soon) at a 2-hour drive.
Hotels for stay at Futuroscope
There are several hotels next to the park. The most convenient is to book a package with the hotel and tickets directly on the Futuroscope website.
Three hotels allow direct access to the park, with a dedicated bridge. It’s very convenient for visiting the park. You have to book through the official Futuroscope website for these accommodations.
The other hotels are a bit further away, and it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the entrance of Futuroscope. The first part is where you walk on the sidewalk, and the second half is a pedestrian path only. Thus, the journey is easily done on foot. We find all the usual chains:
There are restrictions on some attractions for people under 1m20 in height (for example, Dancing with Robots)
Yes.
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