Brillant family days out at Bagatelle theme park

 

With a fantastic location just over an hour by road from the major ferry port and Eurotunnel exit point of Calais, Parc Bagatelle theme park ranks highly among French tourist attractions thanks to its mix of rides for all ages, from tots to thrill-loving teens. Without ever being too crowded, this little gem is also great value for money when compared with bigger UK theme parks.

Little ones have the run of a traditional merry-go-round and even their own designated area, Baggy Land, which is full of gentle rides and attractions ranging from a ball pool to a kids’ coaster. There’s also the charming Ferme des Petits, where younger visitors adore petting animals including a cow, horses, donkeys and more besides.

Meanwhile, older kids and adults make a bee-line for more challenging rides including Le Triops, a rollercoaster that takes you up upside-down over the course of its vertiginous journey. Several water rides include Le Raft, Les Aqua-Boom and Le Rapido slide, and those who love magic tricks enjoy the regularly hosted Crazy Show.

 

What is there to eat?

Now, despite its name, located slightly inland, thanks to the silting up of the surrounding marshland, Montreuil-sur-Mer – most famous for having inspired part of Victor Hugo’s world-renowned Les Misérables – is a delightful spot for a family break. Kids particularly love a romp around the ramparts of its well-maintained Citadel, which offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.  

On Bastille Day (the French National Day: 14th July), Montreuil-sur-Mer hosts one of Northern France’s biggest and most hotly anticipated flea market, and the streets are filled with families strolling around browsing the quirky stalls before congregating in the evening to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display. And there are plenty of characterful, family-friendly hotels, B&Bs and other forms of accommodation in and Montreuil, including old inns and even a former tannery, along with an array of great places to eat with kids.

 

Just east of Montreuil-sur-Mer in the bucolic setting Hesmond, there’s outdoors fun combined with learning to be had at the cheese farm Halte d’Autrefois. Here, in a traditional farmhouse setting, all the family can take part in the milking of the goats as well as stocking up on goat’s cheese and sourdough bread straight from the bakehouse…

 

Meanwhile, the coast to the west of Montreuil-sur-Mer also beckons. Here, the child-friendly resort of Berck-sur-Mer is a family favourite for its fine-sand beach and for its safe cycle route that takes you along the seafront Promenade du Docteur Debeyre to the Baie d’Authie. Stop by the Nautical Club Berckois at the entrance to the bay at around 2.30pm, before low tide, and you may well be lucky enough to see the colony of seas that resides here. 

There are also lovely walks to be had in the area of dunes right by the Nautical Club, at the end of the Chemin aux Raisins, from where you can take in delightful views over the bay. Elsewhere in Berck, the church is notable for its nave in the shape of an upside-down boat, while Le Succès Berckois hosts demonstrations showing how to make its famous berlingots and other sweets. All combined, these activities make Berck-sur-Mer truly stand out among France tourist attractions that are perfect with kids.

 

 

 

After exploring the resort, refuel in the charming tea-room Une Girafe Dans Mon Salon de Thé, with its home-made cakes and delicious hot chocolate and coffee, together with books and board games encouraging you to linger and spend more precious family time together. For a full meal, don’t miss La Grignotte with its mussels, grills, Welshes (melted cheese with beer over bread, mustard and ham, served with a fried egg) and wonderful desserts, all served in a cosy family atmosphere.