Family adventures – a visit to Parc Asterix and Merlins Castle - Pierrefonds

For an action-packed holiday with the kids in the French countryside, Picardy is hard to beat – and it’s also within easy reach of Paris for those tempted by a day-trip into the capital.

There’s family fun to be had all over the region, inside and out, but two attractions stand out for those considering holidays in France. The first is the Parc Astérix, a themepark based on the world-famous, much-loved books by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. Just over 20 miles north of Paris, it offers rollercoasters and rides for all ages, based on different civilisations including Ancient Gauls, Romans, ancient Greeks, Vikings and Egyptians. The park is open from April to October, daily from 10am to 6pm, and there’s a family-friendly on-site hotel, the forest-set Hôtel des Trois Hiboux.

The Oise département is also home to the stunning Château de Pierrefonds, which you and the kids may recognise as a filming location for the BBC's ‘Merlin’ or from other shows including ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’ and ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. Medieval in origin but reconstructed in the Romantic style by famed architect Viollet-le-Duc in the 17th century, it looks for all the world like something out of a fairytale with its white towers with turrets on different levels.

Set in the picturesque town of the same name 60 miles north-east of Paris, Pierrefonds Castle is a magnificent setting for a family day out – kids love the parapet walk, the imperial apartments with their period decor and the family activities. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday 10am–1pm and 2–5.30pm until April 30th, or daily 9.30am–6pm from May 2nd.