AD Press Trip.  Last weekend we headed off to Les Villages Nature Paris which opened in September 2017.  We had an incredible time from the moment we arrived until our reluctant departure on the Monday.  It’s really was the most perfect family destination, the resort had so much to offer.  You have the excitement of Disneyland Paris a short bus journey away but also the peace and tranquility this resort offers.

Les Villages Nature Paris is divided into five exciting recreational worlds.  I liked that there was plenty to keep the kids occupied.  You don’t even have to spend much when you arrive, so much is included in the price.  But I do think it’s worth booking a few activities.  They offer so much variety and we found the staff to be warm and accommodating.

We were booked on to a chocolate making workshop.  The staff knew so much about the subject, explaining all the tools and processes used to make chocolate.  It was so informative but pitched in an entertaining way.

Best of all you left with the chocolate you created!  I bonded with one of the staff members over my messy chocolate making technique!  She really was lovely.

Getting Around

We had no problems navigating the site, the maps make it quite clear.  Although it’s worthwhile hiring bikes as the resort is vast and your kids might tire easily otherwise.  We had a good workout exploring all the cycle trials.  I think its fantastic that you have such a big outside space to explore with your family.

There is a complimentary shuttle bus that takes you around the site too.  But we were quite happy to stretch our legs after the Eurostar journey so walked with our luggage to our accommodation.  On arrival we were given connected wristbands which we could use to get a locker at the pool or charge it with credits for the Action Factory.  It’s great not having to carry cash about.

Aqualagon

I think the boy’s favourite world was the Aqualagon which is one of the biggest water parks in Europe.  On our first night we joined in the influencer Christmas party.  The French know how to party, we had Christmas music, reindeer inflatables and antlers!  We also enjoyed an aqua gym taster session.  The instructor was very friendly and enthusiastic.  I have never tried anything like this before, but he was encouraging and engaging.  They had exercise bikes, trampolines and weights in the water.  What a fantastic way to keep fit!

On Monday we spent three hours in the pool, which is quite a record for us.  Usually my husband and I end up clock watching wondering the earliest point we can get out without the boys grumbling.   We were spoilt with choice here.  There was a water playhouse, hot tubs, a rock course, slides, wave pool, rapids and an outside obstacle course.  I especially liked being able to swim outside in December!  Initially I was worried it might be cold, but it did warm up once we started swimming.

Most importantly the Aqualagon felt very safe, there were plenty of lifeguards who kept a close eye on everyone in the pool.  Outside it looks like they are housed in guard towers!  But it just goes to show how vigilant they are.  Dotted around the water park are lots of life jackets you can help yourself to when in the water, ideal to keep the little ones safe.

Ferme Bellevie

We enjoyed meeting the gorgeous ponies.  You are free to walk around the farm during its opening hours.  They also had cows, donkeys, geese, rabbits, goats, sheep and ferrets.  The animals seemed well cared for and happy.  They close the farm midday to give the animals a rest break.

This area also has an impressive indoor farm themed play area, so make the most of the tempting cakes in the tearoom and let your children burn off some energy!

Extraordinary Gardens

I can imagine this area coming to life in the warmer months, when the garden blooms.  We still liked walking round and the boys enjoyed playing two games.  They had to answers questions, complete actions and progress around giant boards.  It was very educational.  Les Villages Nature Paris have worked hard to develop a resort that combines nature and learning.

Forest of Legends

The boys were big fans of this enchanted forest playground.  They had nets, slides and rope bridges.

The design looked very magical!

Lakeside Promenade

This is the hub of the resort, with a well-stocked shop, bakery, lots of restaurants, bowling and the action factory.  We also went out on lake on an electric boat, it cost €20.50 for 30 minutes and life jackets were also provided.  A trip on the lake wouldn’t be complete without a boat selfie!

The Action Factory was well worth a visit, we had the most hilarious time singing in the karaoke box.  I haven’t laughed that much in ages.  Also, you must try the bat interactive game, you keep having to make sounds to be able to see your way around the cave as you try and catch the most bugs!  We really made so many precious memories on this trip.  You really can’t put a price on that.  A holiday at Les Villages Nature Paris really connected us as a family.

Just look how cute the kids bowling ramp is.

I love the details like this that make your holiday that bit more special.  Les Villages Nature Paris don’t do anything by halves.  I really couldn’t get over how beautifully designed each of the buildings were.

Sustainable Resort

A big part of Les Villages Nature is supporting sustainable tourism by minimizing its ecological footprint.  Wildflowers and woodlands grow freely, geothermal energy heats the site and you are encouraged to use public transport.  When they developed the site, Les Villages Nature planted 28,000 new trees and 430,000 new shrubs you really do feel a strong affinity with nature here.

Accommodation

Our accommodation was a three-bedroom Country Premium cottage which was immaculate and modern.

Downstairs is open plan and the kitchen is well equipped.  Not that we had time to cook for ourselves, we were fortunate enough to try out each of the onsite restaurants.  A must try is the cookie dessert at Miam Miam Burger and the risotto at Vapiano.

We had a patio to sit outside with a woodland view.  You can also book cottages with a lakeside view and feed swans in the morning!  We had breakfast delivered each morning (which is available for an extra charge).  There was fresh croissants and choc au pans from the bakery and orange juice, hot chocolate, Nutella and jam.  It really was the best way to start each day!

How Much Does It Cost?

A three-night stay in Country Premium accommodation arriving 31^st of July 2020 costs from £835 total for a family of four (two adults and two children aged 3 – 17 years).

We also spent a day at Disneyland Paris thanks to Magic Breaks, you can include tickets when you book your stay.  I will be writing all about our day in Disneyland Paris in a separate post, as we crammed in so much magic and fun that day it really does deserve its own post.