All about Futuroscope, the french multimedia theme park

Since 1987, Futuroscope has been delighting visitors from all over the world with its innovative multimedia attractions. This theme park, located near Poitiers in the Vienne department, is dedicated to the latest technologies and offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. If you are planning a trip to France, don’t forget to add Futuroscope to your itinerary! In this article, we will give you a brief overview of the history and attractions of Futuroscope, as well as practical information on how to get there and organize your stay.

The birth of Futuroscope

The Futuroscope project appeared in 1982 on the initiative of René Monory, then President of the General Council of Vienne. At the time, the latter wanted to raise public awareness of new information and communication technologies. In 1983 the department thus created the observatory of the future which was quickly renamed Futuroscope. The project is located in the town of Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, a town in Vienne located about twenty minutes from Poitiers. From 1985, the Futuroscope grew with the development of several activity zones around the project and the appearance of thematic pavilions, thus forming the “park of the future”. The Futuroscope also changes its name to become the “Parc du Futuroscope”. In 1986, a stage of the Tour de France was organized on the site, allowing the technology park to develop its notoriety on an international scale. May 31, 1987 is the official opening date of the Futuroscope park to the public.

The Rabbids Time Machine
The Rabbids Time Machine

The main attractions of the park

The first attraction to open at Futuroscope was the IMAX theater in 1987. With its giant screen reminiscent of the Géode at La Villette, this cinema offers an immersive experience that is still unique today. The films screened there are a real highlight of a visit to Futuroscope and generally have a theme related to multimedia or the latest technologies. In 1988, the Futuroscope park launched its first dynamic cinema and the following year a cinema in relief, as well as a 3D cinema. Today, the Futuroscope park has no less than 40 attractions and shows for the whole family, including:

  • Dance with robots : this sensational attraction simulates robots that dance and transport you up to 7 meters high.
  • Dynamic Vienna : a dynamic cinema with sensory effects which opened in 1994.
  • The Gyrotour : a rotating observation tower, allows you to admire the extent of the Futuroscope park and its surroundings by being hoisted more than 45 meters above the ground.
  • In the eyes of Thomas Pesquet : this film broadcast in IMAX allows you to discover incredible images of the Earth taken by the famous astronaut during his mission.

The rewarded attractions of Futuroscope

Futuroscope is a theme park that has won many prestigious prizes and awards. It notably received the European Star Award in 1991, 1992 and 1993 for its attractions: The IMAX cinema, the dynamic film “Experience” and the circular cinemas.

  • Extraordinary journey : the attraction that makes spectators soar like birds was voted best European attraction in 2017.
  • Objective Mars : this attraction which allows you to conquer space was voted the best new roller coaster in Europe in 2020.
  • The time machine : the famous attraction featuring Rabbids was voted the best attraction in the world in 2014!
  • Arthur, the 4D adventure : this journey to the heart of the Minimoys world was voted the best attraction in the world in 2011.
  • The key to dreams : This aquatic and magical 3-dimensional show was voted best show in 2021.
  • Illusio, a magical destiny : this magic show which plunges spectators into a world of illusions, was voted the best magic show in France.
Objectif Mars, elected best rollercoaster in Europe in 2020
Objectif Mars, elected best rollercoaster in Europe in 2020

Some tips for organising your stay

The Futuroscope park is open every day of the year from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and a night show is scheduled every evening at 9 p.m. Located on the territory of the commune of Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, in the department of Vienne, the park is accessible by the A10 motorway, exit Futuroscope or by TGV, by going to the station of Poitiers. A TER is available between Poitiers SNCF station and Futuroscope station.

Prices and ticket reservations can be made on the futuroscope website ( www.futursocope.com ) or on site when you arrive. For the year 2022, the ticket prices are as follows:

  • Adult (13 years and over): ticket price: €48 on site and for 1 day
  • Child (5-12 years old): ticket price: 39€ on site and for 1 day
  • Adult (13 years and over): ticket price: €86 on site and for 2 days
  • Child (5-12 years old): ticket price: €69 on site and for 2 days
  • Free for children under 5 years old.

Accommodation near Futuroscope

  • The Futuroscope hotel : accessible from the park, from 107 euros per night and per person (ticket + hotel)
  • The Hotel du Parc : this hotel is located less than 10 minutes walk from the park, from 109 euros per night and per person (ticket + hotel)
  • The IBIS hotel from 113 euros, per night and per person (ticket + hotel)
  • The Kyriad hotel from 114 euros, per night and per person (ticket + hotel)
  • The Campanile hotel from 117 euros, per night and per person (ticket + hotel)
  • The Mercure hotel from 127 euros, per night and per person (ticket + hotel)

The Futuroscope park also provides the public and families with games and leisure areas dedicated to children, as well as a selection of restaurants directly accessible on site. All the information is available on the website dedicated to the Futuroscope park.

Reception of the Futuroscope hotel
Reception of the Futuroscope hotel

Futuroscope visitors

In 1997, the Futuroscope park welcomed nearly 3 million visitors, making it to this day its record in terms of attendance. It is mainly the French who visit the park, and the Spaniards represent nearly 40% of visitors in 2009. In 2010, a quarter of visitors to the park were English, the other quarter came from Benelux. In 2019, just before the COVID Pandemic, annual attendance at the Futuroscope park was nearly 2 million visitors. It should also be noted that almost one out of two visitors chose the 2-day pass during a stay at the park. Futuroscope also provides an ideal setting for companies wishing to organize a conference or seminar, especially during the summer months. Lounge, hotel, restaurant… everything is available on site to motivate and amaze employees!

More information on www.futuroscope.com/en

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