Visiting Futuroscope: advice and practical information
Located just a few kilometres from Poitiers, Futuroscope is one of Europe’s most innovative theme parks. With its high-tech attractions, immersive shows and unique sensory experiences, this futuristic theme park attracts nearly 2 million visitors every year in search of thrills and discoveries. Whether you’re with your family, friends or partner, Futuroscope promises an extraordinary day of technology, science and entertainment. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare for your visit and make the most of this must-see destination in the Vienne.
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1. What is Futuroscope?
Futuroscope is much more than just an amusement park. Inaugurated in 1987 on the initiative of René Monory, then President of the Vienne Departmental Council, this unique theme park combines cutting-edge technology, immersive cinema and unforgettable sensory experiences. Located in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, just 10 kilometres north of Poitiers, the park stands out for its futuristic architecture and its attractions based on images, multimedia and audiovisual innovations.
Unlike traditional parks, Futuroscope focuses on emotion and immersion rather than traditional rides. The attractions combine giant screens, 3D and 4D projections, augmented reality, motion simulators and special effects to transport you into extraordinary worlds. From a virtual flight over the planet’s most beautiful landscapes to an exploration of the mysteries of space, each experience is designed to awaken your senses and push back the boundaries of your imagination.
The park covers more than 70 hectares and today offers more than 40 attractions and shows for all ages. In 2024, Futuroscope reached a new milestone with the opening of Aquascope, a complementary water park, and is continuing its development with Mission Bermuda in 2025. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just curious about new technologies, Futuroscope guarantees you a day out of time.
2. The must-see attractions at Futuroscope
Futuroscope has around forty attractions, ranging from thrills and immersive shows to family experiences. Here are the must-see attractions not to be missed during your visit.
Tornado Hunters
Opening in 2022, Tornado Hunters is one of the park’s flagship attractions. This immersive experience plunges you into the heart of a devastating storm thanks to a dynamic platform that simulates the violent winds and effects of a tornado. Developed in collaboration with meteorologists, the attraction combines spectacular projections, special effects and synchronised movements for total immersion in the most extreme atmospheric phenomena. Thrills guaranteed for thrill-seekers!
Objective Mars
Opening in 2020, Objectif Mars is Futuroscope’s first rollercoaster. This space attraction takes you on an astronaut training programme with spinning cars that test your resistance to the extreme conditions of space. Between accelerations, rotations and temperature changes, you’ll experience a breathtaking cosmic adventure in a breathtaking futuristic setting. Accessible from 1m10 upwards, it’s the perfect attraction for families in search of adrenalin.
The Extraordinary Journey
Inspired by the stories of Jules Verne, L’Extraordinaire Voyage offers you an exceptional immersive flying experience. Settled into a seat suspended several metres above the ground, you fly over the world’s most beautiful landscapes: iconic monuments, breathtaking natural landscapes and breathtaking panoramas. The spellbinding music and sensory effects (wind, mist, scents) create a feeling of absolute freedom. This attraction is suitable for all the family and remains one of the park’s most popular.
The Time Machine (Rabbids)
The Rabbids are coming to Futuroscope with their offbeat sense of humour! This family attraction, inaugurated in 2013, takes you on a crazy journey through time in a time machine. From prehistoric scenes to the conquest of space, the 4D animated tableaux combine humour, technology and interactivity to delight young and old alike.
Dancing with the Robots
Updated in 2013, Dancing with the Robots offers a unique experience where technology and electro music meet. Aboard a giant robotic arm, you perform spectacular aerial choreographies to the rhythm of upbeat music. There are several levels of intensity, from gentle dancing to the most daring acrobatics, to suit everyone’s mood.
Arthur’s 4D Adventure
Immerse yourself in the fantastic world created by Luc Besson with Arthur, l’Aventure 4D. This attraction miniaturises you to help you discover the extraordinary world of the Minimoys. On a dynamic simulator, fly over magical forests and fairytale plains as you experience a thrilling adventure filled with 4D effects (water, wind, smells). An enchanting journey that will delight the whole family.
Futuropolis
The youngest visitors have not been forgotten! Futuropolis, opening in 2019, is an area entirely dedicated to children, with 21 fun and educational activities. Mini-boats, water playgrounds, house-building, firemen’s course… Toddlers can discover technology and ecology while having fun in this safe, colourful world.
La Clé des Songes (night show)
Every evening, Futuroscope lights up for a magical night-time show. La Clé des Songes combines monumental projections on water, light shows, dancing fountains and pyrotechnic effects in a breathtaking 25-minute show. It’s the perfect way to round off your day in the park. The show is included in the entrance ticket and starts between 8.30pm and 10.45pm, depending on the season.
Mission Bermuda (new in 2025)
Futuroscope’s big new feature for 2025! Mission Bermuda plunges you into the mysterious Bermuda Triangle aboard aquatic boats. This unique attraction combines water rides, immersive scenery and special effects for a breathtaking aquatic adventure. Accessible from 1.05m, it promises to quickly become one of the park’s must-sees.
Download the audio tour to discover Poitiers on foot and on your own
Make the most of your stay in the region to explore Poitiers, the historic capital of Poitou. Our Poitiers audio tour guides you through 16 major places of interest in the historic centre: the majestic Notre-Dame-la-Grande church, Saint-Pierre cathedral, the Palais des Comtes, Saint-Jean Baptistry and many other heritage treasures. Take a 5-kilometre guided tour and discover 2,000 years of history in the heart of a town with a rich medieval and Romanesque past. Let Navaway guide you on an enriching and immersive tour of this city of a hundred steeples.
3. Opening times and calendar
Futuroscope is open all year round, with opening times varying according to the season and school holidays. Here are the general opening times:
From January to March, the park generally opens between 9.30am and 10am and closes after the night-time show at around 10pm. From April to August, in the high season, the opening hours are extended to 9am and close at 11.15pm, so you can make the most of the long summer days. From September to December, the park adjusts its opening times between 9am and 10.30pm depending on the day.
Futuroscope closes occasionally for maintenance, notably for a few days in January. In 2025, the annual closure is scheduled for 15 and 16 January. We strongly recommend that you consult the official calendar on the park’s website before your visit to find out the exact times of your visit.
The park also organises special events throughout the year. During the Christmas period, Futuroscope is decked out in lights with festive entertainment, themed shows and meetings with Father Christmas. These events enhance the experience and make a visit worthwhile even if you’re already familiar with the park.
4. Prices and tickets
Futuroscope prices vary depending on the period of your visit, the type of ticket you choose and how you book. Online booking always offers the best prices.
1-day tickets
The 1-day ticket, which can be booked online up until the day before the visit, offers a sliding scale of prices depending on the number of visitors: €46, €51 or €56 per adult and €38, €42 or €46 per child aged 5 to 12. The lowest rates generally apply during the low season and on weekdays. The same day on site, the rates are fixed: €56 per adult and €46 per child. Children under 5 are free.
2-day tickets
To make the most of the park without rushing off, the 2-day ticket is ideal. It costs €98 per adult and €80 per child. This package allows you to discover all the attractions at your own pace and enjoy the night show twice.
Stays with accommodation
Futuroscope is offering holiday packages including 2 days’ entry + 1 night’s hotel accommodation from €123 per adult. These all-inclusive offers include admission to the park, accommodation in one of the partner hotels and breakfast. It’s the most practical solution for a 100% Futuroscope weekend.
Ticket pass
To avoid queues, the Premium Pass offers priority access to the most popular attractions. This paying supplement is particularly recommended during busy periods (school holidays, weekends). Prices vary according to the season.
Tickets are personal and non-refundable. Remember to book online to get the best rates and avoid queuing at the ticket offices. The park’s car park is free, a significant advantage that makes your visit easier.
5. How to get to Futuroscope
Located in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou in the Vienne département (86360), Futuroscope is easily accessible by various means of transport.
By car
From Paris, allow around 3? hours via the A10 motorway, exit 28 “Futuroscope”. The exit leads directly to the park’s free car park. From Bordeaux, allow 2 hours 30 minutes on the A10. From Nantes, 2 hours via the A83 and then the A10. The park has large free car parks in the immediate vicinity of the entrance.
By train
The Futuroscope TGV station provides direct service to the park from Paris Montparnasse (1h50 journey time), Bordeaux, Lille and many other French cities. A pedestrian footbridge links the station to the park in just a few minutes’ walk. If you arrive at Poitiers city centre SNCF station, regular shuttle buses (lines 1 and 21 of the Vitalis network) run from the station to Futuroscope in around 25 minutes for €2 to €4.
By plane
Poitiers-Biard airport is 15 km from Futuroscope. Taxis and VTCs provide the connection in around twenty minutes. For international travellers, the airports of Nantes, Bordeaux and Paris offer better connections.
By bus
The Vitalis network serves Futuroscope from Poitiers city centre on lines 1 and 21 (line E on Sundays). The journey takes around 30 minutes.
The park’s excellent transport links make it an easily accessible destination, whether you’re coming from the region or from further afield in France.
6. Where to stay near Futuroscope
To make the most of your stay, a wide range of accommodation is available in the immediate vicinity of the park, all within easy walking distance.
Official Futuroscope hotels
Futuroscope Xperiences offers three themed hotels with direct access to the park: Hôtel Station Cosmos (4-star space atmosphere), Hôtel Ecolodgee (3-star ecological nature accommodation) and Hôtel du Futuroscope (1-star budget accommodation). These establishments offer family rooms and packages including admission to the park.
Partner hotels
Nine partner hotels, ranging from 1 to 4 stars, are less than 10 minutes’ walk from the entrance: Hôtel du Parc Pirates (family theme), Kyriad Poitiers Jules Verne, Campanile, Ibis, Ibis Budget, Altéora, B&B Hotel and Première Classe. These establishments offer all the services you’d expect (car park, restaurant, wifi) and prices to suit all budgets.
Accommodation in Poitiers
If you prefer to stay in the city, Poitiers is just a 20-minute drive from Futuroscope. The town offers a wide choice of accommodation and allows you to combine your visit to the park with discovering Poitiers’ historic heritage. Take the opportunity to explore the medieval city centre with our Poitiers audio tour, which will take you through the city’s most beautiful monuments.
Unusual accommodation
For an original experience, the region also offers unusual accommodation: tree houses, nature lodges, yurts and mushroom houses. These options offer a change of scenery while remaining within reasonable proximity of the park.
If you book your accommodation at the same time as your entrance tickets, you can often benefit from attractive discounts via the Futuroscope package deals.
7. Our tips for making the most of your visit
To make the most of your day at Futuroscope and avoid disappointment, here are our top tips.
Book your tickets online
Online booking always offers the lowest prices, so you don’t have to wait at the ticket office. Tickets can be booked up to the day before your visit. Remember to print or download your electronic tickets onto your smartphone.
Arrive early
To make the most of the park, arrive as soon as it opens. This allows you to start with the most popular attractions (Tornado Hunters, Target Mars, The Extraordinary Journey) before the queues get long. Mornings are generally quieter.
Favour low-traffic days
If your schedule allows, avoid weekends, school holidays and public holidays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays outside the holidays offer the best conditions for enjoying the park without waiting too long for the attractions.
Download the official application
The Futuroscope mobile application gives you real-time information on waiting times for each attraction, show times and an interactive map of the park. An essential tool for optimising your visit.
Plan a full day
Allow a full day to discover the main attractions of the park. If you want to enjoy all the attractions and repeat your favourites, a two-day stay is ideal. This also allows you to see the night show twice and visit the park at a more leisurely pace.
Dress comfortably
Bring comfortable shoes for walking around all day and clothes suited to the weather. Some attractions have water effects, so don’t forget a light k-way. In summer, a hat and sun cream are essential, as there are few shaded areas.
Organise your meals
There are plenty of places to eat in the park (sit-down restaurants, snack bars, food trucks), with varied menus to suit all budgets. To avoid the crowds, eat before 12pm or after 1.30pm. Picnics are permitted in dedicated areas at the park entrance.
Stay for the night show
Don’t leave before La Clé des Songes! This free night-time show (included in your ticket) is a magical way to round off the day. Arrive 15-20 minutes before it starts so you can choose a good spot around the lake.
After your day at Futuroscope, continue your discovery of the region by exploring Poitiers. Our Navaway app guides you through the historic centre, with informative audio commentary on each monument. A great way to round off your cultural stay in the Vienne!
8. What to do around Futuroscope
Your stay in the Vienne is not limited to the Futuroscope. The region is full of remarkable sites to discover.
Visit Poitiers
Just 20 minutes from the park, Poitiers is well worth a visit. This city with 2,000 years of history boasts an exceptional architectural heritage. Don’t miss the church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande with its sculpted Romanesque façade, the Palace of the Counts of Poitou, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Saint-Jean Baptistry (one of the oldest Christian buildings in Europe) and the church of Sainte-Radégonde. The historic centre is the perfect place to explore on foot, thanks to our audio tour, which reveals all the secrets of the city of a hundred steeples. You can also take a stroll along the river Clain or in the Parc de Blossac for a nature break right in the heart of the city.
Saint-Savin Abbey
45km from Poitiers, Saint-Savin Abbey is home to the largest collection of Romanesque wall paintings in Europe. Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of the Middle Ages”, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 400 m² of 11th-century frescoes, 17 metres high, are a unique artistic testimony. A must-see for lovers of medieval art.
Chauvigny
Just 25 km from Poitiers, Chauvigny has been classified as a “Petite Cité de Caractère”. This medieval town perched on a rocky promontory boasts five fortified castles and a remarkably well-preserved medieval town centre. Don’t miss the falconry show “Les Géants du Ciel”, held in the spectacular setting of the Bishops’ Castle.
Lusignan
20 km south-west of Poitiers, Lusignan is a charming medieval town nestling in the heart of an oak forest. The birthplace of the legendary fairy Mélusine, the town boasts a beautiful Romanesque church, medieval market halls and an impressive 22-arch 19th-century viaduct. A perfect blend of nature and legend.
Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers
This romantic castle, abandoned in the heart of lush vegetation, is a fascinating sight. Bought collectively by thousands of internet users, it can now be visited and is a delight for lovers of heritage and unusual places. A fairytale setting that seems frozen in time.
The Marais Poitevin
An hour’s drive away, the “Green Venice” invites you to take a peaceful boat trip through its shady canals. This regional nature park offers an exceptional setting for discovering unspoilt nature and remarkable biodiversity.
All these sites are the perfect way to round off your Futuroscope trip with cultural and natural discoveries that add another dimension to your trip to the Vienne.
9. History of Futuroscope
Futuroscope is the story of a bold vision turned into a phenomenal success. In 1983, René Monory, then Chairman of the Vienne Departmental Council, came up with an innovative project: to create a theme park entirely dedicated to images, multimedia and new communication technologies. An avant-garde concept for its time.
After four years of construction work, the park opened its doors on 31 May 1987 with just a few pavilions. The first building, the Futuroscope Pavilion, made an immediate impression with its futuristic architecture designed by Denis Laming. It was an immediate success: in 1991, the park welcomed its millionth visitor, confirming the relevance of the concept.
The 1990s marked the golden age of development with the opening of several emblematic attractions. The Kinemax, with its giant 600 m² screen – one of the largest in Europe – and the Omnimax Pavilion, with its 180° IMAX technology, revolutionised the immersive cinema experience. In 1996, Futuroscope inaugurated France’s first dynamic simulation with Astromouches, marking a turning point in the range of attractions on offer.
The 2000s saw the park constantly reinventing itself with the arrival of ever more spectacular attractions. In 2016, Futuroscope celebrated its 30th anniversary and passed the 50 million visitor mark since its opening. The year 2020 marks a major milestone with Objectif Mars, the park’s first rollercoaster, attracting a new audience in search of thrills.
Today, Futuroscope continues to innovate and develop. With the opening of the Aquascope in 2024 and Mission Bermuda in 2025, the park is confirming its ability to renew itself while remaining true to its DNA: offering unique immersive experiences using the most advanced technologies. Nearly 40 years after its creation, Futuroscope remains one of France’s most visited theme parks, with around 2 million visitors a year.
In conclusion, Futuroscope is a must-see destination for fans of thrills, technology and discovery. With spectacular attractions, immersive shows and constant innovation, the park offers a unique experience that will appeal to the whole family. Make the most of your stay in the Vienne to also discover Poitiers ‘ rich heritage thanks to our audio tour, and explore the wonders of this region steeped in history. Whether you come for a day or a whole weekend, Futuroscope and its surroundings promise unforgettable moments between future and heritage, sensations and culture.
FAQ – Visiting Futuroscope
How long does it take to visit Futuroscope?
A full day allows you to discover the Futuroscope’s main attractions and attend the night show. If you want to take full advantage of all the attractions without rushing around and repeat your favourites, a 2-day stay is ideal. You can also visit the Aquascope and discover the park at a more leisurely pace.
When is the best time to visit Futuroscope?
To avoid the crowds, choose weekdays outside the school holidays (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). May, June and September offer a good compromise between pleasant weather and reasonable visitor numbers. If you can only come in high season, arrive as soon as it opens and use the app to manage your queues.
Is Futuroscope suitable for young children?
Yes, the park offers a number of family attractions accessible from the age of 3-4. Futuropolis is specially designed for the little ones, with 21 fun activities. Many attractions have no height restrictions. However, some thrill rides do have a minimum height requirement (usually 1.05 or 1.10 m).
Can I bring my own picnic to Futuroscope?
Yes, there are picnic areas at the entrance to the park. You can leave your cool box there and have free access during the day. Inside the park, a number of restaurants, snack bars and food trucks offer a variety of food to suit all budgets.
Is Futuroscope parking free?
Yes, parking is completely free in the Futuroscope car parks, which is a great advantage. The car parks are located right next to the park entrance.
Are Futuroscope attractions wheelchair accessible?
The park is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. Most attractions are accessible, and special facilities make transfers easier. Wheelchairs can be hired free of charge at the entrance. Staff are trained to accompany visitors with disabilities.
What to see and do around Futuroscope
Don’t miss the chance to discover Poitiers and its exceptional heritage, just 20 minutes from the park. Saint-Savin Abbey and its Romanesque frescoes, the medieval town of Chauvigny, Lusignan and its Mélusine legend, and the romantic Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers are also well worth a visit. The Marais Poitevin offers an unforgettable nature break just an hour’s drive away.
What’s the best Futuroscope attraction?
The most popular attractions are L’Extraordinaire Voyage for its immersive flight experience, Tornado Hunters for its extreme sensations, and Objectif Mars for the space rollercoaster. The night-time show La Clé des Songes is also a must-see, and always delights visitors.
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