Experience a one of a kind adventure with the shows and attractions at Futuroscope
Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, just outside of Poitiers, Futuroscope is one of the essential theme parks in western France. This sprawling complex focuses on educational entertainment, introducing the public to scientific and technological innovations through multimedia storytelling. During your visit, you will encounter high end special effects and the latest cinematic advancements, including Imax and 4D technology.
With roughly 2 million visitors annually, Futuroscope is currently the fourth most visited theme park in France. It draws a mix of domestic and international travelers. In August 2023, the park celebrated the arrival of its 60 millionth guest.
A futuristic project for the Poitiers area
From the moment it opened to the public in 1987, Futuroscope aimed to be a center for observing and experimenting with future technologies.
A City of the Future envisioned by the Vienne department
Launched by local authorities and spearheaded by the Vienne department under René Monory, with support from the Poitou-Charentes region, Futuroscope was initially conceived as a space to experiment with and learn about new information and communication technologies. When it opened in May 1987, the park consisted of just two buildings: the pavillon du Futuroscope (Futuroscope Pavilion), serving as an animation and information space, and the Kinémax, which housed the largest flat screen in Europe at the time.
The project evolved rapidly by the late 1980s. Local authorities prioritized a balance between leisure, work, and training. This gave birth to the Technopole du Futuroscope, a vast business district specializing in new technologies. Adjacent to the leisure park, the Technopole now hosts about 250 companies and 150,000 square meters of office space.
The shows and attractions have diversified over the years. Furthermore, the park management was gradually privatized, notably with the Compagnie des Alpes acquiring a stake in 2011. This operator also manages the Parc Astérix and the Musée Grévin. The park's success was such that in 2000, the SNCF opened a new TGV train station serving Futuroscope directly, bypassing the stop in Poitiers.
Architectural and technological innovations
Futuroscope adopts the best of new technology to showcase it to the general public. As early as the 1990s, the park introduced its first Imax theater, a 360 degree cinema, several motion theaters, and early 3D film processes.
During the 2000s, the park developed attractions linked to the video game industry and robotics. 4D cinema arrived in the theaters, and augmented reality features began appearing in attractions by 2008. Today, between flight simulators, Imax screenings, motion cinemas, and 4D innovations, Futuroscope offers a visual spectacle that hits hard.
Architecturally, the park holds its own. Most of the pavilions, largely designed by architect Denis Laning, feature a futuristic look. Constructed from modern materials like glass, metal, concrete, and aluminum, the pavilions adopt spectacular shapes, often spherical, cylindrical, or even cubic and deconstructed.
Attractions at Futuroscope, a unique theme park in France
Today, Futuroscope features at least 40 attractions and a packed schedule of shows and screenings. By leveraging the latest image, interactivity, and robotics tech, it offers a family friendly experience through various rides, performances, and exhibits. Whether exploring the world or stimulating your senses, the rides at Futuroscope are suitable for all ages.
Over 40 attractions focused on science and technology
Among the flagship attractions, you can fly around the globe thanks to L'extraordinaire Voyage, which is loosely inspired by Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. The Lapins Crétins (Raving Rabbids), the iconic mascots born from a partnership between Futuroscope and the French video game company Ubisoft, await to take you on a journey through time. You should also make time for an immersive trip to the Pays des Minimoys (Kingdom of the Minimoys), a 4D attraction that makes you feel tiny. Finally, music fans should head to Danse avec les Robots (Dance with Robots). Massive robotic arms will have you spinning to the addictive beats of DJ Martin Solveig.
For families with young children, Futuropolis is the space at Futuroscope best suited for toddlers. This miniature city is packed with games and rides spread over 3 hectares. Little ones can play firefighter or construction site manager for an afternoon. Furthermore, water games are plentiful in this section of the park. Wander through the jardin aquatique (water garden) to cool off or try a round at Turbo Splash. With gondolas, swings, and floating trampolines, Futuropolis is the ideal spot to have fun while sparking curiosity.
The best attraction in the world is at Futuroscope
The park has received numerous accolades over the years, including being named best French theme park in 2019 and 2020. Several shows and attractions have recently been recognized by prestigious labels like the Thea Awards and the European Star Awards.
These include the latest additions, such as the thrill rides Chasseur de Tornades (Tornado Hunters) and Objectif Mars (Mission Mars). Chasseur de Tornades immerses you in the heart of a cyclone thanks to its spectacular circular LED screen. Much like the most violent storms, this platform shakes you in every direction while maintaining high safety standards. As for Objectif Mars, it is the brand new roller coaster at Futuroscope. These coasters reach a top speed of 55 km/h. On the performance side, La Clé des Songes (The Key of Dreams) has won numerous awards. Between light displays and water screens, you are guaranteed to come away enchanted by this timeless experience.
What is new at Futuroscope
As its many attractions suggest, Futuroscope is a space of infinite creation, constantly seeking to offer the best of mainstream entertainment in France.
Spending a weekend at Futuroscope
Futuroscope is increasingly committed to developing its hotel and dining offerings to encourage longer stays at the park. Management plans to further develop the resort side of the park in the coming years. The goal is to maximize the user experience and turn Futuroscope into a limitless entertainment destination. The latest addition is the nature hotel Ecolodgee, which allows you to spend the weekend at the park while enjoying a cozy spot to rest with family, just steps from the entrance.
To fully enjoy all the attractions and shows, the simplest approach is to book a stay at one of the many hotels located near the park. To find partner accommodations that offer "lodging plus admission" packages, you can check our special guide here.
Future attractions at Futuroscope
As early as 2020, Futuroscope opened a new space at the gates of the park: zer0 Gravity. The goal: defy the laws of gravity thanks to the sensory experience FuturoFly, a wind tunnel flight session that gives you the sensation of flying, or even skydiving from an altitude of 4,200 meters. You will be guided by a specialized instructor throughout this non-standard experience, which lasts about 1.5 hours in total. At the end, you will even receive a personal wind tunnel flight certificate.
The Aquascope water park
Since July 2024, park management has opened a brand new water park right next door: l'Aquascope. It combines new image and digital technologies with the classic features of a water park, including heated pools, thrill slides, and a lazy river. Innovative, immersive, and entertaining, the Aquascope has already received several international awards, including the title of Best water park in the world 2024 according to the Thea Award.
Note that it is possible to book tickets including access to both parks for a better price.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
After many years of not going, we headed there for our daughter's 10th birthday. Of course, there are some aging attractions, but some are really fun and pleasant to do multiple times. Note that not all attractions and shows were open or accessible during our stay (off-season, early April), and the presence of many school groups sometimes made waiting in lines very noisy. The evening show is a true delight.