June 10th ~ Potiers – Futuroscope Aire

Weather much improved today, with high cloud and partial clear skies, and a bit of sun. Headed off to Bourdeilles, a 10km detour and the 3rd village in the area, and the “small town that has everything” in the guide book, “with its narrow gothic bridge with cut-water piers spanning the Dronne, water mill and medieval chateau”.Sure enough it had all these, but was not nearly as attractive as St-Jean –de-Cole and Brantôme. We did the circuit and headed off via Bergerac and Angoulěme, stopping off at hypermarket to stock up on Bergerac wine boxes. Unfortunately, not stocked as a local wine, so just got a box of the local Vienne Merlot.


After lunch in an Aire, drove on to Potiers, and beyond to Futuroscope Digital City, a theme park, exploring technology in a futuristic environment, with interactive digital experiences. Opted for the evening session 5 pm – 11pm @ 17 euros, and ate early in the van. Then tried as many experiences as we could in the period, but were thwarted by severe thunderstorms, getting drenched several times. The interactive rides included wearing 3D glasses and seats which one had to be strapped into and banged and jolted, creating very real sensations of flying and high speed car rides.White-knuckle rides included La Vienne Dynamique, and a fantasy excursion into the local Vienne Department, Voyageurs du ciel at de la mer (riding high above and below the waves), Les Astramouches (3D adventure of 3 flys on Apollo 11, , and the best one, Arthur, l’Adventure 4D (flying on ladybuggies and whisked away to the fantasy world of the Minimoys – an incredible experience. Several shows were cancelled because of the rain, but the finale went ahead with a spectacular son et lumiere show with coloured fountains, projected laser images etc..

Click on the link if interested http://www.futuroscope.com/

We camped at the Futuroscope Aire @ 6 euro, but had to be away by 8am next morning.