The botanical theme park people say is ‘better than the Eden Project’ – with hot air balloon rides, boats and 4D cinema
A UNIQUE theme park in Europe has been gearing up for its annual autumn festival in which glow in the dark plants will be the stars of a “magical” light and sound show.
Terra Botanica in Angers, France is an award-winning attraction that has plenty to offer its visitors, in addition to its seasonal celebrations.
Comparisons between it and the Eden Project in Cornwall are rife, although many consider Terra Botanica to be the more intense and exciting of the two.
Connexion France are just one of many to draw such parallels, describing it as “Cornwall’s Eden Project on steroids” and saying it has “environmental ideas with a Disney twinkle.”
The rides at the park certainly wouldn’t look out of place at Disneyland, with people able to ride in giant walnut shells or fly virtually through the treetops in the new Canopy of Birds experience.
Flight is also on offer via the means of a hot air balloon that rises 492ft above the park, giving visitors a bird’s eye view of it all.
For those who like to keep their feet firmly on the floor, there’s plenty of ground-level attractions to enjoy too, including the Garden of Legends, where a vegetable ogre introduces visitors to a mysterious universe.
After being immersed in the ogre’s world, guests can transport themselves to other lands, including a dinosaur reserve, through the park’s 4D cinema.
There they can also follow the journey of a drop of water as part of a special cinematic experience.
Boat trips, shows, special greenhouses and a high ropes course are all at the park too, which guests say is easily worth spending a whole day exploring.
One wrote on TripAdvisor: “Great place, a bit like Englands Eden Project, only better.
“Lots to do here that’s different to the usual fair.
“Rides you can take your granny on, 4D cinemas with short films themed around plants and dinosaurs, boat rides, pedal power monorail, kids archaeological dig, panning for amber as well as miles of paths through beautifully planted gardens.”
Another said: “I would thoroughly recommend this for adults and families for a whole day out.”
A third added: “Excellent family bonding experience.
“Eco-friendly, slower paced, less busy theme park, very relaxing and chill. I loved the bar next to the antique carousel and vegetable gardens.
“My mother and toddler loved the gardens and the rides. Highly recommend.”
They’re far from the only positive reviews, with Terra Botanica picking up a Travellers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor this year, due to the high volume of positive ratings.
Those who visit between October 7 and November 5 will be able to visit La Fete de L’Automne, for which there will be a Little Train of Strange, and the chance to sample some unusual vegetables.
A Dracula film will be shown in the 4D cinema and the park will be decorated with pumpkins.
Meanwhile, on October 7 and 14 and then every night until November 4, visitors can take the path to the heart of the World Tree and rediscover the park by night, when it will be lit up and glowing for special Terra Nocta sessions.
Tickets for the park can be booked online and cost from £16 for adults and £13.40 for kids.
Meanwhile, guests can ride on a farting dog rollercoaster at this theme park in Denmark.
And this is the largest theme park in Europe – and you’ve probably never heard of it.