Parc Spirou Provence: what to know before you go

A practical guide to visiting Parc Spirou as a family with children.

Here is what we tell families staying at Villa Plaisance before they head to Spirou. A few practical pointers the official website does not always highlight.

Who it suits

Parc Spirou Provence is a theme park built around the characters of Belgian comics: Spirou, Gaston Lagaffe, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke. The rides are designed mainly for children aged 3 to 12. For teenagers and adults without children, the appeal is limited, unless you have a personal attachment to the characters. For families with kids in that age range, the day is genuinely a success.

Planning the day

The park opens at 10am. On weekdays outside school holidays, queues are short and a full day is more than enough to take in every ride without rushing anyone. In July and August, and on Wednesdays during school holidays, it is better to arrive right at opening. Picnic baskets are allowed, with dedicated picnic areas set up near the entrance. The food on site is fairly standard, and the bill climbs quickly.

What we like

The park stays human in scale, without the sprawling feel of the bigger sites. Characters wander through the alleys throughout the day for photo opportunities. The rides are well maintained. For families with older children (12 and up), it is worth checking the rides on the official website before leaving: thrill levels remain modest.

• Distance: 30 minutes from Bédarrides
• Ideal age range: 3 to 12
• Opening hours: 10am, varying by season, check the official website
• Best time to visit: weekdays outside school holidays