Christmas celebrations will be different this year. So I decided to organize my vacation in Grand Châtellerault under the sign of play, adventure and magic. For our sons of course (Arthur - almost 5 years old - and Hugo, 15 years old), but also for us parents, I have identified visits, events and activities to enjoy as a family.
And as many of you ask me what the region offers during this period, here is my selection for dreaming, breathing, having fun, escaping...
For lovers of “all that glitters”
This month of December, the municipalities are keen to create a magical atmosphere. Flamboyant events particularly caught my attention at three of them.
- The Fairies of Lésigny : Every evening in December from 17:30 p.m., the imagination of the inhabitants comes alive behind the windows of their illuminated houses. Here, Santa Claus feels at home... Favorite: the shows of the Glob Trott company in Flour Milling. Free
- White Lights in Angles-sur-l'Anglin: The alleys of this Most Beautiful Villages of France adorn themselves with their most beautiful opaline finery. Spooky atmosphere guaranteed. On December 19 and 20, meet in front of the town hall for a local producers' market. Accès libre
- Christmas market in Châtellerault: Decorations and illuminations, Santa's tree and mailbox, artisans' and producers' market... The streets of the town center are celebrating until December 24! Place Émile Zola, the Tourist Office invites you to its themed chalets (“Santa's hood”, “Take the time to savor” and “Take the time to treat yourself”). Accès libre
Good resolution for 2021 : When the Futuroscope reopens, which is located 20 minutes from Châtellerault, I reserve tickets for the new nighttime show “La clef des songes”. In the meantime, the famous amusement park will meet us on December 23 at 20:30 p.m., on its YouTube channel, to attend the last performance of the aquaféerie “La forge aux étoiles”: CLICK HERE
For adventurers
My priority for this end of the year: to enchant our daily lives. For this, it is not necessary to travel far. Equipped with a light backpack, good shoes and binoculars, we will take the time to set off on the micro-adventure. Near our house.
Grand Châtellerault here we come! Direction…
- The Pinail Nature Reserve : After my summer experience in the company of Hugo and a naturalist guide, time for an exploration of biodiversity in winter. On the program: unexpected landscapes and surprising encounters. Free
- The Tèrra Aventura paths : Our destination hosts 6 of the 300 connected treasure hunts in New Aquitaine. Equipped with the application on their smartphone, the Z'adventurers embark on a thrilling investigation walk. Negotiations are going well in our household to choose the next route. Free
- Urban geocaching trails : With “The great characters of Châtellerault” and “The weapons factory”, Châtellerault offers two original and offbeat tours of its key districts and monuments. Once on the La Manu site, my teenager recommends a stop at the skatepark. Riders practice there with a breathtaking view of the river.
Good resolution for 2021 : When Escape Heroes will be operational again in Châtellerault, we will go there to brainstorm in order to solve the riddles of the “Magic Portal” and “Operation Mindfall”.
For young and old
Imagination, strategy, cooperation, competition, skill, atmosphere, memory, knowledge, investigation... The list is long but one thing is certain: regardless of its category, the game helps bring the tribe together in a good mood.
I give you three of my good fun addresses:
- The Sense of the Game : This store on rue Bourbon in Châtellerault is unanimously appreciated by players of all ages. To vary the pleasures, do not hesitate to ask advice from the manager Jean-Michel, a true enthusiast.
- The game library from Châtellerault: Welcome to Ali Baba's cave... 3500 games to borrow: what a choice!
Good resolution for 2021 : At Arthur's request, I downloaded the activity sheets from the Châtellerault Museum of Art and Industry. He can thus create a mascot or a shadow theater at home. But my offspring can’t wait to participate “in person” in the next “Small workshops of Grand Workshop“. To be continued…
FOR FANS OF THE SERIES “THE LADY’S GAME”
Since the success of the adventures of the young prodigy Beth Harmon, chess has been on the rise. But did you know that, on our territory, there are two giant open-air chess boards?
- In the park of the spa town of La Roche-Posay, opposite the Pink Pavilion, stands a titanic chess set. Walkers can thus keep up their pace while getting some exercise! Free access.
- On the site of Moussais-la-Bataille in Vouneuil-sur-Vienne, History goes back from hut to hut. The visitor evolves throughout the explanations, within the framework of the confrontation between Charles Martel and Abd al-Rahman in 732. The ideal place to (re)discover the famous Battle of Poitiers! Free access.
Good resolution for 2021: I promise, this summer I will open the doors of the Scorbé-Clairvaux castle and go up to the tower which houses the International Chess Museum. Among the hundred trays from all over the world, Hugo will look in particular for the one used by Napoleon I and Lors Admiral Nelson during the campaign.
Happy holidays in Grand Châtellerault !
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