Nantes / Loire valley / coast - where to go with a toddler

[crossthebreeze]

I'm off to a village outside Nantes with my sister, my bro-out-law, my 2 year old nephew, and a load of my sister's friends. My role is to babysit while the other adults watch the rugby world cup.

I'm happy to be around the airbnb and village for most of the time, playing with toy trains, reading meg and mog, visiting playgrounds, enjoying the heat and catching up with my own reading. But theres a few days in the middle of the holiday with no rugby matches, and we want some family days out.

Les Machines de L'ile looks cool as fuck so is a definite.

Any other ideas?

 

[dessiato]

When we were there we did the local markets for food and charcuterie, we also did degustation. But I don't think this is suitable for amusing a toddler. Maybe playing along the riverbanks, paddling?

 

[cesare]

The Chateau de Cherverney has a permanent TinTin exhibition which I thought was pretty cool as a family day out.

 

[existentialist]

Les machines de l'île - Machine of the isle of Nantes

Les machines de l'île : discover Machine of the isle of Nantes in France. This steampunk park in France takes you to the discovery of the Nantes mechanical elephant in an unique atmosphere in this steampunk wonderland in France.

www.lesmachines-nantes.fr

 

[crossthebreeze]

When we were there we did the local markets for food and charcuterie, we also did degustation. But I don't think this is suitable for amusing a toddler. Maybe playing along the riverbanks, paddling?

I think he'll like the markets - lots of hustle and bustle and interesting smells

The Chateau de Cherverney has a permanent TinTin exhibition which I thought was pretty cool as a family day out.

I'll look that up

Les machines de l'île - Machine of the isle of Nantes

Les machines de l'île : discover Machine of the isle of Nantes in France. This steampunk park in France takes you to the discovery of the Nantes mechanical elephant in an unique atmosphere in this steampunk wonderland in France.

www.lesmachines-nantes.fr

We are definitely going there It looks amazing!

 

[Spymaster]

I'm off to a village outside Nantes with my sister, my bro-out-law, my 2 year old nephew, and a load of my sister's friends. My role is to babysit while the other adults watch the rugby world cup.

I'm happy to be around the airbnb and village for most of the time, playing with toy trains, reading meg and mog, visiting playgrounds, enjoying the heat and catching up with my own reading. But theres a few days in the middle of the holiday with no rugby matches, and we want some family days out.

Les Machines de L'ile looks cool as fuck so is a definite.

Any other ideas?

It's a super part of the world for an adult holiday. Lots of pretty villages, great food, and a couple of excellent drives along the river. Dunno about kids. Sounds like you might be going with some Welsh supporters to watch the game v Georgia at the Stade de Beaujoire?

Can I come?

 

[crossthebreeze]

It's a super part of the world for an adult holiday. Lots of pretty villages, great food, and lovely drives along the river. Dunno about kids. Sounds like you might be going with some Welsh supporters to watch the game v Georgia at the Stade de Beaujoire?

Can I come?

A mix of english and welsh supporters and then me as a completely non-rugby person

 

[cesare]

The Chateau de Cherverney has a permanent TinTin exhibition which I thought was pretty cool as a family day out.

I was just checking the distance, and this might be too far away from Nantes for a day trip

 

[Red Cat]

With a toddler, I'd be heading for the coast. Pornic looks lovely and just an hour's drive from Nantes.

Les machines de l'ile is great.

 

[Pickman's model]

Go to angers and see the great apocalypse tapestry and the castle and gardens which house it, and the cointreau distillery

 

[existentialist]

I think he'll like the markets - lots of hustle and bustle and interesting smells

I'll look that up

We are definitely going there It looks amazing!

I went there a few years ago. I still recall the ride on the hydraulic elephant

 

[crossthebreeze]

Go to angers and see the great apocalypse tapestry and the castle and gardens which house it, and the cointreau distillery

That sounds amazing. Cointreau and apocalypse maybe not great for the 2 year old but i'm certainly interested.

 

[t0bytoo]

Not far away is Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou | The best theme park in the world | A must-see in France!

Le Puy du Fou: A unique multi-award-winning theme park in France! Embark on an unforgettable journey through time, from the Roman Era to the 20th century! Come and be amazed by our spectacular shows!

www.puydufou.com

I went with my eight year old daughter. It was fantastic. No rides. No cuddly toys. Just loads of theatrical shows.

I wanna go back.

 

[circleline]

Not far away is Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou | The best theme park in the world | A must-see in France!

Le Puy du Fou: A unique multi-award-winning theme park in France! Embark on an unforgettable journey through time, from the Roman Era to the 20th century! Come and be amazed by our spectacular shows!

www.puydufou.com

I went with my eight year old daughter. It was fantastic. No rides. No cuddly toys. Just loads of theatrical shows.

I wanna go back.

Hey, thank you for this. Was intrigued and googled and now trying to involve the family and plan and get people on board for next year! All in an evening! Did you stay on site? Any further hints, tips and recommendations?

 

[t0bytoo]

I was in a campervan and stayed in an aire nearby. It pissed with rain for most of the day - if it's raining, take some bin bags to sit on. Er, that's about it. Hope you make it!

 

[crossthebreeze]

Just back and we all had a great time (once i recovered from a nasty few days of norovirus anyway).

We all went to Les Machines d'Île and loved it - one of the best days out I've ever had - we rode on top of a giant elephant, i cycled a lobster while my nephew drove a fish and his dad flew by on a prawn, and saw people riding on a heron flying over us. My nephew particularly like the giant spider.

I had a day out by myself in Angers and found the apocalypse tapestry amazing.

We swam in the sea and played games on the beach at Pornic on a 30c day.

Food was lush though so much goats cheese and bread as a veggie.

Rugby was apparently successful for England, Wales and New Zealand so all rugby watchers were happy.