For older kids

Les Ados – Older kids and ‘big kids’!

Base de Plein Air

Pont D’Ouilly (24km, 14 miles, 25 mins)

Archery, zip wire tree walking, climbing. What about the special ‘duo pass’ deal – tree walking in the morning and a canoe descent of the Orne in the afternoon?

Via Ferrata

(35kms, 21 miles, 31 minutes)

This activity is half way between climbing and hiking. The route called La Cambronnerie around the cliffs near the river Orne at Clecy takes around an hour for the round trip. Coolly described as ‘Adapté aux enfants non impressionnés par la hauteur’- Suitable for children who don’t mind heights! More info

Karting

Saint Pierre-sur-Dives (34km, 21miles, 31 minutes)

Exciting 110 metre circuit. ’Pour un maximum de sensation sur le circuit extérieur le plus reputé en Normandie’. Every day except Wednesday.

Paintball

on 5 hectares at Putanges (8.5kms, 5miles, 9 minutes)

Reassuring that it is suitable even for those who fear pain! (ainsi que pour les personnes qui appréhendent la douleur), there is then rather less reassurance in the question ‘Serez-vous le dernier surviant?’ Will you be the last survivor?!

Hang gliding

St Omer (30km, 18 miles 33 minutes)

Experience a 5 minute ‘Discovery flight’ accompanied by an instructor at the Plaine Altitude Paragliding School ‘Surprise et plaisir garanti!’ Open April to October. There are no restrictions on age weight or disability but it does depend on favourable weather conditions.

Laser Tag Game

Bretteville- sur-Odon (53kms, 32 miles, 37 minutes)

It’s the paintball of the future, with high tech equipment. Book in advance or come at the last minute – Unlike outdoor pursuits, no special preparation or special clothes necessary nor any particular weather conditions required! (minimum group of 6 people) More info

Ultralight Aviation

Saint-Laurant de Condel (45kms, 27 miles, 40 minutes)

Powered hang gliders. For the over 15s, how about trying a 10, 20 or 30 minute introductory flight with a pilot? This is claimed to be ‘le plus fantastique et le plus sûr moyen de voler’. (The most fantastic and safest way to fly.) More info

Bungy jumping

la Ferriere-Harang (70km, 43 miles, 1hr 17)

AJ Hacket has come all the way from New Zealand and discovered Normandy. If you are between 13 and 60 years of age and weigh over 40kg you can choose the ‘grand saut’- the bungee, or the giant 62mph zip line or the giant swing and be assured that ‘vous ne serez pas déçu du « voyage »’ You won’t’ be disappointed!

Bowling

Argentan (18km, 11 miles, 19 minutes)

Le Bowling is open Tuesday to Sunday afternoons/evenings.  ‘Vous amuser – c’est notre plaisir!’ Special deal for birthday parties for under 16s. Another weather proof option.

Club Ados plage Deauville or Trouville

(101km,62 miles, 1hr 6 minutes)

14-18year olds can spend an afternoon in July /August, 2pm – 6pm, at a beach club with French kids – organised beach activities etc.

Quad Biking and karting

(92km, 57 mile, 1 hour drive)

At EIA Speedway (site of BMW driving school) at Pont L’Eveque. Also ‘Family Quad rambles’ in the 90 hectare private domaine and special Mini quads for 6yrs and over. More info

Jet skiing

(88km, 54 miles, 59 minutes)

For the over 16s at weekends and school holidays at the leisure park at Lac de Pont’L’Eveque

Beauregard Festival

(53km, 32 miles, 39 min)

A Norman version of Glastonbury. Three-day Rock concert ‘plutôt familial’. In early July- set in the 23 hectare grounds of Beauregard Castle at Hérouville – Buy a day pass , and enjoy some surprisingly good (international and local) line ups. More info

Back to top of page

For under 5s

Back to Lots to see and do page