After spending a delightful week at Center Parcs Les Bois-Francs in the heart of Normandy, I can confidently say this woodland retreat offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families and couples alike.
Location & SettingNestled in 310 hectares of pristine Norman forest, Les Bois-Francs provides a true escape into nature. The resort is easily accessible from Paris (just 1.5 hours away), yet feels worlds apart from city life. The carefully preserved woodland setting creates an immediate sense of tranquility as you drive through the entrance.
AccommodationOur cottage, one of the Premium Pagode VIP offerings, exceeded expectations. The modern interior featured a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living space, and a terrace overlooking the forest. The natural materials used throughout – wood, stone, and glass – perfectly complement the surrounding environment. Even the standard cottages maintain a high level of comfort while embracing the outdoor setting.
The Dome.
Right in the middle of the woodland, you'll find the Dome where the Aqua Mundo is situated. Here you'll also find the small grocery store for your everyday shopping, all the restaurants, fast food outlets, and lifestyle shops, along with the entertainment area for the kids, bowling, bars, etc. The Dome is really big and full of wildlife such as flamingos, parrots, and koi fish – prepare to be amazed. Along with lots of tropical plants that are taken care of by an army of green-fingered staff, the place is kept in top-notch condition, very clean and very pretty.
The Aqua Mundo ExperienceThe crown jewel of Les Bois-Francs has to be its spectacular Aqua Mundo complex. This tropical paradise maintains a balmy 29°C year-round and features:
A wave pool that delights both children and adultsMultiple water slides for different thrill levelsA relaxing Wild River outdoor coursePeaceful palm-fringed poolsA children's water play areaLuxurious whirlpools for adults
Activities & EntertainmentThe variety of activities available is impressive:
Bowling alley and sports centerHorse riding through forest trailsTennis courts and mini-golfIndoor climbing wallArchery sessionsBike rental for forest explorationKids' clubs with age-appropriate activitiesSeasonal entertainment programs
Dining OptionsThe resort offers several dining choices:
Jungle Circus- Buffet style restayrant.
As we were half-board, we had all our breakfasts and either lunch or dinner at the Jungle Circus buffet. Despite the restaurant being in need of a good coat of fresh paint and perhaps a little modernization, the buffet was excellent and offered a wide variety of dishes to satisfy all tastes.
The breakfast buffet was amazing, and you had a wide variety of choices from all sorts of pastries, different types of baguettes, donuts, fresh fruits, cheeses, ham, pancakes, waffles, yogurts, etc. - basically a full continental buffet but with extras such as chocolate fountains (yes, if you fancied your morning waffle to be covered in white chocolate or milk/dark chocolate with all the sprinkles, you could). These fountains were well-loved by the younger generation and also the older ones with a sweet tooth.
Dinner or lunch buffets were also very good, with choices of grilled meats, dishes (that changed every day) from curries to pies, etc., but also a wide variety of salads, pâtés, cheeses, condiments, breads, fruits, and a large variety of desserts were available for all tastes.
I'll give the food 4 stars out of 5 and 5 stars out of 5 for all the staff.
Diner or lunh buffet were also very good from choice of grill meat, dishes ( that changes everyday) from curry, to pies etc but also a wide variety of sald, pates, cheese, condiment, breads fruits and a large wide variety of dessert were available for all tatste.
Cocoon Café & Restaurant.
During one of our lunches, we decided to try the Cocoon Café & Restaurant. This restaurant offers higher refined quality dishes and feels a bit like a bistro, offering dishes from burgers to more gourmet options. It's also a great place for an afternoon drink, thanks to the restaurant offering standard café choices from lattes to cappuccinos and everything in between. The Cocoon restaurant offers a more relaxed and seaside type of décor with lots of wooden decorative elements, which didn't go unnoticed.
II Giordino -Italian Restaurant.This was our least favorite restaurant of the three we tried, but nevertheless still very enjoyable. I feel like Il Giardino is not a true representation of what real Italian food has to offer, but the Pesto Mozzarella starter (see picture) was probably the highlight of my dining experience. The Bolognese and the gnocchi were nice, but I've had better. Despite a slight disappointment, the staff were super friendly and helpful. The restaurant was full, but they managed to squeeze us in without question. They were quick, efficient, and very friendly despite the busy atmosphere.
I ll give 3 out of 5 stars for the food but 5 stars out of 5 for the staff.
Wellness & RelaxationThe Deep Nature Spa deserves special mention. The treatment menu is extensive, and the facilities include:
Multiple sauna and steam roomsMeditation spacesExpert massage servicesBeauty treatments
Sustainability FocusIt's worth noting the resort's commitment to environmental responsibility:
Electric vehicles only within the parkExtensive recycling programsWildlife protection initiativesEnergy-efficient buildings
Value for MoneyWhile not the cheapest vacation option, the all-inclusive nature of the resort and the quality of facilities make it worthwhile. Off-peak pricing offers particularly good value, and various package deals are available throughout the year.Final ThoughtsCenter Parcs Les Bois-Francs successfully delivers on its promise of a nature-meets-luxury experience. It's particularly ideal for:
Families seeking a safe, entertaining environmentCouples looking for a romantic woodland retreatGroups wanting to combine activities with relaxationAnyone needing a break from city life
The attention to detail, friendly staff, and range of activities make it easy to recommend. While the weather in Normandy can be unpredictable, the indoor facilities ensure entertainment regardless of conditions.Whether you're planning a long weekend or an extended stay, Les Bois-Francs offers a refreshing take on the traditional French holiday. Just remember to book activities in advance during peak seasons to avoid disappointment.
Book activities before arrival, especially during school holidaysConsider visiting in shoulder season for better ratesBring bikes or rent them on-site for easy explorationPack swimming gear for daily Aqua Mundo visitsDownload the Center Parcs app for easy activity booking
Diner or lunh buffet were also very good from choice of grill meat, dishes ( that changes everyday) from curry, to pies etc but also a wide variety of sald, pates, cheese, condiment, breads fruits and a large wide variety of dessert were available for all tatste.
Cocoon Café & Restaurant.
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