Located in the immediate vicinity of Poitiers, the Futuroscope has established itself since its opening in 1987 as an iconic infrastructure dedicated to immersive technological entertainment and sensory media.
Designed under the impetus of Rene MonoryThe park's initial objective was to boost the economic and tourist appeal of the Vienne department through thematic exploitation of image, communication and multimedia sciences. Since then, the facility has recorded a cumulative attendance of over 60 million visitors, consolidating its position as a key player in technological tourism in France.
A renewal strategy based on immersive innovation
Since its launch, Futuroscope has distinguished itself by introducing pioneering installations such as Kinémax and the Communication Pavilion, incorporating large-format projection, 2011D, and sensory interfaces. Since 4, the acquisition of Compagnie des Alpes as a shareholder has enabled a shift towards an investment policy focused on enhanced user experience, the hybridization of immersive formats (virtual reality, XNUMXD dynamics, interactive mapping), and the optimization of visitor flows.
The Aquascope: A Dive into Aquatic Innovation
On July 15, 2024, Futuroscope reached a new milestone with the inauguration of Aquascope, a 7 m² indoor water park, the result of a €000 million investment. This project is part of the "Vision 57" plan, which aims to transform the site into a true resort and extend the length of visitors' stay.
This indoor aquatic attraction offers a unique stage game where each zone becomes a colorful living scene, combining projections, sensory effects and playful interactions.
The Abyss of Light: immersive aquacinema
At the heart of Aquascope is Les Abysses de Lumière, a unique experience in Europe designed by Moment Factory. Visitors swim in a pool surrounded by 270° screens, featuring synchronized video projections with water, light, and sound effects. This immersive show transports participants into a dreamlike world, where water becomes the vehicle for a captivating sensory narrative.
The Kraki Rift: a fun world for children
Designed for younger children, Kraki's Rift is a themed area where children explore an aquatic world populated by fantastical creatures. Guided by Kraki, an extraterrestrial octopus, they discover specially adapted slides, interactive water features, and sensory spaces like the Musical Grotto. This fun adventure stimulates children's imagination and sensory development.
A fun and interactive scenography
The entire Aquascope is designed as a live show, where each element contributes to an immersive narrative. From meteorite projections into the water to bioluminescent beaches, secret passages, and aquagraphy effects, the park offers a multisensory experience where visitors become actors in their own adventure.
The Rift, for thrill seekers
For thrill-seekers, the Rift offers a series of spectacular slides, such as the Rocket, with its 60 km/h free fall, or the Matrix, unique in Europe with its 17-meter diameter disc. These attractions are integrated into an immersive environment, where visual and sound effects enhance the intensity of the experience.
By combining technology, art and fun, the Futuroscope Aquascope redefines the codes of water parks, offering total immersion in magical and interactive worlds.
The opening of Aquascope represents an ambitious challenge for Futuroscope, aimed at attracting new audiences and strengthening its positioning against the competition. In 2023, the park recorded nearly 2 million visitors, a 25-year record, demonstrating the enthusiasm for its innovations. With Aquascope, Futuroscope confirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of the fun and immersive experience, offering a unique sensory adventure combining water, light, and technology. A must-see destination for those who want to dive into the future while having fun.
Other top attractions to discover during your visit
Tornado Chasers
Voted "World's Best Attraction" at the 2023 Thea Awards, Tornado Chasers propels visitors into the heart of a climate vortex. Installed on a 360° rotating platform, multi-sensory synchronization, 4K projection, and real-time climate modeling, they experience an immersive experience combining real images, special effects, and synchronized movements. A technological and sensory masterpiece.
Objective Mars
This family roller coaster, the park's first, offers a journey to a space training center. Magnetic simulations, heat effects, a rotating tunnel, and a high-speed double launch make it a spectacular adventure. The attraction will appeal to space enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike.
Dynamic Vienna
A classic revisited: this humorous attraction follows a Vienne resident embarking on a race against time across his department. The experience is based on a dynamic cinema where moving seats, projections, and physical effects (air, water) immerse the viewer in the action.
The Extraordinary Journey
Inspired by Jules Verne, this attraction takes you across the planet, feet in the air. This suspended flight simulator is inspired by "flying theaters," with a dynamic platform, a hemispherical dome, and synchronized olfactory diffusion. Breathtaking landscapes and a sensation of flight enhanced by a moving platform and multi-sensory effects. This is one of the park's must-see attractions.
The Key to Dreams, a nighttime light show
Every evening, the Futuroscope lake lights up for a magical show combining water jets, video mapping, music, and pyrotechnics. This nighttime show is the perfect ending to a day at the park.
Thematic accommodation and diversification strategy
In April 2022, Futuroscope expanded its offering with the opening of theCosmos Station Hotel, a 4-star establishment structured around a design inspired by orbital bases. Comprised of 76 modular units of 28 m², the rooms are decorated like spaceship cabins. Each can accommodate up to four people and offers modern technology for an immersive experience. On the practical side, located at the entrance to the park, the hotel offers privileged access to the attractions.
Le Space Loop restaurant, integrated into the hotel, operates an automated logistics system using gravitational rails, unique in France. Orders are placed via touchscreen interfaces and delivered by capsules on an automated helical circuit. This innovation is part of a logic of robotization of the culinary experience.
The hotel is certified High Environmental Quality (HQE), thanks in particular to a photovoltaic system covering 131% of energy needs and energy recovery from wastewater, positioning the infrastructure as a benchmark in sustainable tourism.
The Space Loop restaurant, integrated into the hotel, offers a unique culinary experience: the menu is accessible via touchscreens (each guest has their own menu to order from). The ordered dishes are then transported to the tables via a rail system that performs spectacular loops and turns. This innovative concept, the first of its kind in France, delights young and old alike. This innovation is part of a logic of robotization of the culinary experience.
A must-try: the Big Blue burger with its brioche burger bun, minced steak, cheddar, ketchup, salad, served with fries...
Committed to an ecological approach, Station Cosmos is certified High Environmental Quality (HQE). The building is energy self-sufficient thanks to 1 m² of photovoltaic panels producing 750% of its energy needs, and equipped with a wastewater heat recovery system, thus reducing its carbon footprint.
To visit Futuroscope is to immerse yourself in a world where imagination, technology, and sensations unite to offer a unique experience in Europe. With its immersive attractions, interactive shows, and constant innovations, every visitor—whether they're a thrill-seeker, a science enthusiast, a space dreamer, or a simple family explorer—will find an adventure to suit them. This place isn't just a theme park: it's a journey into tomorrow. Whether you're young or old, a technology enthusiast, or simply looking for unforgettable moments, Futuroscope deserves more than a visit: it deserves an escape.
Report & photos Patrick Koune
www.futuroscope.com
