Beauty in the Pause: A Vacation Recap

Family, Fun & French Adventures

When most people think of France, Paris—the City of Love—comes to mind. But in my opinion, Paris is overrated. This country is rich in culture in ways that one city could never fully capture — from rolling vineyards to medieval castles, charming towns, and hidden gems tucked far beyond the Eiffel Tower’s shadow. This year, our family vacation was about exploring this wonderland and a few of its magnetic offerings.

Creating space to spend quality time with loved ones is so underrated. In today’s fast-paced world, connection often takes a backseat to work, personal goals, and ambitions. Little thought is given to the time we actually have—and only recently have I noticed more people starting to question the hours they trade for things they believe are valuable, which so often turn out to be anything but.

I was caught in that cycle of overproduction for years—stuck in survival mode—and I thought that was normal. I genuinely believed that was the definition of living. Thankfully, over time, I realized just how much that mindset was costing me. Recently, my husband and I took a step back and went on a little family vacation. It was incredible, and just in case you are up for an adventure, I’d love to share what ours looked like.

Futuroscope

Our first stop was an amusement park, a massive attraction located just outside Poitiers, France. It’s not your classic theme park, so I’ll admit—I had mixed feelings at first. But by the end, I was completely won over.

Futuroscope blends entertainment, science, and imagination into an immersive experience that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The park is known for its futuristic architecture and high-tech attractions—think 360° cinematic adventures, VR rides, motion simulators, and live shows that make you feel like you’re drifting somewhere between reality and fantasy.

Our plan was to spend three days enjoying everything the park had to offer. We wanted to make sure we didn’t miss a thing—and since it was off-season, we were able to do just that. No long lines, no rush—just time well spent exploring it all together.

Some highlights from the visit were:

• The Extraordinary Journey, where you're suspended in mid-air and flown across the globe, feeling every twist, drop, and breeze. You’re gently lifted into a semi-horizontal, suspended position with your feet dangling freely—and then, just like that, you’re flying. This is one of those rare attractions that’s just as enjoyable for kids as it is for adults—no fear, no jolts, just flow. A beautiful way to be reminded of the wonder that still exists in the world.

  
  

• Dancing with Robots caught us off guard in the best way. Picture a full-on robotic dance party, where you and your seat partner are strapped into a mechanical arm that moves in sync with music from world-renowned DJs. The ride is set inside a giant, neon-lit space that feels like a futuristic nightclub.

  
  

  Tip: You get to choose your intensity level, so if you’re scared of heights or don’t love being flipped upside down, start with a lower level. It’s still a blast!

  
  

• Tornado Chasers is a newer addition to the park. It combines live-action staging, surround video, physical effects, and a rotating motion platform—which is a fancy way of saying: it literally puts you in the middle of a tornado. It’s incredibly immersive—like watching a film and living inside it at the same time. Futuroscope really went all out on the set design and sensory effects.

  
  

• La Clé des Songes (The Key to Dreams). Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any more magical, Futuroscope surprised us with a stunning evening spectacle. Held outdoors at nightfall, this water, light, and sound show felt like stepping into a surreal bedtime story—told not with words, but with projections, fountains, pyrotechnics, and music that wraps around you. The visuals are projected onto giant water screens, accompanied by dancing jets of water, bursts of flame, and colourful lights. It felt like an exhale under the stars.

  
  

  Tip: This show starts late, but if you’re visiting Futuroscope, don’t skip this. Stay. It ties everything together with emotion, artistry, and that touch of wonder we all secretly crave.

Did I mention this park has a separate water zone? AquaFuturoscope is a vibrant extension of the main park—complete with slides, splash zones, and indoor pools. But what stood out to me wasn’t just the water fun—it was the atmosphere. The entire area comes alive through creative lighting design that transforms it into something out of a sci-fi dream. The indoor wave pool, the glowing waters and soft ambient light gave the space a surreal, almost magical vibe. It felt more like stepping into an immersive art installation than just another water park. It’s imaginative and completely worth the visit.

Beyond the thrills, Futuroscope left me with a real sense of appreciation for what we can create when technology, design, and play come together. It’s not just fun—it’s educational, sensory, and beautifully futuristic.

The park offers several hotel accommodations, one of which is themed as a space shuttle. Of course, we booked that one without hesitation.

The hotel had a space-themed restaurant and bar attached (Space Loop), so we had the opportunity to sleep like astronauts and dine like them, too.

Beauval Zoo

ZooParc de Beauval is one of France’s top attractions and easily one of Europe’s best zoos. Tucked away in the Loire Valley, Beauval isn’t just a zoo—it’s a full-on wildlife immersion. Home to over 35,000 animals across 800 species, it’s one of the most biodiverse animal parks in Europe, if not the world. Think of it as a global safari tucked into the lush French countryside.

What sets Beauval apart is how thoughtfully it’s designed. The habitats are expansive, natural-looking, and species-specific, so the animals truly seem at ease—and as a visitor, you get to see them thrive, not survive. The fact that they didn’t seem trapped made me feel at ease too—unlike any other zoo I’ve visited. All the animals looked happy, well-fed, and healthy in enclosures that actually felt respectful of their needs.

The Equatorial Dome

A stunning glass structure, Le Dôme Équatorial houses tropical species—think sloths, pygmy hippos, manatees, exotic birds, and fish—in a steamy, immersive jungle setting. It’s climate-controlled and absolutely gorgeous inside, with raised walkways that give you a panoramic view.

The Bird Show ("Les Maîtres des Airs")

This open-air performance is a must-see. Over 500 birds—from eagles to macaws to vultures—soar above the audience in an awe-inspiring ballet of flight. It's timed to music and beautifully choreographed with trainers who seemingly have a deep bond with the animals.

African Savannah & Asian Plains

These sections offer sweeping views of elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and big cats roaming in open spaces. There’s even an elevated footbridge in some parts, so you feel like you're walking above the savannah.

We saw all kinds of animals—and believe it or not, this was my favourite stop on the entire trip.

Yes, the gorillas were awesome and the white tiger breathtaking, but I discovered I have a fascination for the Panda (yes, an actual panda). This was the highlight for me. I even took away two panda teacups as souvenirs. I simply couldn't help myself.

Wrapping up

I must add that the zoo was very transparent, having scheduled times to show how they trained, cared for and fed the animals. These educational talks and interactive zones focused on animal welfare and conservation.  We could view where these animals slept when they weren’t out in their enclosures. The spaces were clean and well-organized.

Whether trying to see the penguins, the golden monkey, the golden flying fox or the red fox, you are in for a treat. You can spend two full days without getting bored—actually, that's what we did and enjoyed every bit of it.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on this vacation, I'm filled with gratitude—not just for the places we explored, but for the gift of uninterrupted time with my family. The rides were thrilling, the shows unforgettable, and the parks beautifully designed … but what truly made the trip special were the in-between moments. It was the long drive filled with conversation and laughter. It was hearing my daughter’s dreams from the backseat, watching her light up with wonder, and holding space for little moments that only happen once in a lifetime. That was the real magic.

I hold true intimacy and connection—to myself and to my family—closest to my heart, so after this trip, my husband and I carved out time for our own reset, our minimalist baecation. If holistic lifestyle content—from parenting and travel to rest, relationships, and spirituality—resonates with you, I invite you to subscribe and join our growing community. Let’s keep uncovering the lessons that life offers when we take the time to see them.

There’s a quiet beauty in the pause, being able to slow down long enough to be fully present. This vacation wasn’t about luxury in the material sense—it was about the richness of experience. And that, is absolutely priceless.

The next post picks up where this one leaves off: a quieter getaway, a deeper kind of connection, and what it taught me about love and presence.

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As an author and seeker, I’m passionate about the ever-evolving journey of self-discovery. Through my writing, I share lessons, experiences, and reflections on growth and transformation, inviting others to explore along the way.

Here’s to striking the balance, unearthing truth and embracing the authentic self.

Let's Evolve Together.

Jebu Vivet

Founder of E.I.R.E.

#Empowered #Inspired #Resilient #Evolved