The Combes Amusement Park
Stage no. 8: by Marion
Through the eyes of members of the Thomas Family (Mathieu, 37 years old / Marion, 38 / Marius, 13 / Margaux, 10), experience Southern Burgundy's 9 "must-stops" as a sequence of episodes for a total immersion as intense as it is unforgettable…
" It was to be expected and didn't disappoint: the children were super excited when we got up over the prospect of spending the day at the Combes Amusement Park. In fact, the mood wasn't much different than when we visited Touroparc in Romanèche-Thorins. Impossible to have them wait while getting ready since the day's schedule was packed, as Marius had already figured out the plan of attack; by his account, if we wanted to do everything (as in all the rides), we had to get in "machine mode". Mathieu and I still laugh about his determination.
Our top priority on the other hand was to find a seat on the vintage Tacot des Crouillottes tourist train, get into "relaxation mode" and admire the Morvan's rolling hillsides, although I wasn't against the idea of hopping on a few rides myself (Boomerang and Summer Sled, boy was I in for a surprise!).
Well, we did manage to get to the entrance right as the park opened. What a relief!
I started out happy to see their faces smiling and hear their screams of joy (ears still ringing!), Margaux's on the Vertingo and Deval'train speed rides and Mathieu's (even if he denies it) with his head upside-down on the Canad'R attraction. What a day!
And such a frenetic pace. For over two hours, we didn't come up for air.
To such a point that our short rail break on the old steam-powered train was highly appreciated (and not just by the parents): the rhythm was less intense, but those views overlooking the Monts du Beaujolais landscape were sensational!
You'll also love the Combes Park for…
- A unique site, developed during the 1980's thanks to a devoted team working with the Le Creusot Railroad Association, which promoted the crazy idea of restoring a former industrial railway line (1st section inaugurated in 1990, the second in 1995), around which the amusement park was built.
- The "Tacot des Crouillottes" vintage train. An authentic steam-powered train from the beginning of the 20th century, entirely rehabilitated, taking you on a tourist circuit (but think of it as an actual journey) along two panoramic routes (Combes and 2 Valleys) extending 5 and 10 km, respectively, on one of the world's longest narrow-gauge tourist rail lines, snaking between waterfalls, tunnels, bridges and views overlooking the Monts du Beaujolais and Morvan landscapes.
- 16 thrilling rides and attractions: Summer sled (435 m of descent at top speed!), Escadrilles, Boomerang, Carrousel, Aéroplanes, Woodside 66, and the list goes on. What if you could try them all (like Marius)?
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Discover the other steps of these holidays: