What La Gataudière is
La Gataudière - Parc de Loisirs is an adventure park and historic estate in Marennes, France. The property combines the 18th-century Château de La Gataudière and its wooded park with outdoor activities including tree climbing, paintball, Bubble Foot (also described as bubble soccer), and disc golf. The château itself is not open to the public, but the park offers recreational activities for visitors of different ages (source, source).
The park is located at 19 Rue de La Gataudière, 17320 Marennes, Poitou-Charentes, France, near the coast.
History
The Château de La Gataudière was built in 1749 for François Fresneau, an engineer and botanist serving King Louis XV. Fresneau discovered the hevea, or rubber tree, in French Guiana. The discovery became important to various industries, advanced scientific knowledge, and contributed to the economic development of the period (source).
Set in a 20-hectare wooded park, the château reflects 18th-century French design, with an elegant façade and expansive terraces. In the late 18th century, it was inherited by Anne-Marie Julie, one of Fresneau’s granddaughters, who married François Chasseloup-Laubat. The château has remained in the Chasseloup-Laubat family ever since, whose stewardship has helped maintain the property and its historical integrity (source, source).
In 1948, the park and the Louis XIV fountain were registered as historic monuments. The park is also included in the pre-inventory of remarkable gardens. The château and its terrace were classified as historic monuments on March 3, 1949 (source, source).
What to see and do
Adventure activities
- Accrobranche (tree climbing) Courses are available for children from 3 years old and range from Turquoise, at 1 metre above the ground, to Super Black, at 12 to 14 metres. The other courses are Yellow (1 to 3 metres), Green (3.50 metres), Blue (6 metres), Red (8 metres), and Black (10 metres). Features include zip lines, climbing walls, ladders, and Tarzan jumps. A safety briefing is compulsory, and continuous lifeline systems are in place (source).
- Paintball The park has seven courses, with settings and challenges including natural woodland, speedball, mazes, and fort towers. Professional instructors supervise the activity, which is for participants aged 12 and above (source).
- Bubble Foot Players wear inflatable bubbles while playing football. The activity is for participants aged 12 and above (source).
- Disc Golf Players throw discs at a series of targets. The park provides the equipment, and the course is designed for players of all skill levels (source).
- Extreme Catapult Participants are launched horizontally at speeds of up to 140 km/h in less than 2 seconds, experiencing forces of up to 5 Gs. Participants must be at least 1.40 metres tall and weigh at least 40 kg (source).
- Quads Participants aged 10 and above can race on a closed 450-metre circuit (source).
- Other activities include karting, Bungy Trampoline, Gellyball, and an Orientation Course.
The park also offers a 450-metre quad circuit, paintball, tree climbing, and other activities for different ages and physical requirements. The park’s activities are described as available to visitors from 2 years old; individual activities have their own age, height, or weight restrictions (source).
The château, park, and events
The château and park provide photographic settings, including the terraces and historic Louis XIV fountain. The château is also used for weddings and professional gatherings. Special events and guided tours can be arranged by contacting the venue directly; the park also occasionally hosts events and offers guided tours.
Practical visiting information
Opening hours
The park is accessible year-round, though its hours follow a seasonal schedule. During peak season in July and August, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. During the All Saints holidays, October 19 to November 3, it is open daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In April, May, and June, the park is open on weekends and holidays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., with additional hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. In September, it is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check the official website for current hours (source, source).
Ticket prices
Activity prices include:
Accrobranche
- Adults (15+ years): €23
- Adolescents (under 15 years, over 1.40m): €21
- Children (under 1.40m, up to 15 years): €17
- Young children (3–6 years): €15
Paintball
- 200 paintballs: €21
- 300 paintballs: €28
- 500 paintballs: €35
- Disposable coveralls: €5
Other activities
- Bubble Foot: €15
- Disc Golf: €10
- Karting: €7
- Bungy Trampoline: €8
- Gellyball: €15, with additional refills at €5 each
- Orientation Course: €7
Multi-activity packs and family passes are also available at discounted rates. Prices and packages can be checked on the park’s website (source).
Getting there and accessibility
Marennes is accessible by car and public transportation. Local bus services connect Marennes to nearby towns and cities, and ample parking is available on-site.
The park welcomes visitors of different ages, but some activities have age, height, weight, or other physical requirements. For specific information about accessibility for people with disabilities, contact the park directly.
Tips
- Attend the compulsory safety briefings and follow the park’s safety rules. Wear suitable sports clothing and closed shoes, and tie back long hair.
- The park may close during bad weather, including high winds or thunderstorms. Check the forecast and park announcements before visiting.
- The park can be busy in peak season; advance booking through the online ticketing system is advised (source).
- Designated picnic areas are available, and visitors may bring their own food.
- Check age and height restrictions for activities when planning a visit.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Pets are not permitted in the park, even on a leash (source).
Nearby places
Marennes is known for its oysters and seafood, as well as its coastal scenery. Nearby options include Oyster City, a museum dedicated to the region’s oyster-farming history, and the Marennes beaches. Visitors can also explore nearby historical sites and local cuisine.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of La Gataudière Adventure Park?
The park is accessible year-round, with seasonal hours. In July and August it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; during the All Saints holidays, October 19 to November 3, it is open daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. See the seasonal schedule above and check the official website for current hours.
How much do tickets cost?
Prices vary by activity. The listed prices include Accrobranche from €15 to €23, paintball from €21 to €35 depending on the number of paintballs, and other activities from €7 to €15. Multi-activity packs and family passes are also available at discounted rates.
What activities are available?
Activities include Accrobranche, paintball, Bubble Foot, disc golf, Extreme Catapult, quad biking, karting, Bungy Trampoline, Gellyball, and an Orientation Course.
Are discounts available for families or multi-activity packs?
Yes. Family passes and multi-activity packs are available at discounted rates.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes. Designated picnic areas are available.
Is the park accessible for people with disabilities?
Some activities have physical requirements. The park strives to be inclusive and accessible; contact it directly for specific accessibility information.
