How about going to Belgium for fun? Without a health permit, it’s hard to enjoy France’s tourist attractions. So there is a Belgian option where the famous sesame is not necessary (yet?). 20 minutes It offers you five weekend destinations to enjoy August anyway, while respecting health measures (wearing a mask, respecting social distancing, etc.).
Recreated Prairie Daiza World (Near Athe)
Is there a need to present this zoo, located in Brugelettes and awarded for three years the title “Best Zoo in Europe”? The place, famous for its giant pandas, offers a real change to landscapes around the world and is enriched every year with new things. This time, it is a penguin cave where twelve individuals between the ages of 1 and 28 occupied an area of 850 square metres, under a temperature of about 4 degrees. “We hope to give birth next year,” explains one of the caregivers, Gunter van Niuenhuys. The allocated space can accommodate 80 people.”
Little wool would be welcome to visit them! Not to mention that wearing a mask is mandatory everywhere on the site. In addition, Berry Daisa has developed a two-year residency offer to enjoy this huge park for two days. A chance to have a unique experience with certain animals (tigers, for example) as roommates.
The Magnificent Caves of Han (on the border of the Ardennes)
in another area, Le Geopark de Han Also worth the detour. The UNESCO-sealed hotel offers a walking or bus safari tour of a vast forested zoo where the latest innovation is Bears Hill. The other attraction of the site, however, is the descent into the caves for a somewhat illusory sound and light show.
Not to forget the prehistoric exhibition that was presented in the small village of Han Sur Lisse. Here, too, it is impossible to see everything in one day. So, the original residence center, Cocoon Village, was born: about thirty comfortable tents. The caves had to close for five days in July due to the floods that hit the Liege region, but don’t worry, everything has been restored.
Exciting water rides at Aquapark-Bellewaerde (near Ypres)
opened in 2019, water garden It has become a norm in terms of water activities: spinning descent in a pontoon, racing on two parallel bars … If the health pass is not requested, as elsewhere in Belgium, it is necessary to book its visit on the website in in order to respect the imposed scale.
And if the excitement in the water isn’t enough for you, you can extend your stay by visiting the Bellewaerde theme park, which is right next to the Aquapark.
Fun Science Arcade Adventure (Near Mons)
Cause a mini tsunami, find yourself in the middle of a storm, discover volcano activity or play archaeologists… Science and Social Adventure Park (Pass), planted on a former mining site, in Frameries, doubles as experiences and activities for adults and children from 4 years old. An opportunity to learn the secrets of life, while having fun, in the same style as the Cité des Sciences in Paris.
There is also an outdoor playground and, since April, a biodiversity park, around a pond, a flowery meadow and an observatory, where you can walk barefoot to discover some sensations. The trail must close its doors at the end of August to reopen on September 24, under a new identity that remains classified.
Nature and birds at Zwin Park (Near Knokke-Heist)
natural park Zwain It is located on the grounds of the upscale seaside town of Knokke Heist. Not to be missed for nature lovers: 150 hectares (equivalent to 300 football fields) to explore to meet migratory or nesting birds. In particular, the observatory makes it possible to consider the nests of storks in the spring and summer. Don’t forget your binoculars! Admission for a fee.
Guided tours are also organized on the weekends (in French), and at the moment there is a temporary exhibition about the “Lost Port of Zwin” brought back to life thanks to virtual reality. Reservations are recommended. Finally, to complete this walking tour, a bike ride – free this time – around the park, is a must, on the Zwin trails between Belgium and the Netherlands.
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