CenterParcs France Trois Forêts is immersed in nature in the remote area of Moselle Lorraine, France. My American family discovered this retreat to be unlike anything we had ever experienced in the U.S. — and what an amazing experience it was! Set in a forest on over 1,000 acres of land, this resort is a play-with-your-family kind of place. In addition to a petting zoo and water park, kids and parents enjoy this holiday park’s sports and activities galore. Read my review to learn why your family will love a stay at CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets.
CenterParcs Trois Fôrets
Le Centre
In Le Centre (the main building), the greenery of the outdoors comes to life inside with an oasis of exotic tropical plants that create an indoor jungle of sorts. This jungle includes several koi ponds teeming with fish, a few little waterfalls, walking paths, and pleasant alcoves in which to sit and enjoy your coffee or croissant. The lobby, market, gift shop, game room, restaurants, and café are all housed here in Le Centre. It’s your starting point for your activities and where to go to figure out what to do and when at CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets.
Le Centre is the main activity hub of the resort
Cottages
When my family arrived at our vacation cottage, I opened the window blinds and was surprised to see a beautiful doe standing in our new backyard. We stayed in a VIP cottage. And I can assure you — with three bathrooms, a sauna, and three bedrooms — we certainly felt like VIPs. A cozy fire at night was just the way to unwind. Cottages range in size and can sleep up to 12 people.
Animals of the Forest Cottage at CenterParcs Trois Fôrets
Aqua Mundo Water Park
My family adored Aqua Mundo, an onsite water park that boasts many pools, several waterslides, hot tubs, a lazy river, a faster river, a wave pool, and plenty of lifeguards for safety. The pièce de résistance is the fantastic Arbre à Eau (Water Tree), with a a waterslide, tower, and splash station. My kids adored the generously sized sand box IN one of the children’s pools.
Much of the water park is located indoors, making it a great place to play no matter the weather. Sun lovers will appreciate an outdoor pool as well. Beach towels and sand toys are not provided, but you can purchase what you need at the gift shop if necessary. Life vests for children are also available at no charge.
Aqua Mundo water park
Outdoor Family Activities
Your family definitely will not be bored at CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets! Nature lovers will be pleased to find plentiful outdoor activities, including archery, horseback riding, rope courses, zip-lining, paintball, tennis, and miniature golf. As if that weren’t enough to keep any family content, you can also rent Segways, canoes or pedal boats. Meanwhile, the Children’s Farm is home to sheep, cows, ducks, pigs and more animals to feed and cuddle. Fortunately for us, since it rained during our visit, there is something for every weather situation.
Kids’ ropes course and swing
Indoor Activities for Kids
During our rainy stay, we found enough indoor activities to keep us busy from morning until bedtime. Indoor play options include bowling, family crafts, a video game arcade, an escape room, and even bread-making classes.
Bread making class
It was a little wet for us to play on the outdoor play structures, but the indoor BALUBA and Pilobus play areas house the most impressive climbing structures I have ever seen. Big and sturdy enough for parents to tag along with their kids, these giant wooden towers offer slides, rope bridges and tunnels of all types. In the middle is the Jeu des Poules (Hen House), a playful target range equipped with air cannons that shoot egg-shaped foam balls — an enticing activity for my three young boys. They kept shouting, “Shoot the balls at us, Mom!”
Impressive indoor play area
Deep Nature Spa
Family activities aside, my favorite spot was the Deep Nature Spa, where I was able to escape for some rare time to myself. Offering a variety of facials, body treatments and massages, this spa is heaven for grown-ups. Kids aren’t left out, however, with limited hours specifically for family spa time during which kids as young as 3 can enjoy the facilities with their parents including the sauna, hammam, salt cabin, and outdoor and indoor pools. Customized facials are available for guests as young as 14, too. Bonus: Trois Forêts offers a generous discount if you book your treatments in advance.
Outdoor pool at Deep Nature Spa
Multigenerational Vacation Destination
CenterParcs France Trois Forêts is a multi-generational vacation destination that has something for all ages, from babies to grandparents. Everything at the park is planned with families in mind, like having a large main buffet restaurant that serves food kids love, as well as traditional French cuisine for parents. Play structures are scattered throughout the property, including in or near restaurants so that children can play while parents enjoy themselves nearby.
Bicycling at CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets
Car-free Holiday
Even though CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets is large, cars are discouraged within the property. In French culture, cars equal work and this resort is intended to be an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Thus, you will find bike trails and walking paths instead of parking spaces and busy roads. Be prepared to walk a lot here. You should also pack weather-appropriate clothing for your stay. I was so glad that we brought a stroller since you cannot drive up to the activities or even to Le Centre. You can also rent bicycles, surreys and golf carts to get around the massive property.
Pig at Children’s Farm
Tips for Visiting CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets
Keep in mind, there is no laundry on site. We stayed at CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets for a weeklong stay and it was a bit daunting to have that much vacation laundry to tote home. There is, however, a laundromat in the neighboring town a few minutes down the road.
While there are no land-line phones in the cottages, we had no problems using our smart phones on-site. You can also purchase Internet access for a small fee.
I advise bringing your own groceries or pick some up in town. You can buy what you need in Le Centre market, but it’s not cheap. Cottages are equipped with kitchenettes for cooking. CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets also offers reasonably priced food delivery right to your cottage. There’s just something so wonderful about having warm bread delivered to your door for breakfast.
Many activities cost extra, so plan to spend some Euros on playtime and perks at this resort. The pools, farm, and play structures are free for use to all guests.
Arbre à Eau (Water Tree) at Aqua Mundo water park
Family Togetherness
My family and I had such a wonderful time at CenterParcs France Trois Forêts, we can’t wait to return. It is not often that we experience a true sense of family togetherness on vacation, but this resort enabled us to really savor spending time as a family.
Zip-lining
Book Your CenterParcs Holiday
Ready to take the leap and book your CenterParks holiday? Do it now! The further in advance you book your stay, the better your rate typically will be at CenterParcs resorts. This includes the weekly fee for your cottage and sport activities, which require a charge. Find CenterParcs throughout Europe in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and France. Read additional reviews at book your stay at CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets now!
A beautiful street scene in Villes-sur-Auzon in Provence, France (Photo credit: znm666, Depositphotos.com)
Plan Your Family Vacation in France
Considering a trip to France? Merveilleux! We’ve got tips to help plan your French adventures.
Narrow down your options with this list of the best destinations in France for families.
If you will be headed to the City of Lights for a portion of your stay, then be sure to read our Paris with kids tips. You should also take a peek at why we recommend visiting Disneyland Paris during your vacation in France.
Provence truly is a dream come true for families. Find out why with these six reasons to visit Provence with kids.
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Do you think your family would enjoy a stay at CenterParcs France Trois Fôrets? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from The Nomadic Travel Mama: I received a media discount on our family accommodations at CenterParcs France Trois Forêts. Opinions are my own. All photos photos by CenterParcs France unless otherwise indicated.
About Farrah Ritter, The Nomadic Travel Mama
Sounds like a great destination for a family getaway! When my kids were younger they would have thought it was heaven to have a sandbox inside a pool!
Center Parc looks lovely! What is the top age group for kids to really enjoy themselves, do you think? Is it a good destination for big, active teenagers?
Lisa- it was fantastic. Kept the kids in one area- thus we actually could sit back and relax watching them. What a concept!
Claudia- I actually think it’s perfect for all ages. What we did was perfect for us- but there are even more options for ‘big kids’. Archery, dirt buggies, rope course, lake activities- you name it. Even things like Segway, horse riding, and paintball. Brilliant, I tell you!
oh my GOSH. I’d love to go there! It seems like a wonderful place to BE.
How fun! LOVE the sandbox in the pool! Fantastic 🙂
Yes, really it is a wonderful place. We’ve already been talking about how we need to go back soon!