Parc de la Combe à l'Orme

The Parc de la Combe à l'Orme is a large leisure park on the outskirts of Autun, in the hills of the Morvan in southern Burgundy, and it offers a lively contrast to the town's Roman and medieval monuments. The name means the valley of the elm, and the site, in a wooded combe, a type of small valley, was developed as a place for family recreation. It covers about seventy hectares, which makes it large, and it has more than twenty attractions, so it is a good day out for families with children, particularly in the summer holidays. Few details of its history are documented, and the programme of rides changes over the years, so check the park's website for the current list of attractions and opening dates before you go.

The park combines thrill rides, rides for younger children and open-air activities. A few of the better known are a summer toboggan, a long track on which small sleds slide down a hillside, with a length of more than four hundred metres, a large Ferris wheel that gives views across the countryside, and several rides in the style of a small fairground, with names that play on the local setting, such as a water ride and a train ride. Smaller children have gentler rides and play areas. The park is built to fit the landscape rather than to flatten it, with the attractions placed along paths among the trees and by a lake.

A special feature is the little train, the Train des Deux Vallées, which circles the park, pulled by steam or diesel locomotives, and gives a relaxed way of seeing it. Walking is another option. Two marked routes, of about five and ten kilometres, lead through the woods and meadows around the park, and they are pleasant for families who want a change from the rides. There are picnic areas, snack bars and restaurants on the site, and many families come for the whole day.

The park is open in the main season, from spring to early autumn, and the days and hours vary, with the longest hours in July and August, so it is essential to check before you travel. Tickets are sold for the day, with reduced rates for children, and some attractions may have additional charges. Expect queues on summer afternoons, and wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. A full visit takes several hours.

Autun itself is a short drive away and is well worth a visit for its heritage. The Roman gate, the Porte Saint-André, the theatre, the Temple of Janus, the Cathédrale Saint-Lazare, with its Romanesque sculpture, and the Musée Rolin, which is closed for renovation, are among the sights, and the Église Saint-Nazaire stands in the old town. The park suits families with children who are looking for a day of fun in the Morvan.