I’ve previously written about some of our frustrations of being based in France and really how child un-friendly it can be.  One of our biggest struggles was knowing what to do with the kids on their birthdays as we found France so limiting.

Luckily for us, this water park in Trevoux came recommended by one of the life guards we met through AirBNB.

Les Cascades

Les cascades, which translates to ‘The Waterfalls’ is about 40 minutes north of Lyon in the small, riverside town of Trevoux. It is a municipal pool, attached to a camp site.

On 2.5 hectares of land, it offers several slides and pools as well as grass to sunbathe, picnic, ping-pong tables and volleyball nets. They also have a snack bar which sells chips and crisps etc and you can rent parasols and sun chairs as well.

Entrance

Entrance fee is €8.50 for adults and €5.50 for children with under 2’s being free.  They accept cash or card payments and in return you’re presented with wrist bands that are compulsory to wear.

The pools are open between the end of June and the beginning of September.

Despite asking for 2 adults and 3 children, we were charged for 3 adults and 2 children and when I complained I was told there was nothing they could do because the transaction had already completed. I paid by card rather than cash though.

Budgie smugglers & swimming caps

Unlike most French pools you’re not required to wear a swimming cap however you must not wear board shorts or burkinis or anything long!

Yes the French are obsessed with their rules and budgie smugglers!!

Security

The pools are patrolled by a range of life guards AND security men. We are not entirely sure why but somebody mentioned that there had been problems between arabic youths. Given how racism is prevalent in France though, this might not be true.

The pools and slides

There are a number of pools and slides all varying in depth, including a toboggan slide, a swirly slide, a deep pool, a water jet pool that pushes you round in a circle and a baby and small child pool.

Toboggan Slide

The toboggan slide was a big hit but not the favourite!

The twirly slide

I have no idea how many goes he had on this slide, in excess of twenty for sure!

And after much persuasion, even I had a go!!

I am not a fan of swimming pools but I think we can all assume we had a great time here and it was a fab way to spend the boy’s birthday 🙂  He was so tired by 4pm he had a little nap.

Follow our journey

If you’re not already, consider liking us on Facebook or following us on Instagram.