Family Days Out
with the Bonds
Nestled in a cave outside the walls of Villefranche de Conflent, Dinopedia Experience is a relatively new addition to family days out in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Despite the restrictions that undoubtedly come with being in a UNESCO site, the cave is an amazing, animated dinosaur experience. For anyone that visited the cave before, it’s a remarkable transformation.
The experience
As soon as you step into the entrance you can feel the cool of the cave. It keeps a steady 14 degrees all year round… a welcome relief from the heat of the mid summer and the cold snow of winter. Packing a jumper in the heat may seem odd but I recommend it.
It feels counter intuitive going up stairs to get into a cave, however, the 124 steps built the kids’ excitement.
At the top, you open the door to a time long gone. There is something extra special about the setting. The interior of the cave makes you really feel like you have stepped back in time. I was told it is the only underground theme park in France.
Inside there are games, displays, sights, sounds and of course the cave itself.
The life-size animated creatures have a real wow factor. It’s not often the kids are shocked but they defiantly stopped in their tracks when the bear growled at them.
Dinosaurs that come to life on a motion sensor were of great amusement – after our heart rates had gone back to normal! You see animals, giant insects and, of course, the dinosaurs.
The cave
‘La Cova Bastera’ or ‘Fortified Cave’ has geological, historical and cultural significance, connected with (Marquis de) Vauban, who was a French military engineer. These are the only European caves fortified by Vauban.
A visit out of the ordinary that testifies to the exceptional natural heritage of the Conflent. Since 2008, the cave is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, along with the village and the Château Fort Liberia.
Top mum tips
Visit the website before you visit Dinopedia Experience. Go to the game on the menu at the top. We won a free child’s place that saves €12. Pack a jumper and use the free parking after the roundabout.
Top kids tips
Get the Carnet de Voyage and don’t miss La Toile!
Practical info
*€15 for adults and €12 for children.
*You can check out the opening hours here.
In all, it is a great day out in the dept 66. I have one dino loving child, the other two loved it just as much. There is a nice mix of learning the history, games and a coffee for mum at the end to keep us all happy.
They also have additional seasonal activities like an egg hunt for Easter and animations at Christmas.
Pack a picnic for the park and wander the village to make a day of it.
You can read the full article on my blog.
