The Mysteries of the Forest, expansion and novelty for 2021 at Terra Botanica. – V.Ripaud / Skillvalley
- Opened in 2010 in Angers, Terra Botanica is the only European theme park dedicated to the world of plants.
- He had a difficult start until he came close to filing for bankruptcy. A change in strategy has helped boost attendance.
- Made up of nets and footbridges among the trees, the Les Mystères de la Forêt course is the big novelty for 2021.
It is one of the few French theme parks authorized to reopen from this Wednesday. I have to say that Terra Botanica can be discovered, like zoos, mainly in the open air. This is also its specificity: created 12 years ago in Angers, this 20 hectare leisure site is entirely devoted to the world of plants and biodiversity. Lush vegetation, exotic gardens, aquatic ponds, giant greenhouses… Green is everywhere and invites contemplation and amazement.
However, despite the presence of fun activities (dynamic cinema, flying walnut shell, games, etc.), Terra Botanica had a chaotic start to the risk of filing for bankruptcy for lack of sufficient attendance (138,000 visitors in 2014). The reconquest went through a reinforcement of communication and, above all, the addition of attractions and shows capable of seducing families.
“Discovery and fun”
“We are a park of discovery, relaxation, but also fun. The plant is not only horticulture, ornament, it is also a relationship with nature and biodiversity, insists Pierre Watrelot, director. Through this positioning, we want to reach young families with children. “A profitable strategy that he hopes to amplify this season with a novelty of 7,000 m2: The Mysteries of the Forest, a course of suspended nets and walkways watched over by three wooden giants.
“This is our first extension since the park opened, enthuses Pierre Watrelot. There will be an acrobatic area, another more zen offering a wide point of view. There are passages that are easy to access, others a little more dizzying for sensations. It is also a place of mediation since the giants tell real stories. This crossroads of fun and education makes sense. “
“Go look for visitors a little further”
In 2019, the Angevin park had beaten its attendance record (334.00 visits). And the summer of 2020 had been “even stronger” despite the health situation. What will it be this year? “I am convinced that the summer period will be good, forecasts Pierre Watrelot. We are already seeing a sharp increase in our reservations. The schoolchildren will come back. We are on an airy site, with few queues. We want to preserve this serenity. “
For now, 60% of visitors come from the Pays-de-la-Loire region. “We aim to get visitors a little further away,” says Pierre Watrelot. That’s why we renew ourselves, that we have other investment projects. Ten years ago, this theme park was a UFO. Today, we benefit from the renewed interest in the environment, the need for synchronization with nature. We found our place. “
Terra Botanica employs 50 permanent employees and around 100 seasonal workers in Angers.