Jonzac is a charming town located in the Charente-Maritime department of southwestern France. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and historical charm, Jonzac is nestled among rolling hills and vineyards. The town is characterised by its well-preserved medieval architecture, quaint streets, and picturesque riverbanks.
One of Jonzac’s notable landmarks is the Château de Jonzac, a 15th-century castle that stands above the Seugne River. Its towers and picturesque setting make it a highlight for visitors. The old mill and Les Antilles de Jonzac are near the castle, a large aquatic and leisure complex offering relaxation and recreation.
The town is also famous for its thermal spa facilities, which attract those seeking wellness treatments. Jonzac’s thermal waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, contributing to its reputation as a health resort.
The local markets, regional cuisine, and vineyards nearby provide a taste of traditional French life. Its location in the Cognac region allows you to enjoy tours, local wine tastings, and spirits.
Discover Les Antilles de Jonzac
Les Antilles de Jonzac isn’t just a water park; it’s a recreational facility offering many aquatic and wellness activities enveloped in a tropical atmosphere. From the wave pool to the beauty treatment spa, every corner promises an escape.
Aquatic Adventures
The park is divided into two sections: relaxation, which is Espace Detente, and play, which is Espace Ludique. You can pay to visit one section or get the freedom pass, which allows you to use both sections. When we visited, we just got the pass for Espace Ludique.
Espace Ludique
Within Espace Ludique is a lagoon-style pool with artificial waves at regular intervals. The depth of this pool reaches 2.3 meters. You can walk or swim through the pool under a bridge and see the rainforest area with the koi pond next to the pool. There is also a slide that Lucas and his friends enjoyed going on. There is a roman bath that is 35 degrees celsius and a small beach area inside with sun loungers. The outdoor pool and a water play area are also open in July and August.
A snack bar, ‘Le Ti Bar, ‘ serves drinks, ice cream, sandwiches, and hot dogs. Behind the swimming area, next to the snack bar, there is a room with picnic benches where you can eat what you purchased at the snack bar. You can also walk to the rainforest area from here.
Espace Detente
Within the Espace Detente, you will find a swimming pool at 32 degrees Celsius with a current to allow you to relax and drift. There are massaging jets of water, a solarium, a sauna, a resting marble, a hammam, a cold water bath, a jacuzzi, and a Roman bath at 35 degrees C. There is also an outdoor pool. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult within the pool areas. Children under 16 are not allowed in the sauna zone.
Additional Recreation Amenities
Fitness and Beauty Areas
A fitness area is fully equipped with radio and weight training equipment from bikes to treadmills and rowing machines.
There is a beauty area offering treatments such as facials, massages, body scrubs, hair removal, manicures and pedicures to name just a few. They even offer treatments for children ages between 3 and 12 years old if you’d like a pamper session together. What I am really impressed with is that if you spend €39 on treatments (excluding nail care and hair removal), you get a pass to the Espace Detente, the park’s relaxation area, for free, so it’s perfect for a spa day.
Tropical Greenhouse
Walk into Serre Tropicale, where the flora and fauna provide a serene backdrop. It’s a perfect place to unwind after enjoying the aquatic attractions. We walked around here after lunch before getting back into the pool. The toddlers enjoyed seeing the birds in the aviaries and the koi fish.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Les Antilles de Jonzac is a year-round destination, but visiting during the summer months allows you to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor pools. Check the park’s website for seasonal events and offers to make the most of your visit.
Entry Fees and Special Deals
The park offers free entry for children under certain ages, with different rates for access to various zones. Look out for package deals and discounts on different travel sites to find the cheapest hotel deal and admission rates. Also, look on Groupon as you can sometimes find deals there.
Vacances Bleues Les Coteaux de Jonzac and Pierre &Vacances residences in Jonzac usually include free entry to the Espace Ludique.
Local Attractions
Jonzac is home to several attractions beyond the water park. The Chateau de Plassac, a mere 5-minute drive from Les Antilles, offers a historical outing. The nearby Jonzac Thermal Baths and the Parc du Val de Seugne are also worth visiting for those exploring the area further.
Swimming attire
Although most pools in France insist on speedo-style shorts for men and boys, you can wear regular swimming shorts here as long as they are above knee length and have not been worn outside beforehand.
Eating at the centre
As previously mentioned, there is the snack bar Le Ti Bar in the Espace Ludique area. Here, you can eat and drink in your swimwear. A panoramic restaurant also serves meals above the pool area, but you need to get dressed to eat there. If you want to go there, it is also advised that you book with the front desk staff when you walk to pay.
Changing area
There is a spacious changing area with toilets, showers, hair dryers and plenty of lockers.