It was summer 2005, a hot day and we had planned to go to the woods Vaugrenier. However our plans were turned upside down when we got there as the woods closed due to the heat wave ..so what to do with the kids full of anticipation..then Myriam our 4 year old daughter suggested going to "La Petite Ferme".

Ingrid our little tot of 18 months finished of her nap in the car so we headed over to the Farm for midday. Perfect time to camp out in the shade with a picnic on the shaded tables near the car park. The area had a welcome breeze and a convivial atmosphere so we chowed down until around half past one.

Unlike other attraction parks we were happy to see no queue for the entrance and in we went...and into the Wild West you go with horses carriages and pistols! Ok so that's just the little ride - get change from the little shop if you need it...you can also get a throw away camera if you are travelling light like us (we were supposed to be in the woods remember!)

You can also get the timetable to the show times which start on time so plan ahead so as not to disappoint. Within you will find a little pony ... you can go and give him a stroke...and its a nicely shaded area. As you enter down the back on the right is the face painting - it can get quite busy so keep an eye on the queue and jump in when you can ..maybe mentioning it at the last minute so that its not the only thing on everyone's mind.

So now that we are in character let's get on .. just nearby there is a little room where workshops take place and the children can do some colouring - again shady so good on the hot or cold days...with a little ball pit too.

Over to the theatre with puppets .. its again in the shade which made a break from the sun but it wasn't really for Ingrid and me so we left Myriam and Papa and went to say hi to the rabbits and the swans on the blue blue lake. There followed a trip to the maze for Myriam and Papa and I pushed Ingrid around to the farm animals which line the parc in their enclosures.

So what next well there is still the play area to check out .. a Tarzanesque assault course with beams and ropes, a sort of slide and a "death slide" don't worry they come back..a climbing wall something for everyone ..Myriam had a ball and even Ingrid carried away by her desire to follow big sis also enjoyed it.

Heading over to the Hall of Mirrors is a funny sight and a quick hop and you are by the pedal cars for a race although this is really only suitable for the 4+ to take part - we enjoyed spectating though.

So if Mum and dad are starting to flag there is a play area just opposite the restaurants - you can watch from the bench while the kids let off steam. There is a little roundabout so save a few pennies for that - the kids loved it and after a little pause we went to the covered playground to have an ice cream and drink. There are tables here too so you can picnic.

Now that you are feeling relaxed why not head for the little boat tour - its relaxing if a little short. For those age 2+ there is also a ride on a pony A quick toilet break (with changing table) then off for a quick bounce on the inflatable .

And just when you thought it was safe to o home there is still the runaway train and the attack of the indians. The children can participate and win the treasure if they can protect it ... on the way out there is a refreshing spray but don't hang around too much or you will get soaked.

Since we visited there have been a few improvements particularly for the smaller guests...a ball pit is now reserved for them and the train track has been extended and the attack is a little bit quieter and so not so "scary".

We left the park shattered and our babes fell asleep in the car on the way back. Hardly the energy to bath before bed.

In summary we adored La Petite Ferme it's a great day out and it wasn't extortionate either; free for under 3s, 7 Euros for kids and 12 euros for adults - remember if one of you work at the CE you may be able to get even cheaper tickets.