Lost in an amazing maze
Attraction Name: Monts de Guéret Giant Labyrinth
Where: Gueret, Dept of Cruese, France
Explorason loves mazes. The last one we did was well over a year ago. Early in our trip, we did the Dole maze of Hawaii. So we were long overdue for another one.
We got there and easily found the place(even without our GPS) as the road signs are fantastic around the area. The little country towns are so lovely – I enjoy driving through them.
Exploramum and Explorason – French country hamlet on way to Giant Labyrinth
Once we got to the car park I was a bit lost. Fortunately, a family came along and the daughter could speak English and pointed us in the direction of the maze.
Our initial confusion was simply because so many people were having a good time! Picnic lunches and games were in progress everywhere. The snack shop was in full swing, with many a person sipping a drink, or licking an ice-cream.
We then work out a little further down the path where there is an entrance to the maze.
Even after we paid, we were a little confused as there are a straight-ahead path and a path to the right.
We were given 2 card hint sheets. One for 7 – 9-year-olds, and the other for adults. Both in English.
So down the center path, we go and see an entry and exit sign in French. We head up and in the center is a rock pile and some trees. Including the path, we came in through. There is a choice of 8 ways to be used. “Way to go,” says Explorason and jumps up and down with excitement.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – which way to go
We climb the rocks and Explorason does “eini meanie…” to select which path to take. As there is 4.5 km of track, we decide NOT to each take a path but to stick together.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – deciding which path
We select path number seven and off we head – armed with a water bottle and our hint sheet.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – heading off to explore the maze
To navigate this green maze, different themed signs and the hint sheet of questions are according to age.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – a sea of hedges
The idea is meant to be simple: if you find the correct answer to the questions, you will continue in the right direction … and therefore get to the center of the giant labyrinth or maze of Gueret.
This is easier said than done. Some questions related to the USA. Some to France, and some related to Britain. None I could see to Australia. We were soon confused. But we started to meet others who were sharing the same bewilderment.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – lost
Explorason decides he has worked out the key to the maze after a bit of thinking.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – figuring the way out
We pretty much get to the halfway point and there is a wooden maze. I got no further. I am hot and tired and I let him go in for a wander. I figure it is a dead end?
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – a maze within a maze
We come out and go the totally wrong way. We jump up and try to look out and it is a sea of maze hedges.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – trying to find the way out
Back to the wooden maze, we go. There is a water stop there so we stop and splash ourselves and cool down.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – cooling off
We then head off, tailed by a giant beetle behind Explorason. We are amazed by the maze!
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – we are being followed
At the end of about 45 minutes or an hour, we are out. Oh no! He wants to try the other side. We start out but after about 15 minutes we are the only people in the maze, so we turn back.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – bird’s eye view
Here is the size of the maze. It is amazing, isn’t it?
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – postcard view
As we exit we hear a load of screams and wet people in swim ware dash by us. There before us is a waterside.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – games and 2 watersides in this area
Explorason has a great time running up and down with 2 other girls. He spends a good hour here.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – waterslide rush
He is laughing and happy – it is just wonderful to see him enjoy himself so much.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – waterslide joy
Woah – what is that?
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – Shetland Pony looking at us
As we prepare to head back for ours housesit, we regretfully leave and discover someone, or something watching us.
This lovely fella has only short grass around him so we get to hand feed him. It was wonderful.
Exploramum and Explorason – Giant Labyrinth – Shetland Pony feeding
We have really loved staying in the Cruese district and will be sad to leave. This maze is well worth a visit.
I am certainly wishing for a slower trip.
The more I see of the world, the more there is to see!
Schedules and prices for the maze
From Saturday 12 April to Sunday 11 May 2014 :
Every day, from 14:00 to 20:00
From Monday 12 May to Monday 30 June 2014 :
Saturday, Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00
From Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 July 2014 :
From Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 20:00
From Saturday 5 July to Sunday 31 August 2014 :
Every day, from 10:00 to 20:00
From Monday 1 to Tuesday 30 September 2014 :
Saturday, Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00
From Wednesday 1 to Friday 17 October 2014 :
Saturday, Sunday from 14:00 to 19:00
From Saturday 18 October to Sunday 2 November 2014 :
Every day, from 14:00 to 19:00
From Monday 3 to Tuesday 11 November 2014 :
Saturday, Sunday from 14:00 to 19:00
Admission prices :
Full price: 6.5 €
Children from 4 to 11 years: 4.5 €
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Questions and Comments
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