Tucked away in the middle of the pretty village of Jupille is a distinctive modern building, covered in wooden tiles, making it stand out from the creamy stone buildings that surround it. As you enter you immediately become immersed in the bio-sphere of a  forest where Man, woodland creatures, flora and majestic trees interact to survive. The influence of the forest on Man and Man on the forest is profound and is both practical and economic and, at times, magical and mystical.

Carnuta is 'edutainment' at its best. The visit draws you in and invites you to uncover the secrets of the forest for yourself. The experience is interactive and, unlike most museums, when you enter you are encouraged to touch everything. And, it really is impossible to keep your hands to yourself! Each cover you lift or draw you pull-out reveals more secrets of the creatures and plants of the woodland and their fundamental importance to Mankind. You interact with visuals, sounds, textures and even scents that you are prompted to identify and learn more about. One exhibit invites you to stick your hand into a box without being able to see what you are touching! Only for the brave!

The entire visit generates a physical response: oohs, aahs, eeks and a little leaping around. It's sure to keep every kid interested and bring out the inner child in everyone else. It makes you feel like you want to hug a tree!

For information: carnuta  

Sam's scoop

To continue the woodland theme, why not stay at the 'Gìtes les Tropes' on the edge of the forest of Bercy. The work of young creative architects, 7 buildings are surrounded by “walls of vegetation”, blending them into the forest around them - the perfect way to be 'at one with nature'!

For information:gites-tropes