Discover Europe's 'Theme Park Capital': 7 Must-Visit Attractions Among 30 Thrilling Parks!
JUST a few hours away from the UK is one country that’s quickly becoming the go-to destination for theme parks. There are already over 30 across the country and...
JUST a few hours away from the UK is one country that’s quickly becoming the go-to destination for theme parks.
There are already over 30 across the country and have been given the go-ahead.
If you’re after high thrills – this country is the place to go with around 40 theme parks Credit: Alamy
Three new ones have just been announced too Credit: Unknown
The country in question is where it’s just been announced that will be built at the cost of €6bn (£5.13bn).
Little has been revealed about them so far, but one will be a manga-themed and is inspired by the popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.
French President said that the development would be “extraordinary” and would create a “new global destination,” adding: Nothing like this has been seen since .”
Construction of the new parks could take years, so in the meantime, here are some of the best ones across France for you to enjoy.
Puy Du Fou
Puy du Fou doesn’t actually have any rides – instead it has historical re-enactments Credit: Getty Images
Unlike most theme parks, doesn’t actually have any rides – but don’t rule it out.
It’s the second most visited theme park in France and takes visitors through with live shows and re-enactments.
Visitors can also stroll through immersive villages taking them back in time and see romantic evening shows across a lake.
The theme park has six hotels and even a with cosy family lodges. Tickets to the park start from £40.
Parc Asterix
Parc Astérix is based on comic book characters with over 50 attractions Credit: Alamy
is a theme park in Plailly based on the famous comic book series Astérix the Gaul, with over 50 attractions across six themed worlds like the Roman Empire, and the Vikings.
The biggest ride is called Toutatis which is a multi-launch coaster at 167 feet tall and a top speed of 66.5mph.
The Zone reopened in April this year after a revamp with a water raft ride called The Descent of the Nile and The Flight of Ibis, where visitors swoop over the water garden.
In 2028, the park will open a new British-themed land called . Tickets here start from £36.
Futuroscope
Futuroscope is a theme park and waterpark in one Credit: Futuroscope Water Park
is as the name suggests a futuristic theme park that this year was named 15th on Blooloop’s best in .
It has over 40 attractions at the park, three shows and three on-site hotels – it also has an immersive indoor which opened in 2024.
One of the best ones is Chasers where visitors can ride into a tornado on a rotating platform, with the world’s largest indoor LED screen.
It’s suitable for toddlers too who can sit on little and enjoy a small floating log ride and Waterworks play area. Tickets start from £31.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is one of the most visited and popular theme parks in Europe Credit: Alamy
Of course, needs a mention being one of the most popular theme parks in Europe.
The biggest and most famous rollercoaster is in Frontierland.
Of course this year marked the opening of Disney’s newest land, the with a boat ride through Arendelle, meet-and-greets with Olaf, Elsa and Ana as well as a live show.
This is part of the newly transformed Disney Adventure World home to worlds inspired by and Pixar. And no visit is complete without seeing the spectacular fireworks and Cascade of Lights show. Tickets to both parks start from £82.
Festyland
Festyland’s newest rollercoaster Valkyrie opened in April Credit: Festyland
Just outside of is Festyland which has 30 rides from high thrills to ones all the family can enjoy.
A new rollercoaster called Valkyrie opened in April – it takes riders “to the heart of Norse mythology” with top speeds of 40mph.
There’s also a , swinging ship and spinning disk ride – family-friendly attractions at the theme park include carousels, a play area and little race cars.
Tickets start from £21.43.
Vulciana
Vulcania is a theme park all about volcanoes Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
is a unique theme park where are the heart, or core, of it all.
There are rollercoasters like Namazu which stands at 52.5 feet tall, covers 584 metres of track and reaches speeds of 42.8mph.
Other rides, like the Abyss Explore, ares where visitors can explore underwater volcanoes – others reveal what they look like from above.
The evening light show is not to be missed, and make sure to pop into the planetarium as it’s the biggest in the country. Tickets start from £24.
Terra Botanica
Terra Botanica is a unique attraction all about plants Credit: Alamy
A theme park all about might sound odd, but it makes for a great day out.
Terra Botanica is surrounded by greenery and has around 500,000 plants from around the world.
It doesn’t have any classic rides, but it does have treetop trails suspended high up in the air, boat and miniature train rides.
One ride allows visitors to explore the park from a bird’s eye view pedalling in a carriage shaped like a walnut shell.
Inside there are 4D adventures which make visitors feel like they’re in a jeep as they enter a reserve.
Tickets start from £18.