The top 10 theme parks in France

Family holidays need fun days out and a theme park trip is a guaranteed hit - so we have rounded up a list of the best theme parks in France to visit with all the family on your next holiday across the Channel...

The different types of family-friendly theme parks across France

Whatever kind of theme park you and your family are interested in, France has something to offer. All theme parks have measures in place to ensure safety whilst Covid-19 is a risk, so you can enjoy a fun family day out safely! 

There are so many types of great theme parks across France, there are French theme parks filled with a huge variety of exciting rides and fun activities to enjoy with your favourite characters, and waterparks that are home to giant flumes and breath-taking waterslides.

There are also more educational parks that are great fun and offer an opportunity for kids to learn something new too - you will find you are spoilt for choice for theme parks in France.

Our favourite theme parks in France 

The biggest and most famous parks in France are undoubtedly Disneyland® Paris, the sleek multimedia technology-based Parc du Futuroscope and the historical Puy du Fou, which has previously been voted the best theme park in the world. In all of these you'll need to spend at least one whole day exploring. You could even make these theme parks the main base of your holiday or short break by staying on site.

France also has many smaller, more regional theme parks throughout the country. Find the theme park nearest to your holiday destination or pick the one you want to visit and plan your holiday around it. You're sure to find something that your whole family will be happy with - it'll be the highlight of your family holiday to France!

1. Disneyland® Paris

This needs little introduction. Disney's only theme park in Europe, Disneyland Paris is only two and a half hours from our port in Le Havre and around three hours from Caen. 

The park is huge - nearly one fifth the size of Paris itself - and features so many rides that everyone in the family will find a favourite. 

You can explore all the different worlds of the park including Main Street U.S.A.®, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland and Discoveryland. And experience famous rides like Space Mountain (now Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain), Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain.

Also, don't miss the Walt Disney Studios® Park where you can discover what it's like being behind the camera at the movies, with stunt performers, working movie sets and animation demonstrations.

2. Futuroscope

A unique theme park located just outside of Poitiers, and one of the biggest in France, Parc du Futuroscope is a truly incredible experience. 

Housed inside ultra-modern buildings that sit in 60 hectares of tranquil countryside, the park's attractions are all about technology and multimedia and several of the attractions have won THEA awards.

Sit in a giant robot arm as it dances to music at Dances with Robots, be launched 115 feet into the air at the Aerobar and enjoy a drink at the top, and hurtle around the park on the Objectif Mars rollercoaster - which won 'best new roller coaster' at the European Star Awards 2020. There are also lots of spectacular shows including the incredible evening show, The Key to Dreams, where you'll be plunged into a fairytale display of 3-dimensional aquatic effects with dancing lights and images on giant water screens.

3. Puy du Fou

A previous winner of best theme park in the world, Puy du Fou in the Loire region, is a sensational experience where you can travel into the past with thrilling live-action shows that are truly spectacular. From Vikings to musketeers, Romans to mediaeval knights, there's a whole host of historical characters to enjoy at this theme park.

There's so much to see including jousting, falconry, chariots, even skills such as blacksmithing. Stunts, fights, explosions, dancing - it's all here at Puy du Fou's enthralling shows. And, the night-time show, the Cinéscenie, is the biggest night-time show in the world featuring over 2,500 actors on a 23 hectare stage. Unmissable if you're anywhere near the Poitiers area, Puy du Fou is a visit you will never forget.

4. Festyland

Located just outside Caen, this historical theme park is perfect for younger children. With rollercoasters, waterslides, a medieval castle and even a 3D cinema, Festyland is a great day out on a smaller scale than the bigger theme parks.

With attractions centred around William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings, the Belle Epoque and more, kids might even learn a little during their fun. There's also live shows in the summer featuring pirates, Vikings and dinosaurs!

5. Parc de Préhistoire de Bretagne

If your kids love dinosaurs then the Parc de Préhistoire de Bretagne is the place to go and one of our favourite theme parks in the Brittany region of France. Stroll along the trail at this 20 hectare park that meanders through forests and alongside lakes and you'll never know what dinosaurs might be lying around the corner.

With 40 life-size models of dinosaurs in different scenes and also some scenes of prehistoric people hunting, fishing and more, this is an entertaining and educational way to spend an afternoon with the little ones on your family holiday to France.

6. Terra Botanica

Whilst a plant-life theme park might sound an odd premise for a French theme park, Terra Botanica is a great, unusual day out amongst beautiful greenery and has a really playful atmosphere. From walking in the entrance of the ogre's head to the elves that ride around the park on bicycles, Terra Botanica has a truly unique sense of fun about it.

There's several worlds to explore with so much to see and do at each that you won't know what to do first! Fun, educational and a day spent around nature. What could be better?

Located just an hour away from Nantes, this has got to make your list of places to visit.

7. Cité de l'Espace

Got a space fanatic in the family? Then head to the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse where you can find out all about man's journeys into space through interactive exhibits. Outside are full-size replicas of the Mir space station and an Ariane 5 rocket and you can also take a look at the Soyuz spacecraft.

With an observatory dome, IMAX cinema and planetarium as well as the exhibition centre, there's a lot to see and do. And there's also plenty of places outside for the kids to play, including an area for younger kids.

8. Parc Astérix

As one of France's most famous comic book characters, of course Astérix has his own theme park in France where you can meet him and all his friends and enjoy some great theme park rides. Sitting just outside of Paris, this is one of the best-known theme parks in France, Parc Astérix has roller coasters, play areas, dodgems and more.

With historical worlds to explore - Gaul, Vikings, Ancient Greece, Roman Empire, Egypt and the Travel Through Time world of 14th to 20th century France, there's much outdoor fun to be had with your favourite characters. Don't miss the live shows and be sure to meet your favourite characters at home in their village.

9. Vulcania

Located in Auvergne, looking across the Chaîne de Puys row of dormant volcanoes, Vulcania is a volcano theme park that's a great educational day out and lots of fun. 

Vulcania is an interactive park located mostly underground! Travel under the sea to volcanoes on the ocean floor, take part in science experiments, and enjoy some really immersive film experiences, throughout.

10. Aqualand - Bassin d'Arcachon

For waterpark fun, Aqualand Arcachon, in beautiful Gujan Mestras on the coast of Aquitaine, is a fantastic day out. Whether you like your rides more sedate or enjoy rapids, whirlpools and giant flumes, there is something for all the family at this French water park.

Those who are real daredevils will love the Black Hole flume that is in complete darkness - not for the faint-hearted!

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Samantha Wills