Ferries, Shows and Thrills: Amusement Parks Not to Be Missed in France

Ferries, Shows and Thrills: Amusement Parks Not to Be Missed in France

Fancy an unforgettable holiday with family or friends? France may be a country known for its amazing museums, delectable cuisine and beautiful beaches, but there is much more to it than that. From the magical world of Disneyland to the spectacular historical shows at Puy du Fou, France also has some incredible amusement parks that appeal to every audience.

This blog post gives you an overview of the best French amusement parks, as well as some lesser-known gems that are not to be missed. Even better, most of them are located close to ferry terminals making them easily accessible. So, here's some great ideas for an amusement park holiday for the whole family. Let's go!

Must-see amusement parks in France

First, let's take a look at some of France's most famous and popular amusement parks:

Disneyland Paris: immerse yourself in the world of Disney

If there's one French amusement park that needs no introduction, it's Europe's most visited park - the famous Disneyland Paris. It is located in Marne la Vallée, about 30km east of the City of Light. The main park, Disneyland, immerses you in the heart of the Disney universe with its iconic ‘lands’ which include Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, Discoveryland. You'll find flagship attractions such as ‘It's a Small World’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ and the spectacular ‘Big Thunder Mountain.’

Right next to Disneyland is Walt Disney Studios Park, which takes you behind the scenes of the Disney movie universe with attractions such as ‘Avengers Assemble: Flight Force’ and ‘Ratatouille: The Totally Crazy Adventure of Remy.’

The park offers a wide range of accommodation for families, including a Disney-themed hotel and nearby partner establishments, making it ideal for an extended stay. Whether you're a fan of Donald Duck and Scrooge McDuck, Star Wars or simply thrill-seeking, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Park offer a complete immersion in the magical world of Disney.

Parc Astérix: a park of indomitable Gauls

The second must-see French theme park, Parc Astérix, is also located in the Paris region. Based on the famous Astérix and Obélix comic book series by Goscinny and Uderzo, this amusement park is divided into several areas reminiscent of cult moments from the adventures of Astérix and the indomitable Gauls: Gaul, the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece, the Vikings, and Egypt. The park itself is a mix of family attractions, open-air shows, and thrilling rides and rollercoasters.

Overall, the atmosphere at Parc Astérix is rather quirky and light-hearted, with a real touch of French humour. Among its most famous attractions are the famous ‘Tonnerre de Zeus’, which consists of impressive wooden rollercoasters, and ‘Oziris’ – a super-smooth and highly successful inverted rollercoaster. Like Disneyland, Parc Astérix also offers several themed accommodations, including the Hôtel des Trois Hiboux. It's located in the middle of the forest, just a few minutes' walk from the attractions and provides the perfect place to rest after a day full of thrills.

Tip: Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix are both located in the Paris region. Whether you come by car or public transport, it is possible to visit both amusement parks in one trip. We'd recommend allowing 2-3 days.

A unique experience: Le Puy du Fou

The next must-see French theme park we're going to tell you about is a little different from the first two. It's called Le Puy du Fou. If you're not a fan of rollercoasters and long queues frustrate you, this might be the ideal park for you. Le Puy du Fou is located in western France, in the Vendée region, and promises thrills, excitement and spectacular entertainment.

Le Puy du Fou stands out not for its mascots, but for its large-scale historical re-enactments that span the ages and centuries:

• Gladiators battling in a Roman arena
• Vikings emerging from a burning longship
• Knights in the midst of a jousting tournament
• Fencing battles between musketeers
• Birds of prey swooping down on spectators

Each scene is meticulously staged and features spectacular special effects and stunts, sometimes involving hundreds of specialised actors. Don't miss the Cinéscénie, a night time show unlike any other in the world, which takes place on a gigantic lake with the help of over than 2,000 volunteers.

Finally, the park also offers a range of historic hotels, giving you the opportunity to sleep in a Roman villa, a medieval city or a royal tent inspired by the era of François I. Puy du Fou guarantees that the immersion continues well beyond the shows!

Tip: Puy du Fou is located in the countryside, about a 2-hour drive from Nantes, 1.5 hours from Saint-Nazaire and 3.5 hours from Roscoff. If you take the ferry to one of these destinations, you can bring your car and easily drive to Puy du Fou.

French amusement parks easily accessible from ferry ports

Now that we've looked at the three most famous amusement parks in France, let's take a look at some smaller, more local and family-oriented parks that are easily accessible after your arrival by ferry.

Festyland: 20 minutes from the port of Ouistreham (Caen)

Located near Caen, Festyland offers a more intimate experience, perfect for an afternoon or a day out with the children. It is a park inspired by Norman history, with a theme based on Vikings, knights and pirates. Its main attractions include the Drakkar Express, a small family rollercoaster, Éretic, a spinning thrill ride, as well as playgrounds and rides for toddlers.

Given its size, Festyland has the advantage of being easy to visit in a single day without feeling rushed. The park's admission ticket is also relatively affordable: €21 for children and seniors, and €24.50 for adults. If you disembark from the ferry from Caen in the morning, you can be in the heart of the park in just 30 minutes.

Parc du Bocasse: 40 minutes from Dieppe / 1 hour 30 minutes from Le Havre

Also located in Normandy, Parc du Bocasse is a 40-minute drive from Dieppe and 1 hour 30 minutes from Le Havre. It is a family-friendly park with small rollercoasters, water attractions and a mini farm, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.

Parc du Bocasse is an excellent option for those travelling to or from England by ferry. It is a relatively small park, ideal for a fun day out after your ferry crossing, or an active break on the road between Normandy and another destination. We recommend combining a day at the park with a visit to the beautiful Normandy coast nearby.

Parc Bagatelle – 45 minutes from the port of Calais

Parc Bagatelle is a park offering a retro-chic atmosphere, classic rides, water attractions and even a small tourist train. It is located on the Opal Coast, between Le Touquet and Berck sur Mer. It is therefore easily accessible from the Calais ferry port for those travelling to or from England, making it perfect for a relaxing outing after the ferry crossing.

If you're looking at visiting the park, we recommend taking a ferry from Dover to Calais, spending a night by the sea, and then spending the next day at the park.

Tip: All the parks in this section of our blog post are located less than 1.5 hours from the main Channel ferry ports. Perfect for a short break with your own vehicle!

There are a wide range of French amusement parks, all with different themes and attractions. Some of them are very accessible, even for those arriving by ferry. Why not check out our French ferry crossings and plan your next trip to an amusement park in France?