Dreaming, adrenaline-pumping, travelling, revisiting fairy tales or cartoon heroes... Imagination rules in theme parks. So do the technologies, stunts and technical feats. Here are some of the most breathtaking on the continent.
By Eric Vancleynenbreugel
France - Disneyland
Disney's dream has been in Europe for over 30 years. The estate has grown considerably and is now divided into two parks. Disneyland Park, which is the emblematic park featuring the Sleeping Beauty Castle. The park itself is divided into 5 sections Main Street U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Discoveryland and Frontierland. Right next door, the Walt Disney Studios Park is inspired by the world of cinema, with attractions focusing on Marvel, Pixar and Disney Animation. The park is expanding rapidly, with new zones such as Avengers Campus, and soon a Snow Queen zone (World of Frozen), scheduled for 2026.
But the world of Disney also includes shows, fairy parades, fireworks displays and entertainment with Disney characters... Enough to make you spend several days before you've seen it all.
It's original It's not widely known, but you can get a retro haircut at the Main Street barbershop. Vintage decor guaranteed. A little further on, pick up the old telephone at New Century Notion and listen...
It's new Avengers Campus‘, a new theme zone in the Walt Disney Studio park dedicated to the Marvel universe. New ’Tales of Magic‘ show in front of the castle, featuring drones, laser beams and pyrotechnics.
Accommodation seven Disney hotels in the park and many more affordable hotels on the park's outskirts.
Open all year round.
Germany - Europa-Park
This year, it celebrates its 50th anniversary! Voted the world's best amusement park eight times at the Golden Ticket Awards, Europa-Park is the busiest seasonal park on the planet. It's just a stone's throw from the French border and Alsace. Its surface area is immense, larger than Disneyland Paris. For its theme is nothing less than a continent, Europe. In all, there are 18 zones, 15 of which are each linked to a European region, and more than a hundred attractions, some of which - more than a dozen roller coasters - are among the most impressive in existence. Silver Star‘ and ’Blue Fire‘ spring to mind. This is not surprising, given that its founder is first and foremost a renowned builder of sensational fairground attractions with generations of experience. In each zone, the rides are designed to reflect the history and culture of the nations they embody, offering an adventure that's both fun and educational.
There's also a water park and top-flight shows. Enough to spend several days without getting bored.
It's original Yullbe, a virtual reality entertainment center.
It's new Silver Star City, a western town combining Wild West-style glamping, motorhome sites and restaurants. Svømmepøl, a heated outdoor pool in the Rulantica aquatic world.
Accommodation These include six themed hotels, restaurants (one of which, ‘Ammolite - The Lighthouse’, has two Michelin stars), cafés and even a spa & wellness center.
To keep costs down, consider a western-style campsite just a few minutes' walk from the park.
Open all year round.
France - Puy du Fou
No whirling attractions or classic rides here. At Puy du Fou, visitors are immersed in the past through life-size shows brought to life by real, flesh-and-blood actors. The special effects are top-notch, and the spectator feels immersed in the daily life of a specific era, from Antiquity to the Roaring Twenties. The sets and stunts are breathtaking. And the enchantment continues on summer evenings with the «Cinescénie», a night-time show that lasts 1 hour 40 minutes and is performed by 2,500 actors on a gigantic outdoor stage.
It's original From October 3 to November 2, the ephemeral show «La Frairie de la Toussaint» will transport spectators into an authentic reconstruction of medieval festivities, featuring over 150 extras.
It's new L'Epée du Roi Arthur«, an immersive show telling the story of Tristan, who must free Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. With a cavalcade of combat and special effects.
Accommodation The park's themed accommodations - Gallo-Roman villas, Merovingian houses, feudal castles, etc. - extend the immersion in a particular era.
Open from April to November 2 (Cinéscénie from June to September).
Denmark - Tivoli Gardens
In the land of Andersen, this is a totally atypical park. Firstly, because it's one of the oldest on the planet (1843), and secondly, because it's right in the center of Copenhagen. It's also the busiest seasonal park. Set in magnificent gardens lined with palaces and buildings inspired by the world over, it's like being in a fairytale. A certain Walt Disney is said to have visited it for inspiration. While it features classic carousels (including one of the world's largest), it also boasts vertiginous thrill rides. Illuminated at night, the atmosphere is even more enchanting. Fireworks, rock concerts, classical concerts and shows of all kinds attract the crowds every evening.
It's original The oldest wooden roller coaster still in operation in the park was built in 1914.
It's new The «Golden Tower», a 60-metre freefall offering an extraordinary view of central Copenhagen before the descent.
Accommodation In the heart of the city, you'll find all types of accommodation nearby, and even campsites just 20 minutes away. However, our favorite is the 5-star Hotel Nimb, located on the edge of the par cet, a magnificent replica of a palace from 1001 Nights.
Open daily from April to September + special Halloween and Christmas openings.
Netherlands - Efteling
Popular with children and grandparents alike, this park focuses on the theme of fairy tales. Andersen, the Grimm brothers and Perrault are in the spotlight, and the illusion is so perfect that it's easy to imagine crossing paths with trolls or fairies. The beauty of the details takes us back to childhood. Shows and entertainment prolong the dream, and for thrill-seekers, carousels and merry-go-rounds complete the entertainment. In the evening, a water show combining water, light and fire on the frog lake.
It's original magic in every corner of the park. Here, dustbins talk and donkeys secret gold coins!
It's new At the Bois des Contes open-air theater, the brand-new show «L'Arbre des Contes» awaits visitors, with characters melting in the sunshine. Another new open-air show is «Soirée avec Âne», a musical and comedy show.
Accommodation The Efteling Hotel: a 5-minute walk from the park, the Efteling Hotel takes you back into the fairytale world with its themed rooms (Red Riding Hood, Cinderella...). Another option: charming little houses built in the middle of nature.
Open all year round.
France - Parc Astérix
For over 30 years now, this park has been transporting visitors into the fantastic and historic world of Asterix, Obelix and other irreducible Gauls. A plunge into Antiquity, full of surprises, with over fifty attractions, parades, shows and encounters with the characters... 100% for families and thrill-seekers.
It's original Attention menhir!« takes you on a 4D film packed with special effects, including olfactory ones!
It's new The «Cétautomatix», a spinning coaster in which passengers sit face to face in cars that turn on themselves while moving along the rails. Les Fastes du Nil« fast-food restaurant, run by a former royal taster.
Accommodation Several hotels in the Gallo-Roman and antique style.
Open from April to November (with a few exceptions) and during the festive season.
France - Futuroscope
Futuristic architecture, science-fiction technologies and thrilling sensations: Futuroscope opens the doors to the future. This new-style theme park focuses on science, space, the human body, technology... to help us better understand our world. Dancing with robots, flying over the planet in a spaceship, experiencing the thrills of a rally race, having a drink in an aerial bar - here, everything is possible.
It's original L'Extraordinaire Voyage« is both a thrill ride and a giant-screen movie show.
It's new Mission Bermuda«, an all-new adventure inspired by the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle phenomenon. Aboard the »Rocking Boats‘, visitors experience a spectacular expedition combining high-flying decors, sensory effects, tumultuous rapids and a vertiginous 16-meter drop.
Accommodation In addition to the ‘Station Cosmos’ hotel in the park, which invites you to sleep in a galactic station, there are several addresses nearby.
Open from early February to early January (with seasonal closures).
Denmark - Legoland
Legoland Billund is a must for all fans of this mythical toy. Opened in 1968, right next to the factory that produces the colorful little bricks, this park is designed primarily for children, but it's just as fascinating for adults. In Miniland, the heart of the estate, visitors discover the most beautiful places and monuments on the planet: from the Statue of Liberty to the temples of ancient Egypt and the Mount Rushmore memorial featuring the faces of 4 American presidents. Imagine that it has taken over 60 million bricks to build what is represented in the park. Other surprises include rides, shows, 4D cinema, aquarium...
It's original Children (aged 6 to 13) can obtain their first car license at the Traffic School.
It's new A new Danish city (Aarhus) is now represented in Miniland, as is the construction site for the world's largest underwater tunnel, currently under construction in southern Denmark. There's also a brand-new play area in Pirate Land, featuring a pirate ship over 22 m long.
Accommodation Accommodation: at the Legoland hotel or in the vacation village (water park, restaurants, etc.) right next to the park.
Open March to October (2 weeks closed in September).
5 ways to have fun without breaking the bank
- Ask your travel agent to alert you to promotions to which only they have access.
- Go when the park reopens or when it celebrates an anniversary, as prices are often better.
- Find out about special rates for children, groups, large families... and packages that cover the various costs of your stay (overnight stays, entrance fees, meals...).
- Buy your tickets online, which are often cheaper, and check the website for special offers.
- If you plan to visit several times a year, consider the annual pass, which pays for itself in no time.
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