Best Theme Parks in France for Families: Which Should You Choose? (2027)

Looking for the best theme parks in France for families? We travel to France every summer for an annual road trip, and we’ve done that every year since the boys were small. Those trips often involve a theme park day out (as travel so often does when you’re travelling with kids). That means we’ve spent a lot of time exploring France’s theme parks.

We’ve visited Parc Asterix, Futuroscope, and Disneyland Paris (several times!) with our theme park-loving boys, and each park is very different, targeting the needs of different families. That’s why it’s so hard to choose the best theme park in France. Because the best theme park in France isn’t necessarily the biggest or the most famous park. It’s the one with the attractions that your kids will enjoy most, has a location that works with the rest of your holiday, and comes at a price your family can comfortably afford.

This guide will look at the biggest theme parks in France as well as some smaller, regional parks. We’ll compare rides, locations, cost, recommended visit length, and give you our overall first-hand family experience too, where we have it. So let’s dive straight in:

Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!

Quick Answer: What’s The Best Theme Park in France?

Short on time? This article is packed full of opinion, experience, and key information, so it’s worth reading in full! But if you want a quick answer, and don’t want to read the whole guide, here it is:

Best overall theme park in France: Disneyland Paris
Best for thrill rides and teenagers: Parc Asterix
Best for technology and something completely different: Futuroscope
Best for spectacular live shows: Puy du Fou
Best theme park for wet-weather days: Futuroscope
Best for a Paris-based day trip: Disneyland Paris or Parc Asterix
Best for a French road trip: Futuroscope or Puy du Fou

Best Theme Parks In France At A Glance

Park Name	Best For…	Best Ages…	Location	Time Needed	Have We Visited?	How to Book
Disneyland Paris	Disney magic and the complete resort experience	All ages	Marne-la-Vallee, near Paris	1-4 days	Yes	Book here
Parc Asterix	Roller coasters and older children	All ages (but 7+ for the big rides)	North of Paris	1 day	Yes	Book here
Futuroscope	Technology, immersive attractions, and mixed ages	School-aged children	Near Poitiers	1-2 days	Yes	Book now
Puy du Fou	Historical shows and multigenerational trips	At least 5+	Vendee	1-2 days	Not yet	Booking link

Our Family’s French Theme Park Verdict

If you could return to only one French theme park tomorrow, which would you choose and why?

1. Disneyland Paris – Best Overall Theme Park in France

Best for: Disney fans, or those looking for a complete theme park break
Best ages: All ages
Location: Marne-la-Vallee, east of Paris
Time required: You’ll need at least one day; ideally two or more if you want to visit both parks
Our experience: We’ve visted the park 50+ times over the last decade
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booking link: Book your tickets with Klook
Discount code: Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for a reader-exclusive discount

Why We Think Disneyland Paris Is The Best Overall Choice

There’s something so magical about Disneyland Paris, and you feel that magic from the moment you step into the park. And it doesn’t matter which park you choose! Because Disneyland Paris is the only theme park resort on this list that is made up of two unique theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World.

Both parks offer immersive theming, recognisable characters, and an abundance of different rides. The Disney resort in Paris offers a wonderful balance of family rides and thrill rides. There are also shows and parades designed to appeal to guests of all ages. The first time we went to Disneyland Paris as a family, Big Explorer was only 10 months old: now he’s almost 14. And at every age and stage, we’ve found something unique to love as a family: Disneyland Paris is the kind of theme park that grows with you.

If you’re looking for a fully immersive theme park holiday, Disneyland Paris is a great choice thanks to its on-site hotels and Disney Village that offers restaurants, shopping and entertainment when you’re not in the park. It’s also really easy to get to. You can fly into one of the two Paris airports, take advantage of the easy train access from London, or even drive (via the Ferry or Le Shuttle Eurotunnel) which is what we tend to do, because it’s the cheapest option.

That doesn’t mean Disneyland Paris is the perfect theme park. In terms of value for money, it’s important to note that this park has the most expensive ticket prices of any park on this list. It’s popularity also means that you’ll find long queue times in Disneyland Paris, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, Halloween, or the summer holidays. But despite this, I still believe Disneyland Paris is the best theme park in France.

Best Disneyland Paris Rides For Families

Since our visit to Disney Adventure World this summer to visit the new Frozen expansion, we can officially say we’ve been on every single ride in both Disneyland Paris parks. Many of the more popular rides, we’ve been on dozens of times! There are rides for every family member, with several rides having no height restrictions at all, for the smaller guests.

But our favourite, top rated Disneyland Paris rides include:

• Big Thunder Mountain
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Phantom Manor
• It’s a Small World
• Spider-Man W.E.B Adventure
• Ratatouille

Read Our Disneyland Paris Guides

We love Disneyland Paris so much that we visit at least once a year (often more!) so we’ve written dozens of articles to help you plan your own visit:

👉 One Day Itinerary for Disneyland Paris: Maximize Fun
👉 Disneyland Paris With Kids: The Complete Family Planning Guide
👉 Disneyland Paris Tickets: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Family
👉 Disneyland Paris on a Budget: Family Friendly Money Saving Tips

2. Parc Asterix – Best French Theme Park For Thrill Rides

Best for: Roller coasters, older children, and teenagers
Best ages: There are great areas for smaller kids, but most of the park, particularly the bigger rides, are best suited to tweens and teens
Location: Plailly, north of Paris
Time required: One full day
Our experience: We’ve visited this park, and stayed overnight in one of their on-site hotels
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booking link: Book your tickets here
Discount code: Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an exclusive reader discount

What Makes Parc Asterix Different?

Because they’re both within striking distance of Paris, Parc Asterix and Disneyland Paris are often compared, but the reality is they’re two distinctly different theme parks with their own identities. Firstly, Parc Asterix has a more distinctly French identity, celebrating both French history and French culture: It seems to get significantly fewer international visitors, which makes that identity feel more authentic. But in my opinion, those international visitors that overlook this park are really missing out!

The whole park has Asterix and Obelix theming (of comic book and cartoon fame), and our boys are big fans of the Asterix tv shows, so this was a great theming choice for them. But the reason the boys really loved this park because it has a stronger coaster selection than Disneyland Paris. This is a theme park for thrill seekers!

We stayed overnight in one of the on-site hotels, but because there’s only one park here, I think it would work well if you’re looking for a more compact one-day experience. From a practical perspective, it’s also a much more affordable option (in terms of both day tickets and overnight packages), offering better value than Disney for ride-focused families. The con? You’re getting less internationally familiar characters. For most kids, poor Asterix just can’t compare to Mickey Mouse!

Best Parc Asterix Rides

In my opinion, the rides is where Parc Asterix really stands out from the crowd. You don’t get that same ‘roller coaster on top of roller coaster’ experience anywhere else! I LOVE roller coasters and Big Explorer loves them too, so some of our favourite Parc Asterix rides include:

• Toutatis
• OzIris
• Tonnerre 2 Zeus
• Goudurix
• Cetautomatix
• Romus et Rapidus

Is Parc Asterix Suitable For Younger Children?

If your youngsters are hoping to ride on some of the parks biggest headline rides, then I recommend waiting until they’re tall enough to do that. BUT we were actually very pleasantly surprised by how much Parc Asterix had to offer to younger children. There are play areas everywhere (including under some of the biggest rides, which is great to run off their energy while bigger kids go on bigger coasters).

But the area we really loved was Dogamatix’s Forest, which is specifically designed for young children (this area is best for those aged 4-11). Here you’ll find several themed play areas and play zones, this is where you can meet Asterix and other characters from the comics, and there is also a selection of gentle family rides here too.

So despite Parc Asterix having a (well-deserved) reputation for the quality of its thrill rides, if you’re a mixed-age family wondering if there’ll be enough to entertain younger kids too, don’t worry. There’s definitely something for everyone here.

👉Our Parc Asterix Review! The Ultimate Family Guide to Park Asterix: Rides, Food, and Tips.

3. Futuroscope – France’s Most Unique Theme Park

Best for: Technology, immersive experiences, and families wanting something different
Best ages: School-age children, tweens and teenagers
Location: Near Poitiers
Time required: One or preferably two days
Our experience: Personally visited, and stayed in an on-site hotel and the sister water park, Aquascope
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booking link: Book your park tickets here
Discount code: Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for a reader-exclusive discount

Why Futuroscope Surprised Us

We actually heard of Aquascope (the sister waterpark) before we heard of Futuroscope, so when we arrived we didn’t really know what to expect. It also didn’t help that we arrive to torrential rain, so I entered the park feeling doubtful (and a bit fed up!) but that quickly changed. Futuroscope is an incredible park, and through rain followed by blazing sunshine, we stayed all day because the boys didn’t want to miss a single thing!

Futuroscope has a different pace to conventional theme parks, because rather than abundance of roller coasters and merry-go-rounds, almost all the rides make use of unusual simulators, screens, and immersive technology. This means that most of the rides are indoors (useful in the rain) and that also gives the theme park a different look and feel from parks like Disney and Parc Asterix. We LOVED this park. We loved the rides and the slower pace. The children’s area with self-operated rides was also a big hit with the boys. But worth noting that if you suffer from motion sickness on simulators (something I know is very common) then this might not be the right theme park for you!

If you need a recommendation stronger than my own, Futuroscope has just been named Tripadvisor’s top amusement park in its 2026 awards, although this is based on Tripadvisor’s own review methodology, rather than being independently tested. In terms of its unique approach to ride technology, I can understand why!

Best Futuroscope Attractions

I asked the boys to tell me the best rides and attractions at Futuroscope to share with you guys, and this is the list they put together:

• Chasseurs de Tornades
• Objectif Mars
• Futuropolis
• Mission Bermudes
• La Machine a Voyager dans le Temps

👉 Futuroscope With Kids: Is It Worth It? An Honest Family Review (2026)
👉 Space Loop Restaurant Futuroscope Review: Is It Worth It?

4. Puy du Fou – Best For Shows and History

Best for: Live shows, history, and multigenerational families
Best ages: Children old enough to follow along the productions
Location: Les Epesses in the Vendee
Time required: Ideally two days
Our experience: Researched, but not yet visited
Booking link: Book here

Note: We haven’t visited Puy du Fou yet (but we do have plans to visit, so I’ll update this when we do). That means this section is based on current official information and my extensive trip research, but not personal experience, like the other parks on the list.

Is Puy du Fou Actually a Theme Park?

Puy du Fou is classed as a theme park, but it isn’t a theme park in the conventional sense. The only ride you’ll find here is a small round about for children. It doesn’t offer conventional roller coasters and thrills. Instead, its appeal comes from large-scale historical productions, stunt performers, animals and special effects.

Who Should Choose Puy du Fou?

Based on my research, Puy du Fou is the best choice for:

• Families who enjoy shows more than rides
• Parents, children, and grandparents travelling together
• People taking a Vendee holiday or a French road trip
• Visitors who don’t mind planning their days timetable around performance times

If you’re looking for rollercoasters, rides, or familiar characters, this isn’t the right theme park for you.

Other Theme Parks in France Worth Knowing About

I’ve covered the 4 biggest theme parks in France in real depth, because if you’re travelling to France specifically for a theme park break, these are the best theme parks to choose. But Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix, Futuroscope and Puy du Fou aren’t your only options!

France has plenty of other smaller and more regional amusement parks that could fit into your family holiday, which i’ll list below, so you can see which might work best for you.

Nigloland: For a Mix of Family Rides and Bigger Thrills

Located in Dolancourt, in the Champagne region of north-eastern France, Nigloland has a mix of children’s attractions, family rides and bigger thrills. Younger children have options such as Noisette Express, while roller-coaster fans can look at Alpina Blitz and the water coaster Krampus Expedition. There are also places to stay beside the park if you want to turn your visit into an overnight break.

Walibi Rhône-Alpes: For Roller-Coaster Fans

If your France itinerary takes you towards Lyon, Grenoble or Chambéry, take a look at Walibi Rhône-Alpes. It’s located in Les Avenières, approximately an hour’s drive from Lyon or Grenoble.

The headline attractions include Mystic, with its vertical climb and inversions, and Mahuka, a single-rail roller coaster with two launches. There are gentler family attractions too, but those bigger coasters make it particularly interesting for families with thrill-loving older children and teenagers, so this is probably best for kids who meet the 130cm height limit for the most extreme ride.

Le PAL: For Families Who Want Rides and Animals

Le PAL, in the Allier department of central France, combines an amusement park with a wildlife park. Its attractions range from children’s rides to bigger experiences such as Yukon Quad, so there’s scope to mix riding with time exploring the animal areas. It also offers overnight accommodation, including lodges and the Savana Reserve hotel. This looks like a great choice if you want the best of both worlds: rides and animals.

Jardin d’Acclimatation: For a Theme Park Day Within Paris

If you’re staying in Paris and want a family outing without travelling out to Disneyland or Parc Astérix, Jardin d’Acclimatation is another option. Located in the Bois de Boulogne, it’s accessible from Les Sablons station on Metro Line 1 and combines very pretty gardens with rides and attractions. There are no headline coasters here like the ones in Parc Asterix, so it might work best for families with younger kids, rather than thrill seeking teens looking for the best rides in the region.

How Much Do Theme Parks in France Cost?

The amount theme parks in France cost depends on when you’re visiting, as most theme parks in France operate dynamic pricing systems, meaning the price you pay depends on the popularity of the date you choose to visit.

The table below shows published prices checked in October 2026. Parc Asterix, Futuroscope and Puy du Fou use the lowest starting prices. These weren’t available for Disneyland Paris, so i’ve used their published standard prices, but cheaper tickets may be available online. These prices are just for a planning reference point:

THEME PARK	ADULT ONE DAY ADMISSON	CHILD ONE DAY ADMISSION	IMPORTANT DETAILS	BOOKING LINK
Disneyland Paris	€139 for one park, €174 for two parks (published standard price)	€129 for one park, €164 for two parks, ages 3-11	Dated advance prices vary and can be lower. Under 3s enter for free	Book Now
Parc Asterix	From €56 age 12+	From €53, ages 3-11	There is a €49 Billet Malin offer available. This applies to children and adults on selected dates only. Under 3s enter for free	Book Now
Futuroscope	From €47 age 13+	From €39, ages 5-12	Price depends on the date. Under 5s enter for free	Book Now
Puy du Fou	From €37 age 12+	From €27, ages 3-11	Seasonal pricing aplpies. Theseprices exclude La Cinescenie . Under 3s enter for free	Book Now

Of course, admission costs are just one aspect of visiting a theme park in France! Don’t forget to factor in the costs of in-park expenses like food and drink and souvenirs. You’ll also need to consider accomodation and travel costs, all of which will add significantly to the price of your visit.

Planning a French Theme Park Holiday From The UK

A French theme park visit can be a holiday in itself or part of a wider road trip. We’ve done it so many different ways: we’ve taken the train into Paris specifically to visit Disneyland Paris, but we’ve also combined parks with Eurocamp stays, longer road trips and exploring other parts of France, which gives everyone something to look forward to beyond the rides!

There’s no wrong way of planning a French theme park holiday from the UK, although I do think planning a day trip might be a little ambitious!

Getting There: Car, Train or Plane?

Taking your own car gives you flexibility, particularly if you’re visiting several parks or staying at a campsite. Compare ferry routes with LeShuttle, which carries your car from Folkestone to Calais in around 35 minutes. Remember to include fuel, French motorway tolls and park parking when comparing costs. Because we love taking French road trips, and spending longer blocks of time in France, this is usually our preferred mode of transport.

Travelling by train is particularly practical for Disneyland Paris. Eurostar journeys from London involve a connection via Lille or Paris; there isn’t currently a direct London–Disneyland service (there did used to be, and we used this regularly, so it was a shame when it was cancelled). Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station is beside the park entrances.

Flying can make sense depending on your UK departure airport and which park you’re visiting. Compare the complete journey, including luggage, airport transfers and any car hire, rather than just the flight price.

Where Should You Stay?

Honestly this is a big topic and one that deserves its own article! Where you should stay depends, almost exclusively, on your budget. Compare park hotels and ticket packages with nearby hotels, apartments and campsites. Staying close helps with early starts and late evening shows, while self-catering accommodation can make meals more affordable.

We’ve used Eurocamp as a base for French holidays, and we love the pools and other park facilites you get with this, but check the actual driving time to your chosen park before booking. A cheaper stay loses some appeal if you’re spending hours in the car each day!

A Few Practical Checks

Before booking, check park opening calendars, ride height restrictions and French school holidays. Leave breathing room between big park days: tired children and another early start aren’t always a winning combination!

Check current passport and entry requirements, arrange travel insurance, and carry proof of children’s ages for discounted tickets. If driving, check your insurance, vehicle documents and French road requirements too.

Best Theme Parks in France FAQs

What Are the Best Theme Parks in France for Families?

Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix, Futuroscope, and Puy du Fou are the four main French theme parks worth considering for a family holiday. Our number one pick is Disneyland Paris, which offers Disney characters and immersive themed lands as well as a mix of family-friendly rides. Parc Astérix combines family attractions with bigger roller coasters making it a big hit with teens. Futuroscope focuses on technology-led experiences, and Puy du Fou specialises in spectacular historical shows if you’re looking or something a little different from the norm.

We’ve personally visited Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix and Futuroscope. My advice is to choose according to your children’s interests and heights, rather than assuming the most famous park will automatically be their favourite!

Which Theme Parks in France Are Near Paris?

Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix are both outside Paris and can be visited on a day trip from the city. Disneyland Paris is east of the capital, while Parc Astérix is to the north. Jardin d’Acclimatation is within Paris itself, in the Bois de Boulogne, but this is a much smaller regional park rather than an internationally acclaimed theme park with thrill rides.

If you’re visiting without a car, Disneyland Paris has a convenient rail connection via the RER A to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy. To get to Parc Asterix from Paris, there’s a shuttle bus, which you can book as an add-on when you buy your tickets.

Is Parc Astérix Better Than Disneyland Paris?

Parc Astérix may be the better choice for families who prioritise bigger roller coasters, while Disneyland Paris is particularly appealing to Disney fans and families looking for character encounters and immersive themed attractions. Both parks have rides for younger children, so neither is exclusively for one age group

We’ve enjoyed both as a family, and I wouldn’t choose on age alone. Look at the rides your children actually want to experience, check their height restrictions, and compare the total cost for your dates.

Is Puy du Fou a Theme Park With Rides?

Puy du Fou is a historical theme park built around live shows rather than conventional roller coasters and fairground rides. Visitors explore themed villages and watch large-scale performances, so it offers a very different day from Disneyland Paris or Parc Astérix.

If your children mainly want to ride roller coasters, make sure they understand that difference before you book, otherwise they’ll be disappointed. There are no roller coasters here!

How Can You Save Money on Theme Parks in France?

To save money on French theme parks, compare dated tickets, check official offers and booking platforms, and look at the total cost of admission, transport, parking, accommodation and food. We often book our tickets through Klook, for convenience and cost savings, though check other booking playforms too. Also bear in mind that cheaper ticket won’t necessarily mean a cheaper trip if the park is difficult or expensive to reach.

For our family, setting a souvenir budget before arriving also helps! Check each park’s food rules before packing a picnic, and compare hotel-and-ticket packages with booking everything separately if you’re staying overnight.

Final Thoughts: Which Is The Best Theme Park in France?

I know that the best theme park in France will vary from family to family, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But in my opinion, Disneyland Paris is the best overall recommendation. It’s got the most recognisable characters, rides suitable for all ages, and you just can’t beat that feeling of Disney magic! I love Disneyland Paris as a woman in my 40s, and my boys love it as much as 10 and 13 as they did at 1 and 4.

If you’re travelling with coaster-loving older children and you’re looking for thrills more than anything else? Try Parc Asterix. It definitely has the best thrill rides in France, in my experience. While Futuroscope is so unique, it’s hard to put it in its own box. This park really surprised us with just how innovative and original it is: if you’re looking for something unique, family-focused, and have an interest in technology, it’s such a great choice. Finally, Puy du Fou is on our list of parks to visit next summer, and we can’t wait to experience the intensity and drama of its incredible productions.

My advice is to think carefully about what will work best for your family. Thinking about what will excite your children the most matters so much more than just blindly choosing the most famous park on the list!

Still planning the perfect France theme park adventure? Check out some of our other in-depth planning guides:

👉 Disneyland Paris With Kids: The Complete Family Planning Guide
👉 Our Parc Asterix Review! The Ultimate Family Guide to Park Asterix: Rides, Food, and Tips.
👉 Futuroscope With Kids: Is It Worth It? An Honest Family Review (2026)
👉 France with Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide (2026)
👉 Planning a Road Trip To France With Kids: What To Pack

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