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 three new ones have been given the go-ahead.
The country in question is France where it has just been announced that three new theme parks will be built at the cost of €6bn (£5.13bn).
Little has been revealed about them so far, but one will be manga-themed and is inspired by the popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that the development would be “extraordinary” and would create a “new global destination,” adding: Nothing like this has been seen since Disneyland Paris.”
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
Unlike most theme parks, Puy Du Fou 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 history 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 campsite with cosy family lodges. Tickets to the park start from £40.
Parc Asterix
Parc Astérix 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, Greece 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 Egypt 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 Londinium. Tickets here start from £36.
Futuroscope
Futuroscope is as the name suggests a futuristic theme park that this year was named 15th on Blooloop’s best theme parks in Europe.
It has over 40 attractions at the park, three shows and three on-site hotels – it also has an immersive indoor waterpark which opened in 2024.
One of the best ones is Tornado 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 electric cars and enjoy a small floating log ride and Waterworks play area. Tickets start from £31.
Disneyland Paris
Of course, Disneyland Paris needs a mention being one of the most popular theme parks in Europe.
The biggest and most famous rollercoaster is Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland.
Of course this year marked the opening of Disney’s newest land, the World of Frozen 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 Marvel 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
Just outside of Caen 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 drop tower, 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.
Vulcania
Vulcania is a unique theme park where volcanoes 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, are 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
A theme park all about plants 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 rollercoaster 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 dinosaur reserve.
Tickets start from £18.