Amusement parks in Europe: An overview of the most popular destinations

Amusement parks are popular destinations for families and entertainment lovers around the world. In Europe, several parks stand out for their attractiveness and fame, attracting millions of visitors every year. Here is a list of the 20 largest amusement parks in Europe, based on their size, popularity, and number of visitors:

1. Disneyland Paris (France)
2. Europa-Park (Germany)
3. PortAventura World (Spain)
4. Tivoli Gardens (Denmark)
5. Efteling (Netherlands)
6. GardalandResort (Italy)
7. Parc Astérix (France)
8. Futuroscope (France)
9. Alton Towers Resort (United Kingdom)
10. Phantasialand (Germany)
11. Liseberg (Sweden)
12. Legoland BillundResort (Danemark)
13. Parque Warner Madrid (Spain)
14. Thorpe Park Resort (United Kingdom)
15. Puy du Fou (France)
16. Heide Park Resort (Germany)
17. Legoland Windsor Resort (United Kingdom)
18. Gröna Lund (Sweden)
19. Movie Park Germany (Germany)
20. Walibi Belgium (Belgium)

This list is not exhaustive and other amusement parks are also worth mentioning in Europe. These parks offer a wide variety of rides, shows, and attractions for all ages, making them popular destinations for families and entertainment seekers. Among these destinations, Parc Astérix and Futuroscope occupy a prominent place, the 7th and 8th respectively, in the French and European landscape, offering unique experiences and memorable moments to their visitors. In terms of annual attendance, Parc Astérix and Futuroscope rank among the most visited parks in France. Their attractiveness and diversity of offers allow them to attract a wide audience, from families in search of thrills to lovers of new technologies and comic book enthusiasts. So, whether you are a fan of Gallic adventures or trips to the future, Parc Astérix and Futuroscope are must-see destinations to discover during your next stay in France. With their unique attractions, breathtaking shows and festive atmosphere, these amusement parks promise you unforgettable moments with family or friends. Book your stay now and get ready to experience extraordinary adventures in two of France’s most emblematic parks!

A destination of choice for families looking for fun and adventure.

Among the many parks available in France, two stand out in particular: Parc Astérix and Futuroscope. Each offers a unique experience and captivating attractions, but how do you choose between the two? In this article, we’ll go over the strengths and weaknesses of each park to help you make an informed decision.

Parc Asterix: A Journey into the World of Comics

René Goscinny, the genius behind Asterix and Obelix

René Goscinny, the co-creator of Asterix and Obelix, is an emblematic figure of Franco-Belgian comics. Born in 1926 in Paris, Goscinny got his start in the world of comics in the 1950s, where he quickly gained fame for his humor and creativity. In collaboration with Albert Uderzo, a talented illustrator, Goscinny gave birth to one of the most famous duos in the history of comics: Asterix and Obelix. The Asterix series, which began in 1959 with the publication of the first album, “Asterix the Gaul”, quickly became a global phenomenon, captivating millions of readers around the world. The adventures of the two intrepid Gauls, accompanied by their faithful companion Idefix, have enchanted readers of all ages with their exploits, humor and camaraderie. Goscinny’s work is not limited to Asterix and Obelix. He is also the mastermind behind other successful series such as “The Goofy” and “Iznogoud.” His unique writing style, blending humor, satire and intelligence, has made him one of the most beloved screenwriters of his generation. In 1967, Goscinny and Uderzo set up their own publishing house, Les Éditions Albert René, to publish the adventures of Asterix independently. Since then, the series has grown to more than 40 albums, translated into many languages and adapted into several formats, including film. Indeed, the film adaptation of Asterix and Obelix was a great success with the public. The first film, “Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar”, directed by Claude Zidi in 1999, was a huge success at the French box office. Since then, several other films have been made, including “Asterix at the Olympic Games” and “Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra,” both of which have met with commercial and critical success. Goscinny’s legacy and influence on comics and cinema live on today, and Asterix and Obelix remain timeless icons of French popular culture. Whether through the pages of comic books, on the big screen or in amusement parks, the adventures of the two Gauls continue to enchant and entertain entire generations of readers and spectators. Parc Astérix is a theme park located near Paris, inspired by the adventures of the famous Gaul duo, Asterix and Obelix. It offers an immersive experience in the world of comics, with themed attractions, live shows, and encounters with the iconic characters of the series. Highlights of Parc Astérix include its unique theme and festive atmosphere. Attractions such as the Thunder of Zeus, a wooden roller coaster, and the Grand Splatch, a water course, guarantee thrills for thrill-seekers. Plus, stunt shows and street entertainment add a touch of humor and spectacle to the experience. However, Parc Astérix can have some drawbacks. Queues can be long, especially during busy periods, which can lead to long waits for some attractions. Additionally, the park is mostly outdoors, which means it’s prone to inclement weather and can be less pleasant in rainy weather.

Futuroscope: a journey into the future of audiovisual

The Futuroscope, located near Poitiers, is a theme park focused on audiovisual and communication technologies. It offers a futuristic and immersive experience, with attractions based on virtual reality, 3D, special effects and giant image projections. The history of Futuroscope dates back to the 1980s, when a group of French entrepreneurs and visionaries imagined an amusement park focused on audiovisual and communication technologies. Inaugurated in 1987, Futuroscope quickly became one of the main tourist attractions in the Poitou-Charentes region. Designed as a place of discovery and innovation, the park offers a variety of attractions and interactive experiences showcasing the latest technological advances. From 4D movies to thrill rides to multimedia shows, Futuroscope offers an immersive and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Highlights of Futuroscope include its state-of-the-art technology and innovative attractions. Experiences such as “The Extraordinary Journey”, a 4D film, and “Arthur, the 4D Adventure”, an interactive tour, offer unique sensations and strong emotions. In addition, the park also features exhibits on the technologies of the future, making it an educational and entertaining destination for the whole family. However, Futuroscope can have some drawbacks. Some attractions may not be suitable for people who are sensitive to visual effects or movement, limiting accessibility for some visitors. Additionally, the park is primarily focused on audio-visual technologies, which may not appeal to those who prefer more traditional attractions.

Go on an adventure with EuroAirportShuttle!

Whether you choose Parc Astérix or Futuroscope for your next family getaway, Euroairportshuttle is here to accompany you on your journey. Our transfer services from the main Parisian airports allow you to reach your destination with ease and comfort. Book your trip now with Euroairportshuttle and get ready to experience unforgettable moments in one of the most famous amusement parks in France!