If you’re looking for a theme park in France for a family trip, you have some very different options to choose from. We’ve visited Puy du Fou, Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix with our children, and each park gave us a completely different experience. Interestingly, my personal favourite was Puy du Fou, while my children had their own favourites. So rather than simply telling you which theme park I think is “best”, I’m going to explain what makes each one different and which type of family I think will enjoy it most.
Because choosing a theme park isn’t just about the rides. It’s also about your children’s ages, what they enjoy, how much time you have, how far you’re prepared to travel from Paris and whether you’re looking for Disney magic, big roller coasters or something completely different.
Here are the three French theme parks we’ve visited and what I’d want another parent to know before choosing one.
Which theme park in France should you choose?
All three parks are very different, so the “best” one really depends on what your family is looking for.
Choose Puy du Fou if…
- You want something completely different from a traditional theme park.
- Puy du Fou is much more focused on spectacular shows, storytelling and historical settings than on roller coasters. If your children enjoy performances and big visual spectacles, this is one to consider.
- It’s also the park that I personally enjoyed the most of the three.
Choose Disneyland Paris if…
- The Disney experience is the main attraction for your children.
- If your kids are excited about meeting Disney characters, seeing the castle, watching the parades and riding Disney-themed attractions, Disneyland Paris is likely to be the one they’re most excited about.
- For families staying in Paris, it’s also the easiest of these three parks to visit without a car.
Choose Parc Astérix if…
- Your family loves rides and roller coasters and you’d like to experience a theme park with a distinctly French personality.
- You don’t need to be an Asterix expert to enjoy the park. For us, the rides were a big part of the appeal, and it feels quite different from Disneyland Paris.
If I were choosing based on…
Young children: Disneyland Paris or Parc Astérix can both work well, depending on what they enjoy.
Children who don’t like scary rides: Puy du Fou is particularly appealing because the experience isn’t centred around roller coasters.
Thrill-seekers: Parc Astérix has a strong selection of roller coasters.
Shows and spectacle: Puy du Fou is the obvious one to investigate.
A day trip from Paris: Disneyland Paris is particularly straightforward because of the direct RER connection.
Something that feels different from Disney: Parc Astérix or Puy du Fou.
Of course, these are broad guidelines rather than rules. Your children’s ages and personalities will make a big difference — which is why I’ve included our experience with each park below.
My personal favourite: Puy du Fou
Of the three, Puy du Fou was my personal favourite. I don’t particularly enjoy scary rides, so I loved that the focus was on enormous theatrical shows, immersive experiences and storytelling rather than roller coasters. For my kids it was always about the Disney magic. Each to their own!
1. Puy du Fou Theme Park
Located in the Vendée, near Nantes, Puy du Fou is unlike any other theme park in France. Instead of roller coasters, it brings French history to life through enormous theatrical shows, spectacular special effects and immersive historical settings. As someone who doesn’t enjoy even remotely scary rides, Puy du Fou was perfect for me. The scale and quality of the productions are astonishing, and I was left completely speechless. Did that Viking ship really just come out of the water? How on earth did they do that?
Of the three theme parks we’ve visited, Puy du Fou was definitely my favourite.
Highlights
The main attraction is the live shows, each bringing a different period of history to life. Here are just some of the shows on offer:
- Les Vikings: A spectacular Viking longboat emerges from the water, with dramatic action and special effects.
- Le Signe du Triomphe: Gladiatorial games and dramatic performances set in a Roman arena.
- Les Chevaliers de la Table Ronde: A theatrical retelling of the legend of King Arthur.
- Le Mime et l’Étoile: A beautifully staged Belle Époque story about a circus mime who falls in love with a famous actress.
The immersive experiences are just as impressive. Les Amoureux de Verdun recreates a First World War trench, while Le Mystère de La Pérouse takes you on an atmospheric maritime expedition. And don’t miss the evening shows if you can. La Cinéscénie, with its enormous outdoor stage and thousands of performers, is particularly famous. Check the programme for your dates, as it requires separate planning and ticketing. Although the shows are primarily in French, translation headsets have been offered in English.
How much time do you need at Puy du Fou?
I’d recommend allowing two days, particularly if you’re visiting with children. We stayed for two days and managed to see every show on offer without feeling rushed. The distances between venues and the show schedules make it difficult to fit everything into one day.
How to get to Puy du Fou
Puy du Fou is in western France, around 3.5 hours by car from Paris. If you’re travelling by train, you can take a TGV from Paris to Angers and arrange onward transport to the park. Check the current shuttle timetable and fares before travelling.
Given the distance from Paris, I’d plan to stay overnight rather than try to visit as a day trip.
Where to stay and practical information
Puy du Fou has several themed hotels, which let you extend the historical experience beyond the shows. There are also hotels and other accommodation options nearby.
Ticket prices, opening dates and show schedules vary depending on when you visit, so check the official Puy du Fou website before booking.
For detailed information on tickets, accommodation, transport and planning your visit, read my Guide to Puy du Fou Theme Park in France.
2. Disneyland Theme Park
Disneyland Paris needs little introduction. If your children dream of meeting Disney characters, seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle, watching the parades and riding attractions inspired by their favourite films, this is the theme park in France to consider. Unlike Puy du Fou, where the shows are the main attraction, Disneyland Paris offers a bit of everything: rides, character encounters, parades, spectacular shows and that unmistakable Disney atmosphere. It’s also the park my children were most excited about. While Puy du Fou was my personal favourite, for them, nothing quite beats the Disney magic! And there’s even more to discover now, with the opening of World of Frozen in the newly renamed Disney Adventure World.
Highlights
Disneyland Paris has two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s worth understanding what each offers.
Disneyland Park: the classic Disney experience
This is the original park, with Sleeping Beauty Castle at its heart and five themed lands to explore.
- Fantasyland: A favourite for younger children, with Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World and Alice’s Curious Labyrinth.
- Adventureland: Home to Pirates of the Caribbean and Adventure Isle.
- Frontierland: Where you’ll find Big Thunder Mountain and Phantom Manor.
- Discoveryland: For Star Wars adventures, Hyperspace Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast.
- Main Street, U.S.A.: The lovely entrance to the park, leading towards the castle, with shops, restaurants and views of the parades.
If it’s your first visit, I’d allow plenty of time to enjoy the castle, the themed lands and the atmosphere, rather than trying to tick off every attraction.
Disney Adventure World: Frozen, Pixar and Marvel
Formerly Walt Disney Studios Park, the second park was transformed into Disney Adventure World in March 2026. It’s now home to several immersive worlds inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel. The big new addition is World of Frozen, where you can step into the Kingdom of Arendelle. The area is designed to make you feel as though you’ve walked straight into the Frozen films, with the village of Arendelle, Elsa’s Ice Palace high on the North Mountain and a beautiful waterfront.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Frozen Ever After: A musical boat ride through Arendelle, taking you past Anna, Elsa and their friends on a journey towards Elsa’s Ice Palace. It’s a family attraction with no minimum height requirement, making it suitable for younger children too.
- A Celebration in Arendelle: An outdoor show on Arendelle Bay featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff, bringing the traditions of the kingdom to life.
- Meeting Anna and Elsa: There’s a dedicated Royal Encounter in Arendelle. Reservations through the virtual queue are required and subject to availability, so check the Disneyland Paris app on the day of your visit.
One useful thing to know: access to World of Frozen is included with a standard Disney Adventure World park ticket. You don’t need to buy a separate ticket for the land, although some individual experiences have their own booking arrangements.
Beyond Frozen, there are two other areas worth exploring. Marvel Avengers Campus is the place for Marvel fans, with attractions such as Avengers Assemble: Flight Force and Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, as well as character encounters. Worlds of Pixar includes Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, where you shrink down to the size of Remy and race through a giant kitchen.
And don’t forget the parades and evening entertainment. I’d try to stay until the evening if you can, as the nighttime shows are a highlight of the Disney experience. Check the current programme for your dates, as entertainment schedules can change.
How much time do you need at Disneyland Paris?
You can enjoy a day trip from Paris, particularly if you focus on Disneyland Park and choose your must-do attractions in advance. However, if you want to explore both parks, experience World of Frozen and enjoy the parades and evening shows without rushing, I’d allow two to three days.
Disneyland Paris can get very busy, especially during school holidays and weekends. If your dates are flexible, consider visiting during the week and arriving early. My advice would be to decide in advance which attractions are most important to your family, particularly if you have Frozen fans or children who are keen to meet specific characters. The Disneyland Paris app is useful for checking attraction wait times, show schedules, character appearances and virtual queue availability during your visit.
How to get to Disneyland Paris
One of Disneyland Paris’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to reach from central Paris without a car.
By train
Take the RER A to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, the station right next to the Disney parks. The journey from central Paris takes approximately 35–45 minutes, depending on your departure station and connections.
You can also drive or arrange a shuttle transfer from Paris or the airports, but for a day trip from Paris, I’d take the RER.
Where to stay and tickets
If you’re visiting for just one day, staying in Paris and taking the RER is perfectly feasible.
For a longer stay, you can choose from the official Disney hotels or the many family-friendly hotels and apartments in the surrounding area.
Ticket prices vary by date, number of parks and length of stay. If you’re visiting for more than one day, compare multi-day tickets and hotel packages with the cost of staying nearby and buying tickets separately.
Check the official Disneyland Paris website for current prices, park opening hours and ticket options before booking.
3. Parc Astérix
If your family loves roller coasters, thrilling rides and a bit of French humour, Parc Astérix is well worth considering. Located about 35 km north of Paris, this theme park is inspired by the famous French comic books featuring Astérix and Obélix. You don’t need to know the stories to enjoy it, though. The park combines a distinctly Gaulish atmosphere with some seriously impressive rides, themed areas and attractions for younger children.
Of the three parks we’ve visited, Parc Astérix is the one I’d choose for families looking for a more traditional amusement park experience, with plenty of rides and thrills.
Highlights
Parc Astérix has several themed areas, including Gaul, Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire and Egypt. There’s a good mix of big roller coasters, water rides and gentler attractions for younger visitors.
Here are some of the highlights to look out for:
- Toutatis: If you enjoy serious roller coasters, Toutatis is one of the park’s headline attractions. It’s a high-speed ride with launches, inversions and plenty of airtime. Definitely one for thrill-seekers rather than younger children.
- OzIris: Another major coaster, OzIris takes you through an Egyptian-themed setting, with an inverted ride experience that leaves your feet dangling as you race through the course.
- Tonnerre 2 Zeus: A wooden roller coaster with a particularly lively ride. It’s one of the park’s classic attractions, reworked to deliver an even more intense experience.
And if you’re visiting during the summer, check the seasonal entertainment programme. The park introduced a new evening show, Asterix and the Potion of the Stars, for summer 2026.
Is Parc Astérix suitable for children?
Yes, although I’d look carefully at the attractions your children can enjoy before booking. There are plenty of family rides and gentler attractions, but a significant part of the park’s appeal is its roller coasters and thrill rides. Minimum height restrictions apply to many attractions, and these vary from ride to ride.
For younger children, I’d check the official attraction list and height requirements in advance. For older children and teenagers who love roller coasters, there’s plenty to keep them entertained.
And don’t worry if your children haven’t read the Astérix comics. The park’s humour and themed settings are easy to enjoy without knowing the characters or stories.
How much time do you need at Parc Astérix?
I’d allow a full day to explore the park and enjoy a good selection of rides.
If you’re visiting during school holidays or a particularly busy weekend, consider staying overnight and allowing two days, especially if you want to experience the most popular attractions without rushing.
The park has a lot to offer, and the amount you can fit into one day will depend on queues, opening hours and how many of the bigger rides your family wants to try.
My advice is to check the park map and attraction list before your visit and decide which rides are your priorities.
How to get to Parc Astérix
Parc Astérix is around 35 km north of Paris, near the town of Plailly.
By car
Driving is straightforward from Paris, with the park located near the A1 motorway. There is a large car park, although parking is charged separately from standard admission tickets.
By public transport
You can travel by train or metro to the wider Paris transport network, but there isn’t a direct RER station at Parc Astérix.
The park operates shuttle services from selected transport hubs, including Charles de Gaulle Airport. Check the official transport page for current departure points, timetables, fares and booking requirements.
If you’re staying in central Paris and don’t have a car, I’d plan the shuttle journey in advance rather than assuming you can simply take a train directly to the park.
Where to stay and tickets
If you’d like to spend more than one day at Parc Astérix, the park has three themed hotels:
- Les Quais de Lutèce: A four-star hotel inspired by ancient Lutetia, with buildings designed around the banks of the Seine.
- La Cité Suspendue: A three-star hotel inspired by a Celtic settlement, set among the trees.
- Les Trois Hiboux: A three-star woodland hotel with a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
The hotels offer an opportunity to stay close to the park, and hotel guests benefit from early access to attractions on eligible dates. Check the current package terms when booking.
Ticket prices vary by date and ticket type. Dated tickets booked in advance can be cheaper than flexible tickets, and the park offers separate queue-skipping options through Filotomatix.
I’d check the official Parc Astérix website for current ticket prices, opening dates, seasonal events and attraction restrictions before booking.
Which theme park in France is best for your family?
Having visited all three with our children, I can honestly say that each offers a very different experience.
Puy du Fou was my personal favourite, thanks to its incredible shows and the sheer scale of the productions. Disneyland Paris was the one my children were most excited about, especially with all the Disney characters, attractions and the new World of Frozen. And Parc Astérix is the one I’d pick for a day packed with roller coasters, thrilling rides and a bit of French humour.
If I had to choose, here’s how I’d narrow it down:
- Choose Puy du Fou if you love spectacular shows, storytelling and something completely different from a traditional theme park.
- Choose Disneyland Paris if your children are Disney fans and you want the classic Disney experience, with characters, parades and immersive themed worlds.
- Choose Parc Astérix if your family loves rides, roller coasters and a more traditional amusement park.
And if you have time for more than one, why not? They’re different enough that you won’t feel you’re repeating the same experience.
Whichever you choose, I’d recommend checking the official websites for opening dates, show schedules and ticket prices before booking, particularly if you’re visiting during the French school holidays.
Have you visited any of these parks with your children? I’d love to hear which one was your favourite!
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