Discover the World’s Best Theme Park, Surpassing Disneyland, Right in France!

It’s often believed that the best theme parks are in the United States, with Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the vast Asian complexes usually dominating the rankings. However, this year, the top park as chosen by global travelers isn’t American or Japanese—it’s French!

The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards have recently announced their results after compiling millions of visitor reviews. A French park has emerged as the world leader in the amusement and water park category, surpassing Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, last year’s winner. This list also includes giants like Brazil’s Beto Carrero World and Waterbom Bali in Indonesia, each attracting tens of millions of visitors annually. Surprisingly, this park ranks higher than Disneyland Paris (4th) and Puy du Fou (7th), both well-established names in French leisure.

What sets this park apart is not the typical formula of repeated roller coaster rides or mascots scattered throughout. This park operates in a different league. Its specialty is immersion, technology, and experiences that truly make you feel like you’re stepping into a sci-fi setting. Since the late 1980s, it has developed a unique model based on giant projections, special effects, and interactive attractions. You don’t need to be a thrill-seeker to enjoy it: the renowned Futuroscope in Vienne appeals to both families and those looking for more spectacular experiences.

Visitors can experience the “Tornado Hunters” attraction, where they find themselves in the middle of a giant tornado thanks to a rotating platform at the heart of the world’s largest indoor LED screen. This attraction was voted the best of the year 2022 and received an innovation award. Thrill-seekers can also embark on the “Mission Mars” roller coaster, battling electromagnetic fields and solar flares with top speeds of up to 55 km/h. As for water attractions, everything takes place in the Aquascope, already named the world’s best water park though it only opened in July 2024. The “Mission Bermuda” is a must-try, featuring a unique rail ride that also ventures into the water. Additionally, “Kiné’Eau” delights younger audiences with its mysterious underwater cave surrounded by a 270-degree screen displaying stars.

The park also places great emphasis on what happens beyond the rides. For lunch and dinner, the “Space Loop” restaurant offers a true culinary experience where ordered dishes travel through a system of rails around the establishment to arrive hot at your table. Moreover, as night falls, guests can stay for the grand night show titled “The Dream Key,” an event that feels more like an immersive show than a traditional fireworks display, featuring water games, lasers, giant projections, and light effects.

Lastly, guests have the option to stay in uniquely themed hotels. The “Station Cosmos” is a four-star hotel whose rooms resemble astronaut cabins, but with added comfort. Alternatively, the “Ecolodge” is nestled in nature, featuring large windows perfect for stargazing. These details often feature in online reviews, where many express their appreciation for experiencing more than just a simple day of rides.