Jardin d’Acclimatation

Paris, France

“Lovely theme park in downtown Paris”

If I mention a theme park in Paris, most people will automatically think of our European Disneyland resort. Many theme park enthusiasts also know that Parc Astérix is located near the French capital. However, I’m sure that some coaster lovers have never heard of the city’s fourth amusement park. I’m talking about Jardin d’Acclimatation, which can be found right in the city centre. Disneyland and Parc Astérix are located at approximately 40 kilometres from Paris, but Jardin d’Acclimatation is within walking distance from Arc de Triomphe. Just like most amusement parks in cities, there are different admission options. The park has all-in wristbands, but visitors are also able to buy separate ride coupons.

ROLLER COASTERS

Four credits are waiting to be ridden at Jardin d’Acclimatation. The best one is Speed Rockets, a Bobsled Coaster manufactured by Gerstlauer. It’s definitely not a giant: Speed Rockets is just 400 metres long and it reaches a maximum height of 11 metres. Despite these limited figures, the ride provides an enormous amount of fun. It’s got an original layout, it’s perfectly smooth and the Steampunk theme is quite elaborate. This may look like a tiny family coaster, but it’s a perfect match for Jardin d’Acclimatation.

Those chauvinist French people will never admit it, but a German coaster is usually better than a French coaster. That’s why Speed Rockets costs two coupons, while the other (French) roller coasters only require one ride ticket. Les Souris Mécaniques is a Reverchon spinning wild mouse, but it’s slightly smaller than the famous funfair version. The ride doesn’t feature any major drops and speed is limited, so please don’t expect a thrilling ride.

If you’ve ever ridden a Soquet roller coaster, you may know that this French company usually doesn’t make the smoothest rides. I’m not sure if they do it on purpose, but almost every Soquet coaster includes at least one painful element. This is also true for La Machine à Vapeur (a powered coaster) and Le Dragon Chinois, a family coaster. Despite their attractive appearances, both rides have an element of ouch. Be prepared for the powered coaster’s tunnel section and brace yourself for the Chinese Dragon’s final curve. Thank me later.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Jardin d’Acclimatation is much more than an amusement park. In fact, this used to be a zoo in which exotic animals would adapt to the cooler French weather. The park is still home to a selection of animals and most of them can be found in the aviary and the petting zoo. It’s not the most amazing zoo in Europe, but I guess it’s fine for families with young children. The same is true for the attraction department. Jardin d’Acclimatation features a whole lot of family-friendly carousels and playgrounds, so thrill seekers can better keep their expectations low.

WORTH A VISIT?

One thing is sure: Jardin d’Acclimatation is stunning. The theme park section was themed elaborately, the Asian gardens look fabulous and the arts centre amazed me with its modern architecture. That’s why I’d definitely recommend a visit to this park if you love atmosphere and scenery. There’s no need to come here if you’re only interested in thrill rides and big roller coasters, though. Jardin d’Acclimatation is considerably less spectacular than the other Parisian theme parks in terms of rides.

PHOTO GALLERY

Did you know this fourth theme park in Paris? Would you consider spending a few hours at Jardin d’Acclimatation? Have you ever ridden a perfectly smooth Soquet roller coaster? Share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of this page.