Le Parc du Petit Prince, a lesser-known French theme park in the Alsace region, offers a cheaper and more relaxed alternative to Disneyland Paris, with rides and attractions aimed primarily at children up to age 11. Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic book, the park sits in Ungersheim and is the most-visited theme park in the region.
Getting there and first impressions
Reaching the park without a car can be tricky, but it is possible by train. The nearest station is Bollwiller, from which an 'on demand' shuttle bus costs around €5 return for a family of three. An Interrail pass (4 days in a month) costs £246 for adults in 2nd class, with children under 12 travelling free with paid seat reservations. Flights from major UK airports to Basel, a 30-minute drive from the park, cost from £151 to £308 per adult with British Airways and easyJet.
Despite visiting in August, queues for rides never exceeded 10 minutes, and the park is small enough to walk across in about 20 minutes. Rides are beautifully themed around the children's tale, with outdoor attractions including the Aeropostale log flume, the Pierre de Tonnerre asteroid ride, and L'Aerobar du Buveur. There is also a mini farm with goats, sheep, rabbits, and birds, plus indoor rides and shows.
Shows, food, and practical tips
All shows are in French or German, but Interstice, an interactive show where visitors help recover lost pages of The Little Prince, includes English subtitles. Hosted in French by a real person, the show uses keypads for voting and was a highlight for the visiting family. The park says it is working towards offering more in English for an international audience.
Food options include typical fast food such as chicken nuggets and fish and chips for kids, while adults can choose burgers, hot dogs, salads, and pâté, with more substantial offerings in the restaurant. Picnic space is plentiful, and lockers are available at the entrance. Most of the park accepts card payments, but a few euros in cash is useful, particularly for ride photos at €6 and animal food at €1.
Some animal shows and activities happen only once a day, so visitors should check times early. Another highlight is the Fox Burrow ride (La Tanière du Renard), inspired by The Little Prince's fox, which features scenes from the book and real rabbits. A meet and greet, indoor shows, and a mini splash park (swimming costumes required) are also available.
For accommodation, an Airbnb in Mulhouse costs around £75 per night, while nearby Hôtel Les Loges starts from €93 in September. The park offers a chilled vibe and great rides for young families, making it a worthwhile visit for those with children aged under 11.
