Among the oldest amusement parks
Opened in 1860 and still running — among the world's oldest.
Moktarama — CC BY 3.0 · Rémih — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rémih — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rémih — CC BY-SA 4.0
A family amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne west of Paris, opened in 1860 and among the oldest amusement parks still operating in the world. The name comes from its original purpose: it was created under Napoleon III to acclimatise foreign plants and animals to the French climate — an experimental zoo and botanical garden. Over time it became a family park. The darker part of its history should be stated: in the late nineteenth century the garden staged human zoos, displaying people from Africa and Asia before the Parisian public. This is a documented colonial practice in the site's history. Today it is rides, small animals, paths, a puppet theatre and a miniature railway, aimed particularly at pre-teenage children. Inside the same grounds stands Frank Gehry's Fondation Louis Vuitton — the well-known glass building housing a contemporary art museum, with a separate ticket that normally includes entry to the garden. Entry is ticketed, and rides are either included or need extra tickets depending on the type. Check before buying.
Opened in 1860 and still running — among the world's oldest.
The glass Fondation Louis Vuitton inside the grounds, with a contemporary museum.
The garden sits inside the largest green space west of Paris, with paths and lakes.
Bois de Boulogne, west Paris
Looking for halal food near Jardin d'Acclimatation? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
A practice widespread in Europe and America in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries: people from the colonies were displayed in enclosures and mock dwellings before the public as though they were exhibits. This garden staged them, as did other zoos and world's fairs. It is a documented part of European colonial history, and today it is stated rather than hidden.
Less so. The garden is built for young children: gentle rides, a puppet theatre, farm animals. Teenagers will find it simple. With teenagers, the Fondation Louis Vuitton inside the same grounds is a far better option, or Disneyland Paris outside the city if you want real rides.
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