Festyland
The history of Festyland park in Caen
Festyland was born in 1988 when 2 families from Caen bought a 6-hectare plot of land in the city’s urban area. They decided to create an amusement park. The area was cleaned up and depolluted, and in the summer of 1989, the first attractions were installed, including a train track, games of skill and swings. The success was resounding, and would continue to grow in the 90s. The first mechanical attraction was installed in 1997: the Drakkar Express. This Viking theme has turned the park into a veritable Norman amusement park. In the years that followed, this Norman identity was reflected in a number of new products. In the 2010s, the park opened up to teenagers with thrill rides, and new universes appeared, such as a prehistoric world and a troll village. 2015 saw the creation of an imposing aquatic area inspired by the journey of apprentice knights in the Middle Ages. Attendance at Festyland continues to grow year on year, making it one of the leading attractions in Calvados and the whole of Normandy.
Normandy’s biggest theme park
Several attractions are designed for the whole family, such as Pirat’ak, a downhill slide on a buoy, Valhalla or Tourny, flying and spinning chairs. One of Festyland’s most original attractions is the Nationale 13, which takes you along the road to Paris in a small jalopy. Perfect for a family outing!
Thrill-seekers can spend hours in Festyland, with 7 attractions designed to thrill. Miolnyr, one of the park’s newest attractions, will send you spinning in all directions with weights reminiscent of Thor’s hammer. Kaskade is a huge aquatic attraction that will have you spinning in a multi-person buoy as you hurtle down rapids. If you prefer to soar through the air, you’ll be tempted by the Eretic, Captain Roc or Tour d’Esnambuc. And if you like roller coasters, try 1066! Festyland doesn’t forget the little ones.
Most family attractions are accessible to children over 1m tall, but some are really for everyone, whatever their age or height! La Chevauchée de Guillaume (William’s Ride), for example, is a pleasant horseback ride on rails designed for everyone. Le Carrousel de Jules takes young and old into the world of Jules Verne. And Niorty is a thrill ride that even the youngest visitors will enjoy. Laughter guaranteed! The Vikiland fortified village is a playground reserved exclusively for children aged 8 and under and their families.
Information, rates and schedules
Festyland’s opening schedule varies according to the season. In July and August, it’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Different prices are offered according to age: the full price for visitors aged 12 to 60 is €21. Children under 12 and over 60 benefit from a reduced rate of €18. Large families are entitled to an entry fee of €18 per person, and people with disabilities pay €10 for admission to Festyland.
Inside the park you’ll find all the amenities you need: picnic areas, information point, baby area, stroller hire. A number of restaurants (including a crêperie) and a souvenir store are scattered around the park. Please note that pets are not allowed.
Festyland is located in the western suburbs of Caen. It takes about half an hour to get there from the 4-star L’Escapade campsite in Calvados. The quickest way is to go through Torteval-Quesnay and then take the D9 to Caen. The free parking lot will be signposted as you leave Carpiquet.
