Skip to main content
Discover the park Prepare your visit
11° C
Tickets
Open today 10:00 - 18:00

choose your language

History & Values

Miniature Amphitheatre of Arles at France Miniature

In 1991, France Miniature opened its doors to the public for the first time.

An old photo of France Miniature

 

France Miniature traces its origins to the collaborative vision of two individuals :

In 1991, The passion of Alain Pelras, a former civil engineer for minature trains, merged with Thierry Coltier's enthuasiasm for leisure parks, sparking the inception of France Miniature.

In the mid-1980's, the concept of a miniature park featuring trains began to form in Alain Pelras's imagination. By the late 1980s, he connected with Thierry Coltier, whose academic research delved into amusement parks across the globe. Coltier's finding underscored the popularity and appeal of miniature parks designed for both leisure and educational experiences.

 

33 years of evolution!

 In 1993, France Miniature was acquired by the Musée Grévin, which itself was brought by Parc Astérix in 1999. Since 2002, France Miniature has been owned by Compagnie des Alpes, a French company that owns 13 amusement parks and 11 ski resorts in the Alps.

From 2004 onwards, attractions have been added to enhance the visit experience of the 117 monuments, much to the delight of children. Since 2014, 14 interactive experiences have been added to the park, including an archaelogical excavations, a prehistoric cave, and even the Fort Boyard and Koh-Lanta adventure!

The fun never ends!

 

  • view of Chambord Palace when it was first installed in 1991 at France Miniature
  • The current view of Chambord Palace at France Miniature with beautifyl scenary
  • Two girsl giggling as they drive their miniature car across miniature circus at France Miniature
  • Girdl inside p a man-made version of miniature rehistoric cave at France Miniature
  • Girl with keys in front of Fort boyard at France Miniature

A monumental park !

Today, France Miniature welcomes around 200,000 visitors annually to its vast 5 hectare map of France. It showcases 117 of the most beautiful monuments and sites in the country and features over 130 recreated lanscapes, including villages, castles, ports, train stations, and even a massive railway circuit!

It offers a perfect blend of fun and culture for all ages, whether with family or friends, allowing you to tour France in just one day.

Father and child in front of Miniature Notre Dame at France Miniature
Duck walking in front of miniature palace of versailles at France Miniature

WITH FRANCE MINIATURE, PRESERVE NATURE, IT'S GIANT!

For over a decade, France Miniature has been dedicated to preserving the nature. During your visit to France Miniature, discover  preserved flora and  fauna, insect hotels dotting the landscape, and even a chimney hive for safely observing bees in action.

IN 2024, FRANCE MINIATURE UNVEILS A MONUMENT OF SPORTS

Woman, athlete, from Élancourt, and paratriathlete, all these reasons led France Miniature to support her.

Picture of Cécile with her running prosthesis in front of miniature tour eiffel at France Miniature

 

Meet Cécile Saboureau, a remarkable French paratriathlete who's not ony a multiple-time national champion but also clinched the European PTS2 title in 2023. Based in Elancourt, she trains locally with the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Triathlon club and has her sights set on some major sporting events in 2024.

France Miniature proudly supports Cécile, embracing values like inclusivity, resilience, and personal growth while celebrating her local roots. Throughout the year, we're following her journey closely, sharing videos and photos on social media that showcase her incredibile dedication and determination. From adapting prosthetics to training in swimming, running, and cycling. Cécile's journey takes her across France from Marseilles to Paris and beyond. Who knows? You might even spot her at the park!

Photo of France Miniature team with Cécile Saboureau in front of miniature tour eiffel

French heritage also includes sports:

It is with this project of supporting an exceptional athlete that France Miniature began this human adventure. By sharing moments of exchange with Cécile Saboureau about her journey, her challenges, but also her victories, all the members of France Miniature grow through this meaningful encounter. A unique experience for the employees: to have a track cycling baptism at the National Velodrome of Saint-Quentin-en-yveleines with a top-notch coach.