Hauts-de-France (Oise), France
Mer de Sable in Ermenonville (Oise, Hauts-de-France) is France's first themed amusement park (est. 1963) with 28 attractions across 3 Wild West themed zones! Experience Added in 2025: Wild Buffalo - France's first GCI wooden roller coaster! €5 million investment, 500m track reaching 67 km/h with immersive tunnel navigated twice! 4 roller coasters total (Tiger Express wild mouse, Silver Mountain mine train, Bandidos spinning). 20 of 28 rides open to children under 100cm! Unique natural sand dune location in Ermenonville Forest. 3 equestrian shows daily! FREE admission for children under 3! Only 40km from Paris. Season: usually early April to early November.
Park Highlights
Added in 2025: Wild Buffalo - France's First GCI Coaster!
€5 million GCI wooden roller coaster - first in France! 500m track, 67 km/h, immersive tunnel crossed twice!
France's First Themed Park (1963)
Historic park with 60+ years of Wild West adventure in unique sand dune setting!
Most Rides Open to Young Children
20 of 28 attractions are open to children under 100cm (with an adult where required)!
3 Themed Wild West Zones
Vallée des Mississi'Ptits, Désert du Nouveau-Mexique, Canyon du Color'ado!
Height Breakdown
Each ride is listed under the lowest height at which a child can ride (with an adult where allowed).
No Height Restriction (8 Attractions)
Any height - some need an adult below the solo height:
- Le Bayou des Chikapas - dark boat ride through the swamp (any height with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Le Train des Sables - scenic park tour (any height with an adult, 130cm alone)
- Le Raid du Dragon (any height with an adult, 100cm alone)
- Mississi'Piste (any height with an adult, 100cm alone)
- Le Pont Suspendu - suspension bridge walk
- Le Camp des Explorateurs - playground
- Le Marais Cage
- Le Ranch
Under 90cm (3 Rides - with adult)
- Sonora - hot air balloons (80cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Cycl'o vent (80cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Little Hawk (80cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
90cm+ (9 Rides)
- Cheyenne River - log flume with 20m drop! (90cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Bandidos - spinning bandit coaster (95cm with an adult, 120cm alone, max 195cm)
- La Rivière des Castors - beaver river (90cm, max 140cm)
- Le Péroké (90cm with an adult, 110cm alone)
- Canoë Fou - crazy canoe (90cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Le Totem (90cm with an adult, 110cm alone, max 185cm)
- Chiquit'O (90cm with an adult, 110cm alone)
- Les P'tits Rangers (90cm with an adult, 105cm alone)
- Baptême Poney - pony rides (90cm with an adult, max 140cm)
100cm+ (2 Rides)
- Silver Mountain - mine train coaster (100cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- La Rivière Sauvage - wild river rapids (100cm with an adult, 140cm alone)
110cm+ (2 Rides)
- Wild Buffalo - added in 2025! France's first GCI wooden coaster! (110cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- El Condor - flying chairs (110cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
120cm+ (4 Rides)
- Tiger Express - wild mouse coaster (120cm with an adult, 140cm alone)
- La Ruée vers l'Or - gold rush ride (120cm with an adult, 140cm alone)
- Disco Loco - spinning disc extreme thrills (120cm)
- Tornado - spinning tornado ride (120cm, max 190cm)
- Plus
- 3 equestrian shows daily!
Best For
- Toddlers (under 90cm): Excellent - FREE under 3! Up to 11 attractions + shows
- Young Children (90-110cm): Perfect! Up to 22 attractions - most of the park!
- Children (110-120cm): Amazing! Up to 24 rides including Wild Buffalo wooden coaster
- Tweens & Teens (120-140cm): Great! Up to 28 attractions including all coasters
- Teens & Adults (140cm+): Complete access to all 28 rides
- Families: IDEAL - most rides open at 90cm, perfect for young families!
- Wild West Fans: Perfect - Complete Western immersion with shows!
Featured Attractions
Wild Buffalo 🦬
Added in 2025! France's FIRST GCI wooden roller coaster! €5 million investment marking GCI's debut in France. 500-meter track of wooden thrills reaching speeds of 67 km/h! Standout feature: immersive mid-course tunnel navigated twice in opposing directions for disorienting double-pass experience! Located in Le Désert du Nouveau-Mexique zone. 0.2G to 3G forces. 14.8m tall. Family-friendly but intense enough for thrill-seekers! Opened April 5, 2025. 110cm with an adult, 130cm alone.
Tiger Express 🐯
Wild mouse spinning coaster! Sharp hairpin turns and sudden drops. Classic wild mouse thrills with spinning cars! 120cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Silver Mountain ⛏️
Mine train coaster! Journey through Silver Mountain mines with family-friendly thrills and scenic theming. 100cm with an adult, 120cm alone.
Bandidos 🤠
Spinning coaster! Bandit-themed with rotating cars for double thrills. Spin while coasting! 95cm with an adult, 120cm alone (max 195cm).
Cheyenne River 💧
Log flume with spectacular 20-meter drop! Massive splashing finale! One of park's signature attractions since opening. 90cm with adult, 120cm alone.
La Rivière Sauvage 🌊
Wild river rapids ride! Spinning rubber rafts through rough waters with splashing fun. Get soaked! 100cm with adult, 140cm alone.
Disco Loco 🎵
Spinning disc ride! Rotating platform delivers extreme thrills as disc swings higher and spins faster. Hold on! 120cm minimum.
El Condor 🦅
Flying chairs! Classic wave swinger - soar like a condor over the desert landscape. 110cm with an adult, 120cm alone.
Tornado 🌪️
Spinning tornado ride! Whirling thrills in tornado-force winds. 120cm minimum (max 190cm).
La Ruée vers l'Or 💰
Gold rush! Rotating platform adventure themed to California gold rush. 120cm with an adult, 140cm alone.
Le Bayou des Chikapas 🌿
Dark boat ride! Journey through mysterious bayou swamp with themed encounters and surprises. Indoor family dark ride! Any height with an adult, 120cm alone.
Train des Sables 🚂
Scenic park train! Tour all three themed zones - Mississi'Ptits Valley, New Mexico Desert, and Colorado Canyon. Relaxing overview! Any height with an adult, 130cm alone.
La Rivière des Castors 🦫
Beaver river! Gentle water ride perfect for young families. Smooth floating fun! 90cm minimum (max 140cm).
Le Pont Suspendu 🌉
Suspension bridge walk! Swaying rope bridge experience - test your balance! Interactive adventure. No height restriction.
Le Camp des Explorateurs ⛺
Explorer camp playground! Large play area with climbing structures, slides, and exploration zones for kids. No height restriction.
Baptême Poney 🐴
Pony rides! Gentle pony experiences for children aged 2 and up. Perfect introduction to horses! 90cm minimum with an adult (max 140cm).
Unique Features
France's First Themed Amusement Park
Established 1963 - pioneering themed entertainment in France for over 60 years!
Wild Buffalo - GCI's French Debut
Added in 2025! First-ever GCI wooden coaster in France - €5 million landmark addition!
Natural Sand Dune Setting
Unique location on actual sand dune in Ermenonville Forest - distinctive natural landscape!
Most Rides Open Under 100cm
20 of 28 attractions are open to children under 100cm - most family-friendly major park!
3 Daily Equestrian Shows
- L'Attaque du train (Train Attack)
- Le tournoi des 3 nations (Tournament of 3 Nations)
- Les nouvelles aventures de Willy West (New Adventures of Willy West)
FREE Under 3
Young toddlers enter at no cost!
40km from Paris
Easy day trip from capital - closer than many Paris-area parks!
Looping Group Park
Part of Looping Group since acquisition - continuous investment in new attractions!
Pricing System
- Single Day Tickets (at our last check)
- Adult (12+ years): €34
- Child (3-11 years): €28
- Under 3 years: FREE
- Annual Pass (at our last check)
- Adult: €69
- Child: €59
- Benefits: Unlimited access + 10% discount at restaurants/shops
- What's Included
- Unlimited access to all 28 attractions
- All 3 equestrian shows
- FREE parking (1,000 spaces!)
- Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Pony ride experiences (may require surcharge)
- Arcade games
- Photos/souvenirs
Top Tips for Visitors
- Under 3 FREE - Toddlers enter at no cost!
- Arrive at opening - Ride Wild Buffalo first (added in 2025!)
- 90cm accessible - most rides open to young children
- Weekday visits - Quieter Tuesday-Thursday
- Annual pass - €69 pays off after 3 visits (vs €102 for 3 days)
- FREE parking - 1,000 free spaces, arrive early
- 3 daily shows - Don't miss equestrian performances
- Sand dune walks - Explore unique natural landscape
- Pack lunch - Picnic areas available
- Check show times - Plan around 3 daily equestrian shows
Best Times to Visit
- Quietest
- April-May, September weekdays (Tue-Thu)
- Busiest
- July-August, weekends, French school holidays
- Season
- usually early April to early November; check the park's official calendar for this year's dates.
- Closed
- usually from early November to early April (winter)
- Best weather
- May-June, September (warm, fewer crowds)
- Peak hours
- 12:00-15:00 (lunch rush)
- Halloween
- October - special themed events
Facilities
- 28 attractions - 4 coasters, water rides, family fun
- 3 equestrian shows - Daily Western performances
- Multiple restaurants - Wild West themed dining
- Snack bars - Throughout three zones
- FREE parking - 1,000 spaces with accessible areas
- Picnic areas - Bring your own food allowed
- Gift shops - Western souvenirs
- Lockers - Secure belongings for water rides
- First aid - Medical support
- Accessible facilities - Wheelchair-friendly areas
- Baby care - Changing facilities
- Natural sand dune - Unique landscape feature
Getting There
- By Car
- From Paris: 45 minutes via A1 and D330 (40km)
- From Charles de Gaulle Airport: 30 minutes via A1 (25km)
- From Senlis: 15 minutes via D330 (15km)
- From Chantilly: 15 minutes via D924A (12km)
- Address: Route Nationale 330, 60950 Ermenonville
- FREE parking (1,000 spaces!)
- By Train
- Nearest station: Survilliers-Fosses (12km away) on Paris-Nord line
- From Paris Gare du Nord: 25 minutes to Survilliers-Fosses
- Taxi from station to park: 15 minutes
- By Air
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: 30 minutes by car (25km)
- Paris Orly Airport: 1 hour
- Paris Beauvais Airport: 1 hour
- GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 49.1466, Longitude: 2.6785
Age Recommendations
- Ages 0-2 (under 90cm): Good - FREE under 3! Up to 11 attractions
- Ages 2-5 (90-110cm): Excellent! Up to 22 rides, most of the park
- Ages 5-10 (110-120cm): Perfect! Up to 24 attractions including Wild Buffalo wooden coaster
- Ages 10-14 (120-140cm): Great! Up to 28 rides including all coasters
- Ages 14+ (140cm+): Complete access to all attractions
- Families with Young Children: IDEAL - Best accessibility in France!
- Wild West Enthusiasts: Perfect - Complete Western theming + shows!
Money-Saving Tips
- Under 3 FREE - Save €28 per toddler!
- Annual pass - €69 for adults (vs €102 for 3 single days) saves €33
- Child pricing - €28 vs €34 adult saves €6 per child
- Pack lunch - Picnic areas available
- FREE parking - No transport costs
- Book online - Check official website for promotions
- Weekday visits - Sometimes special rates
- Season pass perks - 10% off dining and shopping
Safety & Restrictions
- Height Requirements Strictly Enforced
- 80cm: Sonora, Cycl'o vent, Little Hawk (with adult)
- 90cm: Cheyenne River, Péroké, Canoë Fou, Totem, Chiquit'O, P'tits Rangers, Baptême Poney (with adult); Rivière des Castors
- 95cm: Bandidos (with adult)
- 100cm: Silver Mountain, Rivière Sauvage (with adult)
- 110cm: Wild Buffalo, El Condor (with adult)
- 120cm: Tiger Express, Ruée vers l'Or (with adult); Disco Loco, Tornado; Silver Mountain, Bandidos, Cheyenne River, El Condor (alone)
- 130cm: Wild Buffalo (alone)
- 140cm: Tiger Express, Rivière Sauvage, Ruée vers l'Or (alone)
- Age Restrictions
- Adult supervision required for children under 13
- Pony rides: Age 2+ only
- Some attractions may frighten very young children
- Medical Conditions
- Pregnant women: Not permitted on coasters and thrill rides
- Back/neck problems: Avoid Wild Buffalo, Tiger Express, Disco Loco
- Heart conditions: Consult before intense attractions
- Motion sickness: Caution on spinning rides (Bandidos, Disco Loco)
- General Safety
- Follow all posted requirements
- Secure loose items in lockers before water rides
- Listen to operator instructions
- Use provided restraints properly
- Suspension bridge may challenge those with vertigo
Operating Hours & Season
- Typical season
- Opens: usually early April
- Closes: usually early November
- Closed: early November to early April (winter)
- Typical Daily Hours
- Opening: 10:30
- Closing: 18:00 (sometimes 19:00 in summer)
- Operating Schedule
- Weekends: April-June, September-October
- Daily: July-August (summer vacation)
- Halloween: Extended October hours
- Check Official Website
Hours vary by date - always verify before visiting!
The 3 Themed Zones
La Vallée des Mississi'Ptits 🌳
Mississippi Valley Theme Lush valley with:
- Le Bayou des Chikapas dark ride
- Chiquit'O water ride
- Explorer camp playground
- Family-friendly attractions
Le Désert du Nouveau-Mexique 🌵
New Mexico Desert Theme Sand dune desert featuring:
- Wild Buffalo wooden coaster (added in 2025!)
- Desert-themed attractions
- Hot air balloon rides (Sonora)
- Natural sand landscape
Le Canyon du Color'ado 🏜️
Colorado Canyon Theme Western canyon with:
- Silver Mountain mine train
- Cheyenne River log flume
- Tiger Express wild mouse
- Thrill ride cluster
Added in 2025
Wild Buffalo Wooden Coaster 🦬
France's first GCI roller coaster! €5 million investment marking Great Coasters International's debut in France! 500 meters of wooden track reaching 67 km/h with unique mid-course tunnel crossed twice in opposite directions. Located in New Mexico Desert zone. 14.8m tall, 0.2G to 3G forces. Opened April 5, 2025!
3 Daily Equestrian Shows
L'Attaque du train 🚂
Train Attack Show Western bandits ambush locomotive! Horses, stunts, and Wild West action!
Le tournoi des 3 nations 🏇
Tournament of 3 Nations Equestrian competition between nations with horseback stunts and tricks!
Les nouvelles aventures de Willy West 🤠
New Adventures of Willy West Comedy Western show following cowboy Willy West on hilarious horse-mounted adventures!
- Show Schedule
- Check park app for daily times
Perfect Day Trip from Paris
Only 40km from Paris! Mer de Sable makes an excellent day trip:
- 45 minutes from central Paris
- 30 minutes from Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Avoid Disneyland Paris crowds and prices
- Authentic Wild West theme
- FREE parking
- More accessible for young children (most rides open at 90cm)
- Less overwhelming than mega-parks
Ermenonville Forest Setting
- Unique Natural Location
- Actual sand dune in forest (rare geological feature)
- Walk on real sand between attractions
- Forest surroundings
- Natural shade from trees
- Cooler microclimate in summer
- Combine with Regional Tourism
- Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Philosopher's garden
- Château de Chantilly (12km) - Historic palace
- Senlis (15km) - Medieval walled town
- Parc Astérix (15km) - Gallic theme park
- Compièg ne Forest - Nature walks
Photography
- Photography allowed throughout park
- On-ride photos at select coasters
- Wild West photo opportunities with sets
- Equestrian show photography permitted
- Natural sand dune landscapes
- Share on social media: #MerDeSable
Group Events & Bookings
- School group packages
- Birthday party options with pony rides
- Corporate events
- Group rates available for 20+ people
- Contact: +33 3 44 54 00 96
Languages
- French (primary language)
- Some English signage
- Limited English-speaking staff
- International visitors welcome
- Equestrian shows language-independent (visual)
Accessibility
- Many wheelchair-accessible attractions
- Accessible parking near entrance
- Companion passes may be available
- Contact park in advance for specific needs
- Accessible restrooms throughout
- Some terrain challenging (sand dune)
- Sand paths may be difficult for wheelchairs
Park History
- 1963: Mer de Sable founded - France's first themed amusement park
- 1970s-80s: Expansion of Wild West attractions
- 1990s: Addition of water rides
- 2000s: Modernization and new coasters
- 2020: Acquired by Looping Group
- 2025: Wild Buffalo opens - France's first GCI wooden coaster (€5M)
- Present: 60+ years of Wild West family entertainment
Looping Group
Part of Looping Group portfolio since 2020:
- Continuous investment in new attractions
- Wild Buffalo (2025) - €5 million
- Commitment to family-friendly experiences
- Other Looping parks: Bagatelle, Foire du Trône
Important Reminders
- Season: usually early April to early November only
- Added in 2025: Wild Buffalo - France's first GCI wooden coaster!
- FREE under 3 - Toddlers enter at no cost
- Most rides open at 90cm - Best young family accessibility in France
- FREE parking - 1,000 spaces, no fees
- €34 adult, €28 child - Affordable family pricing
- 40km from Paris - Easy day trip
- 3 daily shows - Equestrian Western performances
- Natural sand dune - Unique geological setting
- Annual pass €69 - Best value for 3+ visits
- Check calendar - Operating schedule varies
- Wild West theme - Complete Western immersion throughout!