Aix-Les-Bains (F) - Mega Park

When you think of Mega Park in Aix-les-Bains, the image that immediately springs to mind is that of mountains reflected in the deep blue water, whilst in the foreground colourful lights flash and the bass from the rides makes the air vibrate. The Esplanade du Lac is the absolute perfect spot for this, because here you’re not standing in some grey car park on the outskirts of town, but right on the lakeside promenade of Lac du Bourget. This gives the whole fair a vibe that feels more like a huge summer party or a festival than a traditional funfair.

What makes it special is this striking contrast between nature and modern high-tech thrills. Imagine being shot skywards in one of the Giant Boosters or catapults: the moment you’re suspended briefly at the highest point, you’re treated to an epic panoramic view over France’s largest natural lake and the peaks of the Alps – before plummeting back towards the ground in free fall. It’s pure adrenaline with a view you’d otherwise only get from hiking or paragliding. But even those who prefer things a bit more laid-back will find something to enjoy, as simply strolling beneath the plane trees of the Esplanade, with the waves lapping on the left and the Ferris wheel glowing on the right, has a wonderfully relaxing feel to it.

As soon as it gets dark, the Mega Park works its full magic. Then the lakeside area transforms into a vast sea of lights, reflected in the smooth surface of the lake. Everywhere you go, you can smell that typical French fairground mix: a blend of sweet crêpes, freshly fried churros and savoury snacks that you simply grab to eat on the go as you wander from one stall to the next. It’s the place where you meet up with the whole gang, try your luck at the claw machines or simply watch the world go by.

It’s that carefree French way of life, the ‘laissez-faire’, that meets modern excitement here. You can really tell that people from all over the Savoie region come here to celebrate outdoors properly for the first time after winter. The mix of fresh sea air, the Alpine panorama and the colourful fairground chaos makes the Mega Park on the Esplanade du Lac an event you really must experience if you’re in the area. It’s not just a fair, but a genuine experience that makes perfect use of the natural backdrop as a stage.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- by train: Aix-les-Bains-Le Revard station (distance 2.9 km)

- by bus: Camping / aixcam1 stop (lines 01, 103, DIM, S10)

By car:

- Venue: Esplanade du Lac

Parking:

- Car park next to the venue