Bagatelle is one of France's older amusement parks, operating in Merlimont near the Opal Coast since the 1930s, and it has grown into a full family park with rides, a small zoo section, and shows rather than staying a single attraction. It draws heavily on nearby Le Touquet and Berck holidaymakers, so it's built around a full day out rather than a quick visit.
Parc d'attractions Bagatelle is an amusement park on the Route de Berck at Merlimont, near Le Touquet, in the Pas-de-Calais department of Hauts-de-France, France. It is one of France's older amusement parks, operating near the Opal Coast since the 1930s, and has grown into a full family park with rides, a small zoo section and shows rather than staying a single attraction. It draws heavily on holidaymakers from nearby Le Touquet and Berck, so it is built around a full day out rather than a quick visit.
The park offers a mix of rides for different ages, from gentle attractions for young children to thrill rides for teenagers and adults. Le Grand Huit, the park's wooden roller coaster, is among the attractions that give Bagatelle its reputation among older French amusement parks. Animal areas, live shows and landscaped gardens give families places to rest between rides, and picnic areas and food outlets are spread around the site.
A typical visit lasts four to six hours, and many families stay for the whole day. Admission is about €22 for a full-day ticket, falling to around €18 when bought online in advance, so pre-booking brings the price down from the gate rate. The park is open from mid-April to September, with hours that vary by season, generally from 10:00 to 18:00, so checking the calendar before travelling is useful.
Crowds peak during French school holidays, especially July and August, and on sunny weekends, when queues for the larger rides can be long. Weekdays in June to August, or during the French school term, are quieter, and arriving at opening lets visitors do popular rides first before queues build. Hats, sunscreen and water are useful in hot weather, and waterproofs help on changeable coastal days.
By car, the park is about 25 km south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Visitors without a car can take a TER train to Étaples-Le Touquet and continue by taxi, at around €15. The nearby beaches and the resort of Le Touquet make it easy to build a wider coastal break around the visit.
| Admission | €22 all-day / ~$24 (online advance discount €18 / ~$20) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open mid-April to September; hours vary by season (typically 10:00–18:00) |
| Typical visit | 4–6 hours |
| Best time | Weekdays in June–August; pre-book online |
| Getting there | Car from Boulogne-sur-Mer (25 km south); or TER to Étaples-Le Touquet then taxi (~€15) |
| Address | Route de Berck, 62155 Merlimont |
Location
Route de Berck, 62155 Merlimont
50.4539, 1.5848 View on map
Highlights
- Le Grand Huit wooden roller coaster
- Rides for young children and thrill-seekers
- Small zoo section and live shows
- Full-day family atmosphere near the Opal Coast
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online in advance for about €18 instead of the €22 gate price.
- Visit on weekdays during the school term to avoid holiday crowds.
- Arrive at opening to ride popular attractions before queues build.
- The park is open mid-April to September only.
- Take a taxi (about €15) from Étaples-Le Touquet station.
When to visit
Weekdays in June to August offer shorter queues than weekends, and pre-booking online saves money.
Accessibility
The park is largely flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, though some rides have height or mobility restrictions. Visitors with specific needs should ask at the entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Four to six hours, and families often spend the whole day.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the park caters to young children as well as teenagers, with gentle rides, animals and shows.
When is the park open?
From mid-April to September, with hours varying by season, typically 10:00 to 18:00.
How much is a ticket?
About €22 at the gate, or around €18 when booked online in advance.