16 Jun 2018 Spirou theme park opens in southern France BYTom Anstey
The new park is expected to provide a major boost to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region photo: Parc Spirou
A new theme park based on the adventures of Belgian comic strip character Spirou has opened its doors in Monteux, southern France.
A €40m (US$46.5m, £35m) investment, Parc Spirou's first phase was inaugurated on 1 June, opening to the public today (16 June).
Boasting variety of rollercoasters, simulators and family attractions spread over 40,000sq m (430,000sq ft), the park will eventually double in size, bringing the total investment up to €85m (US$99m, £74.5m), with one new ride to be added every year.
The new park is expected to provide a major boost to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, with Renaud Muselier, president of the region and a member of the European Parliament, calling the launch a "real opportunity".
"The park is unique in that it has a very accessible location in one of the most tourist-friendly areas of Europe," he said.
"With an innovative and exclusive concept, Parc Spirou will reinvigorate the region by creating activity, giving it a strong tourist identity and a factor of attractiveness."
Dynamic simulation attractions specialist Simworx has provided several of the park's rides, including Mesozoic Island – an immersive tunnel dinosaur adventure; the Zombillenium dark ride; and Gaffe á Gaston – an attraction based on the company’s Stargazer Motion Theatre.
Family attractions supplied by German manufacturer Zierer based on the Marsupilami universe are also included, as are further Spirou attractions, including the Fantasio Rodeo, where visitors can ride the famous Turbotraction.
The park offers three rollercoasters, all of which have also been supplied by Zierer. Two junior coasters, En avant Seccotine and Wanted by Lucky Luke, offer a family-friendly thrill, while the Spirou Racing steel coaster is the park's biggest ride, reaching heights of up to 20m (65.6ft).
The park's development has been relatively fast, breaking ground in July last year. Parc Spirou's director utilised local developers, hiring local building companies as part of its aim to root its identity in the Provence region. European engineering companies specialising in the creation of cutting-edge amusement parks were also recruited for the development.
"We are proud to have found investors, elected officials and businesses, skills and resources to bring our Parc Spirou vision to life," said Daniel Bulliard, Parc Spirou president.
"The city of Monteux, the Community of Communes of the Comtat Sorgues, the Department of Vaucluse and the South Region - Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, have all shown us considerable support and we are deeply grateful."
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