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Le Petit Prince on a black chalkboard with signatures around the picture (Kristen Thoennes)
When my college friends Jenn and Hallie asked to visit, I furiously researched places to take them. I meticulously charted different options on the map and looked at nearby attractions to make the most of their brief time with me.
I had my heart set on taking them to the Alsace region of France. Earlier that year, I had spent a weekend with some friends in Colmar and loved it! While researching more about that area, I stumbled upon a fun find: Le Parc du Petit Prince.
Women on ride at theme park (Kristen Thoennes)
My friend Hallie loves “The Little Prince” book and collects copies in different languages. She is very laid back and was happy to go along with whatever plans I suggested for the trip. But when I mentioned the park, she expressed her interest. I knew we had to go!
Prior to visiting the park, I knew very little about the story so I wasn’t sure what to expect or if I would even enjoy it. Plus, we were three ladies in our late 30s visiting an amusement park geared towards young children. But let me tell you, we all loved it!
“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “The Little Prince”
When you first enter the park, you’ll see a hot air balloon ride. While I’m not a fan of heights, I tried it out since I could see it was tethered to the ground and wouldn’t float away or get too high. (Heads up: if it’s too windy, this ride will not operate). The views from the top over the Alsatian countryside were lovely!
After the balloon ride, we followed the paths around the park to discover a variety of cute rides and activities. My friend Jenn loves the log rides where you splash into the water at the end. The park had a version of this where you are in a little airplane instead of a log ride. The splash was very welcome on the warm day of our visit.
There was a tiny train ride through the park, a maze and even a little roller coaster! You can also catch a show and visit some animals like goats and sheep. And of course you’ll find dining options. We grabbed lunch at the Traveler’s Counter.
After we had our fill, we perused the gift shop where I was able to purchase a copy of “Le Petite Prince” in English so I could read the story my friend loves so much. The creators of the park did a great job capturing the magic and characters of the book.
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “The Little Prince”
Address: Rue de l’Espoir 68190 Ungersheim
Ticket prices: 20 Euros for adults. Pricing for children depends upon age.
Parking: Free and shaded!
Recommended time: The park suggests 5-7 hours to enjoy the entire place.
For all the details, visit their website.
Le Petit Prince sitting on a large rock (Kristen Thoennes)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
