It’s hard to imagine today, but a huge amusement park once stood near the Arc de Triomphe! Long before Disneyland Paris, Parisians already had their own playground, right in the heart of the capital. With its roller coasters, rides, and shows, Luna Park attracted curious visitors seeking thrills. Yet it’s hard to imagine today that such a park could have existed in the capital. How could an entire park have completely vanished from the Parisian landscape?
Luna Park, the amusement park that took Paris by storm
On May 29, 1909, Luna Park opened its doors at Porte Maillot. This amusement park was unlike any other. Parisians found themselves in a place entirely dedicated to entertainment and thrills. It was inspired by the model of the great American amusement parks of the time. With its impressive rides and attractions of all kinds, the place did not go unnoticed. Very quickly, Luna Park became THE place to go for thrill-seekers.
And when it came to attractions, there was plenty to enjoy. For one franc at the gate—or 15 centimes—visitors could experience massive roller coasters with names like the Scenic Railway or a water ride called the Water Chute. There were other attractions as well, such as the “Human Roulette,” the “Diabolical Wheels,” and the “Tickler.” It was enough to fill a day with thrills, new discoveries, and laughter.
Luna Park wasn’t just about rides. Major events, such as boxing matches, were held there. The park became a true gathering place for Parisians. You could spend an afternoon with friends or an evening full of surprises, from a boxing match to a spin on the Human Roulette.
It’s hard to believe that for nearly 40 years, people could ride roller coasters in Paris’s 17th arrondissement.
A park completely destroyed, replaced by a place well known to Parisians
Despite its success in the early years, Luna Park eventually lost its luster. The economic hardships of the 1930s took their toll on the park. Then, over time, it closed its doors. In 1948, the last structures were demolished, marking the end of Luna Park in Paris. The Parisian skyline changed—no more roller coasters or rides.
For several years, the site remained empty and served no purpose. Then the Porte Maillot neighborhood gradually began to change. If you haven’t guessed, the site where Luna Park once stood is now home to the Palais des Congrès de Paris.
The Palais des Congrès was inaugurated in 1974. It hosts conferences, concerts, and major shows. In other words, where Parisians once came in search of thrills, thousands of people now come to attend events.
The most astonishing thing is that today, when you walk past the Palais des Congrès, you wouldn’t even guess that in place of this building there used to be roller coasters that defined the entire character of the neighborhood.
It just goes to show that you never really know what the Paris we know is hiding.