Anne Fourcade imagines a major French park
The Mirapolis project takes shape around architect Anne Fourcade and businessman Ghaith Pharaon, with the ambition of creating a large park inspired by French tales, novels and legends.
History
Mirapolis history
19 milestones tracing the story of Mirapolis.
19Events
1984Start
2017Latest
- 1984Foundation
- 1985Investment
Paris-Parc carries the project
Paris-Parc is created to build and operate Mirapolis, before machinery arrives and the first major construction stages begin in Courdimanche.
- February 1985Announcement
The Mirapolis project takes shape
The project is publicly presented in the mid-1980s before construction quickly starts in Courdimanche.
- 1986Construction milestone
Construction gains momentum
In spring 1986, the first roadways appear in Courdimanche and the project becomes visible in the Cergy-Pontoise landscape.
- 1987Guest experience change
A first season that exposes the concept’s limits
The first season gives Mirapolis visibility, but weather, visitor expectations and themes that are sometimes hard to read already weigh on the experience.
- May 20, 1987Opening
Official inauguration by Jacques Chirac
Mirapolis is inaugurated on 20 May 1987 by Jacques Chirac. The park presents its monumental ambition, its eight worlds and Gargantua as its symbol.
Article - May 20, 1987Opening
Mirapolis opens
Mirapolis opens to visitors on 20 May 1987 in Courdimanche, with Gargantua as its central icon and a difficult launch.
Article - 1988Partnership
Carlos becomes the park’s sponsor
In 1988, Mirapolis relies on Carlos to strengthen its family-friendly and popular image, with songs and appearances at the park.
- 1988Operator change
Club Med enters operations
In 1988, Club Med becomes involved in operating Mirapolis. The same season brings Miralooping, a Vekoma coaster added to strengthen the lineup.
Article - 1989Media appearance
The fairground season blurs the park’s identity
In 1989, fairground operators and more traditional fair rides are brought in to revive Mirapolis, but they further blur its theme-park identity.
Article - 1989Bankruptcy
The fairground season and bankruptcy filing
In 1989, Mirapolis adds fairground rides, but the withdrawal of a major financial backer leads to a bankruptcy filing.
Article - December 1989Bankruptcy
Mirapolis enters court-supervised administration
At the end of 1989, financial difficulties become central and Mirapolis enters court-supervised administration, a major step before its final seasons.
- 1990Operator change
Cergy-Parc takes over operations
After Paris-Parc is liquidated, Cergy-Parc becomes the operating structure for Mirapolis' final seasons.
- October 20, 1991Definitive closure
Final operating day
Mirapolis closes permanently to the public on 20 October 1991 after only five operating seasons.
Article - 1992Demolition
The rides begin another life elsewhere
After closure, several fixed rides are dismantled and sold to other European parks, notably Spreepark.
- October 1993Demolition
A demolition permit confirms the site’s disappearance
In 1993, a demolition permit concerns the last Mirapolis buildings, as the site empties and gradually changes.
- 1994Redevelopment
The surroundings are reshaped
In 1994, road works modify the former access to the park, transforming part of the car parks and entrance area.
- 1995Demolition
Dismantling and physical end of the site
After closure, the site is emptied and dismantled. Gargantua's disappearance in 1995 marks the visible end of Mirapolis.
Article - May 20, 2017Preservation or heritage
Mirapolis returns through an exhibition
For the thirtieth anniversary of the opening, the association Mirapolis, Les Amis du parc helps bring the site’s history back to the public.
