The park was created in 1963 by French actor Jean Richard, who was passionate about horses and the Wild West.
The park is built on an actual natural sandy area, which is a rare geological formation in the region known as the Ermenonville sands.
The 'Desert' theme is historically significant to the park's founding concept, serving as the setting for its original stunt shows.
The park grounds have been used as a location for various French film productions and television commercials over the decades.
Many of the park's attractions are specifically engineered to function amidst sand, such as the river rapids and children's coasters.
The Ermenonville Forest surrounding the park is a protected environmental zone.
The park includes an interactive 'Jungle' section that mimics tropical exploration environments.
The park hosts seasonal events that change the internal decor, such as specialized themes during the Halloween period.
La Mer de Sable is a theme park located in the Ermenonville Forest, characterized by its unique natural sand dunes. The park is divided into three distinct thematic zones: the Wild West, the Jungle, and the Desert. It features over 30 attractions designed primarily for families with children. The site includes live stunt shows, including a signature performance involving cowboys and horses in a desert arena. The park occupies a portion of the vast Ermenonville forest landscape, integrating sandy terrain into its ride layouts. It operates seasonally, focusing on outdoor experiences compatible with its sandy topography. The park is situated near the town of Ermenonville, approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Paris.
The main desert arena during the stunt show, or the vantage point overlooking the sandy dunes in the 'Desert' zone.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to protect feet from the fine, loose sand covering much of the pathways.
Check the daily stunt show schedule immediately upon entry to plan your day around the main performances.
Bring sun protection and hydration, as the open sand zones provide little natural shade during peak afternoon heat.
Avoid arriving on weekends during the summer school holiday months, as wait times for popular rides can be significant.
The park is seasonal and closed during the winter months, typically reopening in early spring and closing in early autumn.
Casual, active sportswear is recommended due to the sandy terrain; footwear must remain on at all times.
