The next time you plan your fantasy round the world trip don’t forget to list down a visit to the miniature park in Elancourt, which resides the many wonders of France in one comparative, small park. No wonder Victor Hugo had a premonition of this great architectural perfection on which he had quoted, “The image of a thing is much more breathtaking than the thing itself…”. 
Its initial magic has remained fresh and strong; and each visit adds to geographic insights about France. The 12-acre park is a miniaturized re-creation of the country.
Villages, churches, Paul Bocuse’s famous restaurant, the Tour Eiffel, the Arc de Triomphe, Chateau of Chambord, Amiens Cathedral and models of about a hundred-fifty of France’s most important historic monuments, touristic and cultural locales — all painstakingly crafted and meticulously detailed.
An unbelievable sight of awe and wonder
The manner in which sites have been reproduced with generosity and accuracy of detail, the precision of workmanship with most of them at 1/30th of actual size are simply incredible. Immediately capture the interest of not only the locals but tourists all around the world. It draws us by amazement of yet another man made and intellectually devised mechanism of construction.
But it is the miniaturized landscapes which helps overcome disbelief, magically rendering France at visitors’ feet into reality. There are uphill grades and undulating planted terrain where France has mountains and hills, gorges, and forests; flowing streams are its major waterways; large ponds.
For the model railroad buff there are ample real kilometers of rails, stations, bridges, tunnels, and — of course — locomotives and wagons of every size and vintage.
The details of construction inspire awe and mesmerize: a historic building made entirely of bricks and tiles sized to scale, a toy motorcycle by a shed, a cow, a working fountain. Clever auditory embellishments enhance realism and invite the visitor’s smile.
Birdsong, farm animals, heated and proud political debate inside a public building, the lines of a play (one of Moliere’s) emanating from the Grand Theater of Bordeaux… and ecclesiastical music and hymns from countless churches and monasteries.
Some useful information to aid your guide
Visitors to France Miniature receive a 36-page guidebook, allow you to spend ample time before booking yourself to any other activity. It is advised to do so because the tour may spill over 3 hours if you have plans for lunch.
France Miniature has souvenir stands which sell regional products and film. Visitors will also find a variety of food services, including two excellent restaurants serving regional cuisines.
The park is open daily in the summer, and operates on an abbreviated schedule in the spring and fall. Weekends are busier, but if possible, arrange to visit a weekend afternoon in the summer and linger into the evening. Carefully designed lighting makes the miniatures even more charming at night. France Miniature delights visitors with fireworks on Saturday nights.
So breeze around in this airy light and magnificent state of art and sculpture and as warned, do not forget to tick this tour while on holidays or getaways. Especially for the newlyweds, since France itself is known the paradise for lovers.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Good topic and very nicely written.Really want to go and see it in reality….
must say again,Thumbs up for the author