France may be known for its chateaux, cuisine and couture, but it is also quietly home to one of Europe's most varied amusement park industries. France has a network of theme parks – les parcs d'attractions – that in many ways reflect the country's contradictions: you've got global glamour next to local pride, high technology alongside nostalgic myth-making. Buckle up and join us on this wild ride around French amusement parks.