Between Thrills and Nostalgia: France's Funfairs Still Captivate

Flashing lights, thundering music and the sweet scent of cotton candy fill the air. As soon as the rides start their engines in the evening, France's fairgrounds are transformed into dazzling worlds of entertainment. Especially during the summer holidays, the "fetes foraines" are simply part of the vacation for many families - almost as naturally as an ice cream on the seaside promenade or a sunset by the sea. A particularly popular gathering place is the funfair in Palavas-les-Flots on the Mediterranean coast. As soon as the day's most intense ...