Parc des Cigognes and attractions in Alsace, serving children and families for over 50 years.
It all began in the early 1970s with a simple idea: to create a place where families could relax on Sundays.
Surrounding the Willmann family home, a playground, umbrellas, enclosures with pheasants and ducks, farm animals, a rotisserie, and a refreshment stand quickly won over families.
In light of the success of this family-friendly event, Jean-Pierre Willmann continued to pursue his dream.
On July 7, 1974, he officially launched his new venture: the Parc Cigoland adventure was underway.
New attractions gradually appeared: pony-drawn cart rides, a Ferris wheel, a miniature train, mini-golf, electric cars…
Children laughing,
families relaxing,
storks clucking…
Since 1974, this has been the heart of Cigoland.Jean-Pierre Willmann, founder of Cigoland
From its very beginnings, the park has combined family recreation with the preservation of its natural environment, paying special attention to the white stork, the symbol of Alsace.
In 1974, when there were only nine pairs of white storks left in Alsace, Jean-Pierre Willmann’s meeting with ornithologist Alfred Schirrer marked a turning point. The park gradually became a center for the observation and protection of the white stork and played an active role in its reintroduction.
Aviaries were built, and with the guidance of Alfred Schirrer and scientists from the CNRS, storks were raised and then released. Over the years, hundreds of birds from the park have thus contributed to the return of the white stork to the Alsatian landscape.
Even today, visitors can observe storks in the heart of the park, alongside many other animal species, in the lush green environment characteristic of the Alsatian Ried.
Over the decades, Cigoland has continued to grow while remaining true to its family-oriented roots.
Attractions, animals, natural areas, shows, and playgrounds have gradually enriched the experience offered to visitors of all ages.
The venture also expanded into the hotel and restaurant industry:the Hôtel Au Parc des Cigognes opened in 1988, followed by a second property,the Hôtel Cigoland ★★★.
New iconic attractions have also left their mark on the park’s history: King Kong, the Mine Train, the Stork Monorail, the 1900 Carousel, the CigoPanoramique, the White Stork Museum, and, more recently, the Barefoot Trail, MarOjeux, the Enchanted Forest, Noody Studio, and the Flying Chairs.
Today, Cigoland has become a true family-friendly leisure and hotel complex, where attractions, animal encounters, nature, shows, dining, and lodging come together in the heart of Alsace.
Still run by the Willmann family, the adventure continues with the same goal: to help Cigoland grow while remaining accessible to young children and offering families moments of relaxation, discovery, and shared joy.
From left to right: Jean-Claude, Gérard, and Patrice in 2024
