Gian Steinbusch
French theme park Nigloland has officially revealed the first details of its major new attraction, “Supersonic 1887”. The roller coaster is scheduled to open in 2027 as part of the park’s 40th anniversary celebrations and represents the largest single investment in Nigloland’s history, with a budget of €18 million.
For the project, the park is partnering with German manufacturer Mack Rides. The attraction will be a custom-designed Stryker Coaster featuring a shuttle layout that sends riders through the course both forwards and backwards.
Launch coaster with six launches and a height of 47 metres
The new roller coaster will reach a maximum height of 47 metres and a top speed of 91 km/h. While the physical track length measures 355 metres, the forward and backward ride sequence increases the total travel distance to approximately 770 metres.
The coaster will feature six launch sequences distributed across three separate launch zones. The layout includes two vertical spikes and three inversions. Thanks to the shuttle operation, riders will experience a total of six upside-down moments throughout the ride. In addition to a traditional vertical loop, the coaster will feature a custom element called the “Supersonic Spin”, based on a Double Immelmann maneuver.
Nigloland also promises six airtime moments and forces ranging from -1.6 G to +4.1 G.
Special trains featuring wing seats
The attraction will operate with two custom-designed trains, each seating 16 passengers. A unique feature is the inclusion of eight so-called “wing seats”, positioned outside the main train body, allowing riders to experience the track with their feet dangling freely in the air.
Each train will also feature a specially themed front vehicle designed to resemble a historic locomotive. To accommodate the new trains, the station has been specially modified and equipped with a rotating transfer platform.
Guests must be at least 130 centimetres tall to ride.
Themed around the 1887 World’s Fair
Thematically, “Supersonic 1887” transports guests back to the era of the great world exhibitions of the 19th century. The attraction serves as the centrepiece of a new themed area inspired by the fictional “Exposition Universelle de 1887”.
At the heart of the story is Émile Delaroche, a visionary engineer and graduate of the École des Mines. Inspired by the pioneering steam research of French physicist Denis Papin, Delaroche develops a steam-powered machine capable of reaching extraordinary speeds. After several failed tests and explosions in his workshop, he decides to present his invention at the 1887 World’s Fair.
Several existing attractions within the area will be transformed into national exhibition pavilions, helping to expand the storyline of the new themed land.
Major construction project above the Mississippi area
The new attraction is being built on an area of approximately 8,500 square metres. Around half of the track will be positioned above water and weave through the islands of Nigloland’s Mississippi area.
Construction is already well underway. During the first phase of the project, approximately 1,200 cubic metres of concrete were poured for the foundations during the winter of 2025/2026. Overall, the park expects the project to require around 600 days of construction.
Nigloland is also working closely with companies from the Aube region, aiming to support the local economy throughout the development process.
According to Nigloland President and Director Rodolphe Gélis, “Supersonic 1887” is the most ambitious project the park has ever undertaken. The new roller coaster is expected to strengthen Nigloland’s appeal while serving as a landmark attraction for the park’s 40th anniversary.
About Nigloland
Nigloland is located in the natural surroundings of the Orient Forest in France’s Champagne region, less than 150 kilometres from Paris.
The theme park covers approximately 40 hectares and currently offers 44 attractions and shows. The resort also features eight restaurants as well as two themed hotels: Hôtel des Pirates and Hôtel Cabaïana.
With around 750,000 visitors annually, Nigloland is one of France’s most popular theme parks and has received several awards as the country’s best amusement park in its category.
Images: Nigloland
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