French adventure park manager detained after 150 Israeli children refused entry

Site chief would not allow group in due to 'personal convictions', prosecutors say

Porte-Puymorens Valley in the Pyrenees-Orientales region of southern France, where a party of Israeli holidaymakers was turned away from an adventure park. Alamy

The manager of an adventure park in France has been taken into custody after refusing entry to 150 Israeli children, authorities said.

The group of holidaymakers, aged eight to 16, had been holidaying in Spain before travelling to France, where they were prevented from entering the park in the southern Pyrenees-Orientales region despite a long-standing booking.

The 52-year-old manager of the Tyrovol leisure park opposed their entry “due to personal convictions”, Perpignan prosecutors said.

It said the site manager was detained on Wednesday due to "discrimination based on religion in the offering or provision of goods or services”. He remains in custody over the incident, which can be punishable with up to three years in prison.

The incident was being supported by the Hate Crimes division of the regional police.

The park, which features zip wires, closed for the day on Thursday, citing weather issues.

A statement on its Facebook page on Wednesday read: "Following yesterday's severe storm, we must close the park tomorrow, Thursday, August 21, to conduct a complete inspection of our facilities. This inspection is essential to ensure your safety and to welcome you in the best possible conditions on your next visit. Thank you for your understanding and see you soon in the air."

The adventure park's closure announcement on Facebook. Photo: Facebook

The holidaymakers boarded three buses and went to another site for the day, the prosecutor’s office said on Thursday evening.