Parc Asterix

Parc Asterix is a theme park situated around 20 miles north of Paris. As the title suggests, the park is themed entirely around the Asterix cartoons, which were created by Albert Uderzo and Rene Goscinny.

Parc Asterix is a hugely popular French tourist attraction, drawing in millions of people every year. It offers a wide variety of rides, events, and activities for families to enjoy, each of which is based around the adventures of Asterix and Obelix. It also houses the largest wooden roller coaster in Europe, the Tonnerre de Zeus.

Rides at Parc Asterix

The Parc Asterix is the perfect place for a family that enjoys the Asterix cartoon series or that has a desire to take part in the thrills and spills of a theme park while on vacation.

With more than 30 rides, there is sure to be one to please every member of the family. The Goudourix is a winding rollercoaster that sends intrepid people around nearly a kilometer (a little over ½ mile) of loops and twists, reaching speeds of around 75 km/h (47 Mph) in the process.

There is a bobsled-styled ride named La Trace du Hourra. This ride sends visitors hurtling down a 900-meter (approximately 274 feet) course at breakneck speeds. There are also a number of log flumes, water rides, and smaller rollercoasters for those who prefer a slightly more sedate ride.

For small children, there is an enchanted kingdom called La Foret des Druides. Here, children are free to explore an echo grotto, an enchanted fountain, or ride on the tree toboggans or the mini roller coaster.

Shows

There are a number of shows and events to be explored within the grounds of Parc Asterix. Everyday, starting at 12:30, the Gaulish village opens. This life-size reconstruction of the cartoon village comes to life with actors taking on the roles of the cartoon characters and acting out various sketches and scene for the public’s enjoyment.

The Poseidon theatre is a massive complex that houses a large pool in which dolphins and sea lions perform for guests each day. These shows are hugely entertaining as well as popular, with each one lasting around 20 minutes.

Special theater shows also take place each day for the visitor’s enjoyment. Main Basse sur la Joconde is one of the popular daily shows, which involves staging a heist to steal the Mona Lisa during 1930’s France. This show contains healthy doses of explosions and humor, making it sure to please every member of the family.

For acrobatic displays and magic, the Stars de l’Empire is the place to visit. These highflying feats never fail to amaze visitors. It is best to arrive early or create an itinerary in order to ensure a spot at every show.

Shops and Restaurants

Visitors to Parc Asterix can also enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants while taking a break from all of the attractions. There are various themed restaurants, offering everything from gourmet food to simple snacks. There are also multiple shops and souvenir stalls available, making it easy for the shop-aholic in the family to have hours of enjoyment.

Lodging at Parc Asterix

If one day in Parc Asterix is not enough for tourists, there are a number of accommodation options located on site and nearby to the park. The main hotel in the park is the 3 star des Trois Heboux, which is a giant wooden building located in the woodland area of the park. Special offers including day passes and cheap rooms are common if booked in advance, so always check before traveling for the best offers.

Getting There

The Parc Asterix is easily located, with its own motorway junction situated on the A1 autoroute from Paris, between junctions 7 and 8. Special trips and excursions may also be organized from various locations throughout the region.

The park has always been hugely popular since it was opened in 1989. Despite the arrival of the equally popular Euro Disney in the same region, it has retained its allure. Unlike Euro Disney, Parc Asterix is only open at certain times of the year, ordinarily April until October.