Parc Astérix: France's Second Most Visited Theme Park!
There are few better ways to spend a day than diving back into the daily lives of those stubborn Gauls at Parc Astérix. While the park opened its gates in 1989, the adventures of the Gallic village have captured the imaginations of the French for over six decades! In fact, it was back in 1961 that Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny released the very first volume of the Astérix adventures. Since then, our moustached companions have traveled far and wide, from Lutetia to Rome and Cleopatra's Egypt. In total, Parc Astérix has welcomed 52 million visitors! That is a commercial record for any French theme park. This steady stream of visitors puts Parc Astérix firmly in the top three most visited amusement parks in France, right alongside its neighbors, the Disneyland Paris parks! Plan a day trip or a full weekend at Parc Astérix, an amusement park located an hour away from Paris, situated in Plailly within the Oise department.
Living the Adventures of Astérix and Obelix on a Grand Scale
Visiting Parc Astérix is like jumping straight back into the humorous comic book world of our favorite Gauls for a few hours. The park's fifty attractions and shows pack about as much energy as a cauldron full of magic potion. Let's go, By Toutatis!
A Theme Park Inspired by the Iconic Comic Book Series
Opened in 1989, Parc Astérix draws direct inspiration from the Astérix comic book series, originally published in Pilote magazine and created by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. A total of forty albums are packed with cult one-liners, absurd situations, and characters that are endlessly charming.
The misadventures of the small Gallic village in Armorique (Armorica) hold a real appeal. Between a distinctly French spirit of resistance and the Celtic myths surrounding every tale, Astérix and Obelix touch on several essential elements of antiquity:
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The immense power of druids and their rituals
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Staples of Roman society, including the construction of Europe's first trade routes, gladiatorial combat, public baths, thermal spas, and lavish banquets
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The defeat of Vercingetorix by Caesar, a storyline introduced right in the first album of the collection
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The rocky relationship between Julius Caesar and his son Brutus, who famously ends up assassinating his imperial father...
The universe of Astérix and Obelix is defined by biting humor, heavy use of anachronism, and clever wordplay. You cannot help but love the simplicity of the characters, from Chief Vitalstatistix, the village leader who refuses to travel anywhere unless carried on a shield, to Cacofonix, the hopelessly untalented bard who is routinely tied up and gagged by his peers...
Parc Astérix: The Six Worlds of the Indomitable Gauls
It makes complete sense that Parc Astérix is organized around the various worlds our Gallic heroes explore across the albums. Spanning a total area of 34 hectares in 2023, the leisure complex is split into six distinct zones:
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The Roman Empire, which pays tribute to Julius Caesar and his legions. Highlights include the Roman arena, which seats 940 spectators!
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Ancient Greece, featuring rides with mythological names such as the Trojan Horse and the Lernaean Hydra, the famous five-headed serpent monster from the twelve labors of Hercules.
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The Vikings and their longship, a legendary people appearing in two albums: Asterix and the Great Crossing and Astérix and the Normans.
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Gaul, the home turf of Astérix and Obelix, where sixteen huts from the Gallic village have been reconstructed. It also features a dedicated kids' area, Idefix Forest, packed with rides built specifically for toddlers.
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Egypt, added in 2012 following a 12 million euro investment!
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Through Time, a standalone zone exploring medieval France and the evolution of Paris into the modern era.
Beyond the themed zones, you can stroll down Via Antiqua, the park's main commercial thoroughfare. That is where you will find automated ticket kiosks, the information center, gift shops, and dining options.
What Are the Best Rides at Parc Astérix?
Parc Astérix is packed with rides for all ages, so there is truly something for everyone. In fact, the park is home to some of the fastest roller coasters in France, alongside dedicated children's zones featuring playgrounds and gentle train rides.
Thrill Rides at Parc Astérix
Parc Astérix has a reputation as a park of wild thrills, and for good reason. It boasts eight high-adrenaline rides that have earned rave reviews from hardcore thrill-seekers:
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Parc Astérix's newest ride in 2023: Toutatis will leave you completely breathless! It is officially the fastest coaster in France, hitting top speeds of up to 100km/h!
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The bravest visitors can also board Tonnerre 2 Zeus, which towers 30 metres above the ground! Racing down the slopes of Olympus has never felt so dizzying...
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Do not miss the Goudurix roller coaster, where seven loops will literally turn your world upside down, unless the sky falls on your head first.
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Experience the twists and turns of the Oziris inverted coaster, just make sure you make it out in one piece!
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La Trace du Hourra, The Flying Chairs, the Trojan Horse, and the Galley deliver plenty of thrills of their own.
A Family Day Out in the Gallic Village
Parc Astérix is also an ideal destination for a family outing! The park designers invested heavily in outdoor spaces to ensure a high-quality environment. Alongside the woodlands and forests, water rides and splash zones are everywhere, making Parc Astérix the ultimate spot for hot summer days. Make sure to check out one of the park's iconic rides, Grand Splash, which has been running since the park opened, or try out the Menhir Express flume ride and the Oxygenarium water slide. Watch out for splashes!
There is plenty to keep you busy at Parc Astérix. Beyond classic swings, gondolas, carousels, and bumper cars, kids and adults alike can explore the iconic Gallic village and spot their favorite mascots. The lineup includes a parade of floats and appearances by costumed characters: Astérix, Obelix, Getafix, Cacofonix, Falbala, Vitalstatistix, Impedimenta.. Book your spot for the Gallic banquet and share a meal with the whole tribe right in the heart of the village, just like in the comic books!
What Shows Should You See at Parc Astérix?
When it comes to live entertainment, the options are rich and varied, keeping alive all the folklore that defines the world of Astérix and Obelix:
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Caesar Studios awaits you near the Roman arenas for a 100% Gaul versus Roman stunt show.
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Over at the Poseidon Theater, elite athletes put on an impressive high-diving competition.
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The stunt show Main Basse sur la Joconde has been running for over 30 years!
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Idefix Studios welcomes you for an entertaining 4D computer-animated film: Attention Menhir!
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On summer evenings, pyrotechnic shows light up the sky, letting you admire Parc Astérix amid a whirlwind of lights and colors!
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Parc Astérix
When it comes to lines, certain Parc Astérix tickets give you access to fast-track services. Families can make use of the Baby Switch system, while solo visitors can take advantage of the Single Rider line to skip ahead and fill empty seats on busy rides.
Turn your visit into a full weekend at Parc Astérix by staying at one of their three themed hotels: Les Trois Hiboux, La Cité Suspendue, and Les Quais de Lutèce.
For food, be sure to try some traditional Gaulish ale and stuffed boar. The names of the dining spots and snack kiosks fit the theme perfectly, including Au Dolmen Gourmand and Le Relais Gaulois.
Finally, do not miss the annual seasonal events at Parc Astérix, including Fear in the Park during Halloween and the festive Christmas celebrations. During the peak of summer, the park stays open late for special evening night events!
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
Nice atmosphere, a universe I love, and above all a good dose of thrills with the roller coasters. The new Toutatis is incredible, but I also love the timeless Osiris and Tonnerre de Zeus.