Parc Astérix: France's second most visited theme park!
What better way to spend a day than living like the indomitable Gauls? While Parc Astérix only opened its gates in 1989, the adventures of the Gaulish village have fueled the imagination of the French for over 60 years. Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny released the first volume of the Astérix adventures back in 1961. Since then, our mustachioed companions have traveled everywhere, from Lutetia to Rome and even Cleopatra's Egypt. In total, Parc Astérix has welcomed 52 million visitors. This is a commercial record for a French theme park. This attendance ranks Parc Astérix among the top 3 most visited theme parks in France, right alongside its neighbor, Disneyland Paris! Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway at Parc Astérix, a theme park located one hour from Paris, situated in Plailly, in the Oise department.
Live out the adventures of Astérix and Obélix
A visit to Parc Astérix is a deep dive into the humorous world of our favorite Gauls. The fifty rides and shows at the park provide as much energy as a cauldron full of magic potion. Let's go, by Toutatis!
A theme park inspired by the iconic comic books
Opened in 1989, Parc Astérix draws direct inspiration from the comic book series of the same name, originally published in Pilote magazine and created by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. The series spans forty volumes packed with classic lines, absurd situations, and characters who are as endearing as they are hilarious.
The many escapades of the small Gaulish village in Armorica are genuinely captivating. Between a distinctly French spirit of resistance and the Celtic legends woven into every story, Astérix and Obélix highlight several staples of the Antiquity period:
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The immense power of the druids and their rituals
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Key pillars of Roman society: the construction of Europe's first trade routes, gladiator combat, baths, thermal spas, and lavish banquets
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The defeat of Vercingetorix by Caesar, referenced in the very first album of the collection
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The strained relationship between Julius Caesar and his son Brutus, who we know eventually assassinates his imperial father
The world of Astérix and Obélix is also defined by its biting humor, playing with anachronisms and clever wordplay. The character dynamics are simple and effective, from Abraracourcix, the village chief who never travels without his carriers, to Assurancetourix, the eternal talentless bard who is systematically tied up by his peers.
Parc Astérix: the six worlds of the indomitable Gauls
It is only logical that Parc Astérix recreates the various worlds where our Gaulish heroes evolve throughout the albums. The complex, spanning a total of 34 hectares in 2023, is organized into six distinct zones:
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The Roman Empire, which celebrates Julius Caesar and his legions. You will find the Roman arena here, which has a capacity of 940 spectators!
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Ancient Greece, featuring rides with names inspired by mythology, such as the Trojan Horse or the Lernean Hydra, the famous five-headed serpent monster that was one of the twelve labors of Hercules.
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The Vikings and their drakkar, a legendary people who appear in two albums: The Great Crossing and Asterix and the Normans.
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Gaul, the home turf of Astérix and Obélix, where sixteen huts from the Gaulish village have been reconstructed. There is also a children's area, the Forest of Idéfix, which includes rides specifically designed for the little ones.
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Egypt, which has been part of the park since 2012 following an investment of 12 million EUR (about $13 million)!
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Through Time, a slightly different zone that looks at medieval France and the evolution of Paris up to modern times.
Beyond these themed areas, you can stroll along the Via Antiqua, the park's main shopping street. You will find ticket kiosks, information centers, as well as souvenir shops and dining options there.
What are the best rides at Parc Astérix?
Parc Astérix is packed with rides for all ages. There is something for everyone, including the fastest rides in France. You will also find areas dedicated to children, with playgrounds and small train rides.
Thrilling rides at Parc Astérix
Parc Astérix has a reputation for being a high-octane park, and for good reason. It boasts eight thrill rides that have earned a stellar reputation among the most adventurous visitors:
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New attraction in 2023: Toutatis will take your breath away. It is indeed the fastest ride in France, with top speeds reaching 100 km/h (62 mph)!
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The most daring riders should board Tonnerre 2 Zeus, which reaches 30 meters (98 feet) above the ground. Racing down the slopes of Olympus has never been more dizzying.
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Must-do: the Goudurix roller coaster and its seven loops that will turn your world upside down. Unless the sky has fallen on your head already?
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Experience the Oziris roller coaster with its many twists and turns. Just try to come out in one piece!
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La Trace du Hourra, The Flying Chairs, the Trojan Horse, and the Galley also have their fair share of thrills in store.
A family day in the Gaulish village
Parc Astérix is also an ideal destination for a family outing. The park designers focused on outdoor spaces to provide a high-quality environment. Beyond the woods and forests, water rides and splash zones are plentiful. They make Parc Astérix the perfect place to spend a summer day. Do not miss one of the iconic attractions, Le Grand Splash, installed when the park first opened, or the Menhir Express circuit and the Oxygénarium slide. Watch out for splashes!
There is plenty of fun to be had at Parc Astérix. In addition to classic rides like swings, gondolas, carousels, and bumper cars, children and adults can visit the iconic Gaulish village and meet their favorite mascots. On the program: a float parade and appearances by costumed characters: Astérix, Obélix, Panoramix, Assurancetourix, Falbala, Abraracourcix, Bonnemine, and more. Make a reservation for the Gaulish banquet and share a meal with the tribe in the heart of the village, just like in the comics!
What shows should you see at Parc Astérix?
The entertainment is rich and varied, capturing all the folklore that defines the world of Astérix and Obélix:
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The Caesar Studios await you at the Roman arena for a match between Gauls and Romans.
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At the Poseidon Theater, athletes perform a fantastic diving competition.
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The show Main Basse sur la Joconde has been running for over 30 years!
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The Idéfix Studios host a great 4D animated film in computer-generated imagery: Attention Menhir!
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Finally, on summer evenings, pyrotechnic shows are organized. Admire Parc Astérix under a whirlwind of light and color!
Tips for organizing your visit to Parc Astérix
Regarding lines, certain Parc Astérix tickets provide access to a skip-the-line service. For families, take advantage of Baby Switch. If you are traveling solo, use the Single Rider line to skip the queue and join an existing group!
Spend a full weekend at Parc Astérix with a hotel offer consisting of three properties: Les Trois Hiboux, La Cité Suspendue, and Les Quais de Lutèce.
When it comes to dining, be sure to try the cervoise (a traditional beverage) and stuffed wild boar. The names of the dining spots and kiosks are quite evocative, such as Au Dolmen Gourmand or Le Relais Gaulois.
Finally, do not miss the annual events at the park. There is Fear on the Park during Halloween as well as Christmas celebrations. In the summer, the park stays open late for evening 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.