Opened on April 30, 1989, Parc Astérix was the first major theme park in Paris, and it was love at first sight for the French.
In its first year, the park recorded 1,340,000 visitors, growing to a record of 2,600,000 in 2022. But I believe that record might be broken in 2023 thanks to the major new attraction that opened this year.
Where is PARC ASTÉRIX located?
Parc Astérix is located north of Paris, just 20 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport.
What does PARC ASTÉRIX include?
Parc Astérix includes:
- 1 theme park
- 3 on-site hotels
Hotels at PARC ASTÉRIX
Staying at one of the park hotels offers the following benefits:
- free parking at the hotel and the park
- walking distance to the park in just a few minutes
- early park entry by 30 minutes
- meet-and-greets with characters in hotel common areas
The 3 Parc Astérix hotels are:
- LES TROIS HIBOUX
- LA CITÉ SUSPENDUE
- LES QUAIS DE LUTÈCE
LES TROIS HIBOUX
This hotel is perhaps the least themed of the three, but the surrounding nature and complete immersion in the druid theme more than make up for it.
With 150 rooms available, you’ll find accommodations for up to 6 people and a buffet restaurant.
LA CITÉ SUSPENDUE
As the name suggests, this hotel is truly a suspended city.
The Celtic theme blends perfectly with the forest that hides the hotel buildings, where rooms accommodate up to 5 people and a buffet restaurant is available.
LES QUAIS DE LUTÈCE
The official website describes this hotel as follows:
Welcome to the heart of the famous Lutetia! Back then, the city was organized around the Seine and enjoyed a lively commercial and cultural life. It’s said that as night fell, the quays would fill to the brim, with laughter and the clinking of mugs echoing from one bank to the other. This is how the hotel Les Quais de Lutèce was designed, bridging the two banks of the Seine as a true reflection of Roman life and culture.
What more is there to say?
When is it open?
Parc Astérix usually opens in early March and operates through the end of the holiday season.
I recommend visiting the official website to check park hours and download the app, which will be very helpful before and during your visit.
To make the most of your trip, don’t forget to follow my 12 essential theme park rules.
How much does PARC ASTÉRIX cost?
A one-day open-date ticket to Parc Astérix is available on the official website for €51 per person.
But if you want to save money and pay in 3 installments with no fees, check out MY WEBSITE for park ticket and hotel package deals.
What are the themed areas?
Parc Astérix is divided into 7 themed areas, more or less related to the world of Asterix. These areas are based on two main themes: the fictional character Asterix and ancient mythology.
- VIA ANTIQUA
- L’EMPIRE ROMAIN
- LA GRÈCE ANTIQUE
- LES VIKING
- À TRAVERS LE TEMPS
- L’ÉGYPTE
- LA GAULE
VIA ANTIQUA
This is the first area you’ll encounter—a kind of main street like in many parks. Here, you’ll find shops of all kinds, and you won’t miss the huge mountain at the end of the street where Astérix sits.
L’EMPIRE ROMAIN
Once you leave Via Antiqua, this area is fully themed around the Roman Empire.
True to the comic books, you’ll find humorous signs and posters, including one that points to Rome in every direction—based on the saying “All roads lead to Rome.”
This area offers five attractions and a show called GAULOIS VS ROMAINS: LE MATCH, which is very funny and ironic, although it doesn’t hold many people.
Among the five attractions here, the standout is ROMUS ET RAPIDUS, the classic raft ride where you can cool off without much effort.
LA GRÈCE ANTIQUE
From 1989 to 1993, this wasn’t yet a full land but a short alley called the Greek Village. In 1994, it expanded into a fully themed area.
Entirely dedicated to Hellenic culture and mythology, it showcases the humorous comic style of Uderzo and Goscinny.
This area has seven attractions and a show, Les Plongeons de l’Olympe, where animals are no longer used as in the previous version.
Don’t miss Pégase Express, a fun family coaster that, at one point, takes you backwards!
But if you’re looking for something more thrilling, TONNERRE 2 ZEUS is the coaster for you.
With a 33-meter drop and speeds up to 90 km/h, it’s guaranteed to deliver unforgettable thrills.
GOUDURIX
This area surrounds the main lake of Parc Astérix and features 6 fairly gentle attractions—except for one!
Goudurix held the European record for most inversions (7) for many years. Though no longer the record holder, it’s still famous for its world-class vibrations 😅
À TRAVERS LE TEMPS
Previously known as Rue de Paris, this is the only area not themed around Asterix. It represents Paris, with a focus on medieval life and knights.
This was where a ghost train named L’Apocalisse was planned in 1989, but it was never opened to the public due to safety concerns (part of the decor wasn’t fireproof), and it was quickly abandoned as unprofitable.
A covered part of the area occasionally hosts various craftsmen like stone sculptors, glass artists, and potters, who demonstrate their work live. In the background, a stage shows the construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
This area also hosts most special events during Halloween.
There are 5 attractions and 3 shows here.
ATTENTION MENHIR! is a high-quality 4D cinema experience—the queue and the movie itself are both entertaining and fun.
But you absolutely can’t miss L’OXYGÉNARIUM.
A truly original water ride with a creative theme—don’t worry, you won’t get wet, but you’ll laugh a lot riding a water slide without a swimsuit!
L’ÉGYPTE
This new land and its main attraction OzIris represent a €20 million investment.
LA GAULE
This is the largest area with the most attractions in all of Parc Astérix.
With 12 attractions, 2 shows, and a reconstruction of the Gaulish village, it fully captures the theme at the heart of the park.
In the village, you can meet many characters throughout the day. Four attractions stand out:
- LA TRACE DU HOURRA
- LE GRAND SPLATCH
- MENHIR EXPRESS
- TOUTATIS
LA TRACE DU HOURRA
Closely related to a ride at Europa Park, this coaster is truly one of a kind.
Riding a train with no track—just a giant slide—is definitely unusual. Add to that the starting height and long track, and you’re in for a wild ride.
LE GRAND SPLATCH
This ride takes you to the heights of Asterix Rock—but beware, the final drop is the least of your worries!
MENHIR EXPRESS
A classic log flume ride—but with a 13-meter final drop! That’s the height of a 4-story building!
TOUTATIS
Let’s talk numbers:
- 51 meters max height
- 110 km/h top speed
- 1361 meters of track
- 101° drop angle
- 23 airtime moments
Need we say more?
Tips and Conclusion
Parc Astérix is a very versatile park offering both high-thrill experiences and fun for the whole family.
There are many attractions and shows to choose from, so creating a detailed visit plan is essential.
As always, be sure to follow my golden rules in this article.