Family thrills at Parc Astérix: why it's France's favourite theme park

Parc Asterix is a love-letter to not just France’s beloved comic strip, but all things Gaul. Set amidst sprawling countryside, its popularity since opening in 1989 shows no signs of waning, with over 2.3 million visitors last year and the distinction of being named France’s best theme park for three consecutive years—all with notably shorter queues and more budget-friendly entrance prices than neighbouring Disneyland.

Whether you’re a fan of the original comics or simply after a theme park packed with culture and thrills, Parc Astérix has it all. We headed straight in, ready to tackle the rides and attractions that keep families and adrenaline junkies coming back for more…

LOCATION

Perfectly located in Plailly, just 35km north of Paris, Parc Asterix is an easy 40-minute drive along the A1 motorway with or without kids in tow. Public transport is a breeze as a direct shuttle runs daily from the Louvre or Gare du Nord in Paris, getting you to the park in about an hour.

If you’re planning to head to the park straight after flights, it’s even more straight-forward since a direct shuttle runs daily to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport to whizz you across in just 15 minutes.

Parc Asterix is a love-letter to not just France’s beloved comic strip, but all things Gaul. Set amidst sprawling countryside, its popularity since opening in 1989 shows no signs of waning, with over 2.3 million visitors last year and the distinction of being named France’s best theme park for three consecutive years—all with notably shorter queues and more budget-friendly entrance prices than neighbouring Disneyland. Whether you’re a fan of the original comics or simply after a theme park packed with culture and thrills, Parc Astérix has it all. We headed straight in, ready to tackle the rides and attractions that keep families and adrenaline junkies coming back for more…

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Upon arrival it’s like walking onto the set of one of the famous Asterix films. You’re greeted by a skyline of roller coaster tracks, brightly painted buildings, timber-framed Gaulish huts with thatched roofs and Roman villas adorned with pillars and mosaics - all watched over by a giant statue of Asterix perched triumphantly atop a boulder.

The park is divided into six immersive zones inspired by the comic’s time-traveling adventures, blending old-world charm with mini woodlands and lakes and with something for everyone, from thrill-seeking teens to little ones.

First up is the Gaul zone—naturally, since writer-illustrator duo René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo created Astérix, his towering friend Obelix, and their villager pals in 1959, setting their adventures 2,000 years ago in a remote Brittany coastal village to battle invading Romans. Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt dazzle with towering temples, hieroglyphics, bougainvillea, and olive trees, while the medieval Paris zones transport you along streets and paths that recreate the city as it once was.

THE BEST THRILL COASTERS IN FRANCE

We head to the back of the park to tackle the big rides early. With Fillomatix fast track passes and minimal morning queues, we breeze through, hopping on and off our chosen attractions with ease.

Adrenaline already pumping in anticipation, we make a beeline for the park’s headline attraction and newest rollercoaster, Toutalis. Here, we’re ready to challenge ourselves to the topsy-turvy inversions of this high-octane, riot of a ride that soars through the skies after catapulting riders forward at stomach-flipping speed.

What makes Toutalis truly legendary is a shooting acceleration speed of 70mph as well as seamless and fluid transitions between thick and fast exhilarating banked turns, steep hills and drops. You’re made to feel briefly weightless while simultaneously screaming your way through it all.

The ride delivers 23 incredible moments of smooth airtime, propelling us skyward – it feels like we’re gracefully flying and defying gravity, without being jolted around.

An unmatched experience with only a lap bar restraint, we’re left with our heart racing after hurtling and flipping through the air via dramatic loops, corkscrews and a breathtaking zero-gravity roll.

Legs fully turned to jelly and yet completely hooked on our newest bucket-list coaster, we can’t resist jumping back on and head straight to the fast-track entrance again, this time with grins plastered across our faces and ready for another round of wild, pulse-pounding thrills.

Next up, we step back in time to Egypt to meet the Pharaoh over at the high-velocity, feet-dangling adventure that is Osiris. Another main event, this inverted coaster is set on a track stretching over a kilometre high in the air, above water, through smoke effects and finally underground. It’s again, a smooth but nerve-jangling experience. Also in the Egyptian Zone, brand new attraction La Tour de Numérobis draws whimsical inspiration from the character Numerobis in the critically-acclaimed 1965 movie, Asterix and Cleopatra. Here, serious riders get to be suspended and spun up to 40 metres above treetops while taking in panoramic vistas across the parkland and beyond.

The best family coaster in the park by far is Pégase Express. Well-fitted lap-bar restraints aid comfort before you’re reaching speeds of 30mph. It’s the perfect antidote after tackling the bigger beasts at Parc Asterix and sits firmly in the middle ground of fast and fun between a smaller, child-friendly ride and a veritable white-knuckle thrill.

Set in ancient Greece, the queue winds through temples and statues of mythological gods with plenty of funny details, cheeky signage and photo ops. Our carriage - designed to look like a runaway chariot - sets off up the lift hill in a deceptively gentle manner before suddenly speeding, dipping and twisting through Greek ruins and tunnels. After we’ve met a 4D Medusa in a themed holding tunnel, the coaster delivers another intense surprise: throwing us backwards on loops and drops with our hearts fully in mouths but with smiles widely spread across our faces.

Classic wooden ride Tonnerre de Zeus is a bit of a rickety, bone-rattler but still packs the same punches it did after opening in 1997. Recently updated, it moves loudly at a breakneck speed of 50 mph and is brilliantly themed with a pathway underneath a gigantic statue of Zeus. Rollercoaster Goudurix has seven dare-devil loops that twist and flip and 900-metre bobsled ride and La Trace du Hourra - a unique steel coaster - careens down a winding, trackless chute, with sharp curves.

WATER ATTRACTIONS

In the afternoon, it’s time to cool off and crank up the fun by heading straight for the park’s seven water attractions. You’ll plunge down The Grand Splatch, a classic log flume with big drops and even bigger splashes before dodging waves on Oxygénarium which spins you around in giant inflatable rafts as you barrel down winding chutes. There’s also a good soaking to be had over at Romus et Rapidus - a white-water rafting ride.

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

For younger children and those who prefer a slightly more sedate pace, Le Petit Train is a gentle ride on a wooden track, Ronde des Rondins is a low-level children’s coaster and there’s also the mini car-dodgem ride, Les Petits Chars Tamponneurs.

The whole day oozes French charm and is why Parc Astérix is such a national treasure. This year, it celebrates its 35th anniversary with a host of attractions, including its first-ever West-End-worthy musical, C’est du Délire. Joining classics like A Ruckus in the Barnyard, The Divers of Olympus, and The Theft of the Mona Lisa, the new 30-minute show takes over the Théâtre de Panoramix with humour and fantastic special effects – it’s well worth the entrance ticket price alone.

EAT

Food is properly fabulous and a world away from the type of unhealthy fast-food fare you’d usually expect at theme parks. Kiosks serve up fish and chips, gourmet baguettes, and French kebabs— all delicious and high-quality.

Le Cirque - designed to resemble a Victorian era Circus tent - is the ultimate all year-round theme park restaurant for fuelling up on gourmet food. Priding itself on an all-French menu featuring locally and seasonally sourced ingredients, you’ll dine on tagines, pastas and stews and fancy servings of caviar and smoked salmon alongside escargot and literally piles of moreish Comte cheese. A dessert table spread full of pastries, cakes and chocolately puddings alongside freshly made crepes and and an ice cream toppings station is a sure-fired hit too.

Not -to-be-missed is the medieval French spread on offer at Banquet Gaulois, a nightly event where you’ll meet and greet all the characters during the summer months as well as feast on healthy and generous buffet options of salads, cold cuts, grilled, fish and meats with pre dinner sundowners on arrival. The highlight is the wild boar. It’s popular, so pre-booking is essential.

TOP TIPS

• Getting to the park early before the gates open at 10am means you’ll be first to ride your favourite big-ticket coasters

• During the summer, Gaul Nights keep the park open until late, letting you ride coasters under moonlight and twinkling stars.

HOW TO BOOK

Tickets for Park Astérix can be purchased online at www.parcasterix.fr with adult prices starting from £51, juniors from £45 and discounts available for families.

Fillomatix Fast Access Passes start from £16.50 for Standard bronze passes to £103 for Ultimate unlimited passes and provide priority access to rides. The park offers accessible facilities, including Ride Access Passes and wheelchair-friendly areas and opens from early April to Mid November from 10am -7pm, extended to 10pm during summer months. For more information call +33(0)9 86 86 86 87.

WHERE TO STAY

Where to Stay: Novotel Roissy Saint-Witz, Route de Survilliers, 95470 Saint-Witz, France

The Novotel Roissy Saint-Witz is an ideal family base just 15 minutes away from Charles De Gaulle Airport and 10-minutes away by car from Parc Astérix - perfect for beating the morning entrance queues. With spacious, air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen smart TVs and free Wi-Fi, the hotel also boasts a swimming pool, children’s indoor and outdoor play areas, a fitness centre and an excellent on-site restaurant serving contemporary dishes.

Double rooms start from £92 per night. Visit

https://all.accor.com/hotel/0459/index.en.shtml, Call +33 1 34 68 68 68 or email [email protected] for more information.

GETTING THERE (BUDGET FLIGHTS, WITH AIRPORT LUXURY)

EasyJet flies from Birmingham to Charles De Gaulle, Paris from £43 each way. Visit easyjet.com

CLUB ROOMS AIRPORT LOUNGES AT BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT

More like checking into a polished boutique hotel than navigating the usual airport grind, beat the rush for seating and food outlet queues in style at Birmingham Airport via No.1 Traveller inside the gorgeous Club Rooms. Conveniently located near the main departure gates, the lounge is just steps from boarding areas, with strategically placed flight screens to keep you on schedule.

Super fast Wi-Fi, charging points and digital newspapers come as standard, while interiors and decor seal the deal via warm mood lighting, velvet armchairs paired with sleek, low-slung dark wood tables, black wood panelling on walls and gold accents throughout (grab a window seat for fabulous views of the runway).

A bathroom features monsoon showers, glossy grey tiles and pristine white fluffy towels for a pre-flight freshen up too. Tasty breakfast options on the A la carte menu include classic—smashed avocado on sourdough toast served with poached eggs and hash browns. A generous full English comes with sausages, bacon and mushrooms sautéed in butter.

Coffees here are richly brewed and - if you prefer - you can also sink your teeth into freshly mixed Bloody Mary’s and mimosas. Staff are warm and professional and, since there is no buffet, you’re whisked to seats, handed menus and afforded excellent table service on tap. Booking directly offers automatic delay coverage —a thoughtful and welcome touch. Prices from £38 per person. Book via www.no1lounges.com.

EXTIME CONCIERGE SERVICE AT CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT, PARIS

Extime’s VIP meet-and-assist service at Charles de Gaulle Airport makes for a welcome, timesaving and slog-free airport experience. The moment we pull up outside departures, a friendly concierge is there to greet us, our luggage

is whisked away and expedited through baggage drop, we’re guided effortlessly through various fast-track check-ins and bypass normal queues at security points in record time. Inside Terminals 1 and 2BD, the service offers access to both premium Extime Lounges.

A huge, airy, neutral-toned space flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling windows directly overlooking the airfield and complemented by oversized floral arrangements, our lounge is the ultimate cheat sheet for relaxing in style – even when flying economy.

Seating and tables feel exclusive with the addition of dark woods offset by cream fabrics, cubicles with partitions and the lounge divided up into a a series of separate rooms and a main, spacious dining hall to ensure privacy and to help you all relax and unwind before the flight. Food is plentiful and as much a centrepiece as the décor, with a tasty fresh salad bar, French cheeses, artisan breads, and a rotating choice of hot dishes and desserts, all complimentary.

Soft and alcoholic drinks flow, and the wine list is excellent. Staff are extremely personable and ready with smiles to assist. Throughout our stay, the concierge keeps us updated via WhatsApp and personally escorts us to our gate. Priority boarding is included. Prices from £75 per person. Book direct at

https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/services/extime-meet-and-greet