Parc Astérix is a theme park outside of the bustling main city of Paris, affording families a wildly entertaining time with its unique mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, themed dining options and immersive storytelling. The expansive adventure park is also home to three Astérix-themed hotels, offering an experiential holiday in a magical, make-believe Gaul village of the world-famous Astérix comics.
As visitors, we quickly realise that you don’t need to be an Astérix superfan to appreciate the park with more than 50 attractions and shows – the lineup of high-octane rides is enough to keep any thrill-seeker occupied. Having said that, the French comic universe of Astérix is gaining popularity here in the Middle East – a recent content drop in Netflix shows the latest Astérix movie is among the top 5 most viewed in the UAE, which means that regional set-jetting travellers are sure to be more interested in visiting Parc Astérix this summer. For convenience, a shuttle service from Roissypole bus station at CDG takes visitors straight to the park in a little over 30 minutes. Travel advisors would do well to direct guests to this option of transport for a hassle-free transfer to Parc Astérix. Also, when visiting the park, it’s a great idea to book two nights at one of Parc Astérix’s three on-site hotels – forest retreats offering early park access and an immersive themed escape. Les Quais de Lutèce, designed as a breathtaking homage to ancient Lutèce (the Roman name for Paris), is highly recommended. Les Quais de Lutèce transports guests straight into the world of Astérix, with majestic timber-framed buildings encircling a winding ‘Seine’ river. Every stone archway, torch-lit passage, and mural is crafted with meticulous detail, bringing the legendary Gaulish era to life. We love that the restaurants in the hotel are themed after taverns of the bygone era, complete with candle-lit mystic charm – the atmospheric setting makes for a memorable finding experience. Hotel des Trois Hiboux and La Cité Suspendue are two other accommodation options within the park that blend with the theme of forests and ancient city giving guests a seamless Astérix park and stay experience. For those who grew up devouring the adventures of Astérix and Obelix, the park offers a treasure trove of nostalgia. The miniature Gaul village is a standout attraction, meticulously designed to mirror the illustrations from the comics. Visitors can step inside the homes of iconic characters, each lovingly recreated with intricate details. Attention Menhir!, a 4D cinema experience, plunges guests into an animated adventure alongside Astérix and Obelix. Le Défi de César, an interactive attraction, lets visitors undergo a Roman-style initiation at the command of Emperor Caesar. And, of course, meeting the characters themselves—posing with Astérix, Obelix and their indomitable friends is a must-try for any fan. The rides themselves are worth the trip to Parc Astérix. Toutatis, France’s fastest roller coaster, catapults riders at 110 km/h, delivering a staggering 23 airtime moments. Then there’s Tonnerre 2 Zeus, a revamped wooden coaster that rattles through sharp turns and steep drops promising 23 airtime moments (the feeling of weightlessness). Goudurix, with its dizzying seven inversions, is not for the faint-hearted, we saw a queue of brave-hearts seeking this thrill. OzIris, an inverted coaster, sends riders soaring 40 metres above ground, twisting through loops and hairpin turns. And for those who prefer a splash of adventure, Menhir Express and Romus et Rapidus offer water-based thrills – all in all a fabulous collection of entertainment. Main Basse sur la Joconde is a high-energy stunt show where slapstick meets suspense, as thieves attempt to steal the Mona Lisa in a riotous spectacle of action and comedy. The stunning stagecraft, dramatic performance acts is a joy for all age groups to enjoy. The theme park also features ‘C'est du délire!’ the first-ever Gaul musical, bursting with infectious energy, dazzling costumes and a storyline that proves dreams–and chaos–go hand in hand. The music is so catchy it will stay with guests and become an earworm long after the trip. The daily shows–though performed in French–are a masterclass in stagecraft, ensuring that even non-speakers can revel in the spectacle. These performances are first-come, first-served, so securing a good spot early is essential – even though the seating capacity is sizeable, it fills up fast. Newly opened eatery Les Fastes du Nil, with the ambition to be the best Egyptian restaurant brings Egyptian flavours to fast food, serving up Cleopatra-worthy dishes with a French-exclusive merguez burger and indulgent pistachio desserts. Tickets are on promotion at different times of the year but Parc Astérix Premium tickets, though come at a higher price range, include conveniences of fast track access, parking, seat reservation at the shows and meals such as lunch. A visit to the park is recommended throughout the year (summer holidays can be busy, of course) and but in December, Parc Astérix transforms into a festive spectacle. The Christmas market brims with seasonal delights, while the parade features beloved characters, dazzling performances, and, of course, Santa himself.