Have you heard of the 'other' big theme park in Paris?
Parc Astérix may not instantly spring to mind when you think of theme parks in Paris, but let us tell you, not only is this one of the most popular theme parks in France, it’s one of those hidden gems that appeals to all members of the family. Its laidback nature, outstanding accommodation and abundance of rides and characters appeal to young kids of course, but the real magic is in the out-of-this-world roller coasters, themed sets and live shows that draw in an older audience, from nostalgic adults to those hard-to-please teens and tweens, over the more child-focused Disneyland.
The park is split into historic themed areas inspired by the visual style stories of Astérix, including: The Gauls, the heart of the park, featuring the iconic Gaulish Village, where visitors can experience the life of Asterix and his fellow Gauls. The Roman Empire, here you can explore Roman architecture, join the legion, or witness the prowess of Roman soldiers. Ancient Greece, where you can immerse yourself in Greek mythology and encounter mythical creatures. Egypt, the place to discover the wonders of ancient Egyptian magic, including pyramids and temples, and finally, The Vikings, where you can experience their bold, adventurous spirit.
Junior visited Parc Astérix in May 2025
The smiling castle at Parc Astérix
Goudurix roller coaster at Parc Astérix
One of the many oversized statues in Parc Astérix
Meet Astérix the Gaul
Parc Astérix is based on the comic book series ‘Astérix the Gaul’ written by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. The comics follows Astérix adventures with his larger, and stronger friend Obélix and Dogmatix, his dog as they resist Roman occupation in a small, unconquered village in ancient Gaul. They are known for their superhuman strength, derived from a magic potion brewed by their village druid, Getafix.
5 Ways the whole family can enjoy Parc Astérix
The park’s new attraction features the famous Gaulish blacksmith: Cétautomatix. Those brave enough to ride on this fast-paced rollercoaster with unexpected twists and turns with steep inclines, tight bends and unpredictable acceleration – thanks in no small part to its spinning rocket-powered chariots – will be in for a treat. Designed for all the family, this rollercoaster will be accessible to riders from 1 meter upwards.
Parc Astérix is well known in France for its large variety of rides – 50 in fact – and its thrilling rollercoasters, including classic big dippers, a gallic bobsleigh and the Toutatis rollercoaster, the fastest ride in France! Only for the most adventurous, the unmissable Toutatis, is a vertiginous experience across 1300 metres of circuit, experiencing 7 accelerations forwards and backwards, at a speed of 110 km/h (French record). Other thrills include the park’s flagship ride Oziris, an inverted coaster with speeds of over 90km/h, seven water rides, including Romus et Rapidusan, which offers an epic race through the Roman rapids – be warned you will get soaked! And the classic spine-tingling Pegasus Express with a little ‘backward’ surprise from Medusa herself. All these rides are JUNIOR tween and teen approved.
Parc Astérix also offers a large selection of more gentle attractions for younger family members or ‘young Gauls’ as they are referred to. Alongside the mini water flume, train and swing rides, toddlers can enjoy the various play areas, character meet-and-greets, the delightful Village Gaulois and the Gaulish Parade, a travelling show featuring Asterix, Obelix, Idéfix and all the tribe, along the park’s walkways.
If you are travelling with small children: Parc Astérix offers a ‘baby switch’ service so if your children are shorter than the minimum height, you can take turns enjoying the attractions without needing to queue twice. Pushchairs are also available to rent at the entrance to the park and there are plenty of baby facilities to warm up meals or change babies in peace.
Those who prefer to take a pew and watch a show should not miss the first 4D immersive cinema attraction called ‘Attention Menhir’ which allows spectators to become part of the story thanks to special effects using water, smells and interactive bouncy seats that make viewers part of the action – watch out there may even be menhirs falling from the sky! We also highly recommend Les Plongeons de L’Olympe, a show-stopping, high octane diving competition in the City of Olympia in honour of Zeus. Check the app for seasonal shows, events and parades.
If you want to take a break, grab a drink at the L’Aérolaf in the Viking area – but be warned, this unique and dizzying experience is not for the faint hearted! Believe us, we tried it! This rotating bar goes on a steady, 35 metre high journey, so you can enjoy your drink in the clouds with amazing views over the park.
How to get there
Travelling by Eurostar: From Gard du Nord station you need to take the underground train to the airport train stop (approx. 40 minutes from 6 euros each) and then take the shuttle. Or you can take a 35 minute taxi ride from the station direct to park for approx 65 Euros.
Where to stay
There is a choice of three on-site immersive hotels at Parc Astérix: Les Trois Hiboux, La Cité Suspendue or Les Quais de Lutèce. All are a short walk from the hotel guest park entrance and offer dining packages to suit. They all include breakfast, free parking, Wi-Fi, early access 30 minutes before opening time and spacious rooms that can accommodate families of up to 5. Rooms are specially designed with a separate children’s bunk-bed area, separate shower rooms, outside balconies and terraces.
Les Trois Hiboux: A rustic wood and stone hotel nestled in the wood, offering comfortable lodging in the heart of the Oise River Region with garden floor rooms offering views to grazing goats ahead. Priced from 68 euros per person.
La Cité Suspendue: This classic, authentic feeling wooden chalets type accommodation set out in a group of three hamlets each with their own separate theme (Druids’ Village, Potters’ Village and Artists’ Village) that are linked to each other by wooden bridges. Priced from 69 euros per person.
Les Quais de Lutèce: The park’s newest addition offers a faithful recreation of
Lutetia in 50 BC, as depicted in
the famous comic strips when Lutèce town sat on the banks of the Seine. Ideal for Asterix fans who want to immerse themselves in the true roman art of living. Priced from 75 euros per person.
Visiting the park
The Park: Day tickets start from 54 euros for adults and 51 euros per child (3 to 11 yo). The prices vary depending on whether you book the tickets 7 days in advance with a specific dates or not (flexible tickets are at 65 € per adult and 57€ per child).
The Filotomatix (in bronze, silver or gold) offers either virtual queueing, cutting your wait time, or fast track access on up to 11 key attractions from €15-€49 per person per day, in addition to park ticket.
The park is open from 10am until 7pm (closing at 10pm until 30th August 2025). We recommend you download the Parc Astérix mobile app. Here you get a park map in your pocket, queue lengths, show times, and more information on getting around.
Where to eat
There are plenty of restaurants offering table service for a more formal sit down meal, self-service and all you can eat buffets. There are also themed fast-food places, pizza, sandwich shops and drink and ice-lolly carts dotted throughout the park. Prices are average and the food is actually very good, which is not commonplace for theme parks in the UK. The sandwich bars offer a priced fixed menu that includes a sandwich (which being French, is a delicious and filling baguette), snack and drink. Meals can be pre-ordered online, where there are special deals to help avoid queues and waiting times. There are also plenty of places to sit down for a packed lunch or picnic with ample seating throughout the park to stop for a drink.
New for 2025 is Les Fastes Du Nil, the park’s very first Egyptian fast-food restaurant with different varieties of Egyptian-style burgers and
wraps, followed by orange blossom and pistachio desserts. All set in a magnificent dining room filled with natural light for a totally immersive experience.
"One great thing about Parc Astérix is you really don't have to be a super fan of the comic warrior to enjoy this iconic theme park - honestly, I have been twice with my daughter and both times we have got swept up in the Gaulish atmosphere and relaxed vibe that seems to be missing from other 'themed' theme parks."
JUNIOR stayed at Les Trois Hiboux
