Parc Astérix

The Basics

France’s second largest theme park, Parc Astérix opened in 1989 and is now home to seven themed adventure areas. The park’s rides and live shows take visitors on a journey through history, and include displays that illuminate French legends like the Three Musketeers, a Gaul village, a collection of towering Viking boats, a Roman arena, and a show of French legionnaires.

Enjoy the park’s more than 40 themed rides and attractions, which include the Tonnerre de Zeus, which is the largest wooden roller-coaster in Europe; Goudurix, a huge seven-loop roller coaster; and the Horse of Troy, which offers incredible views of the park. After getting your thrills, find some less adrenaline-pumping entertainment at the dolphin and sea lion show, the park’s history-fueled spectacles (which feature swordplay and horseback stunts), or the 4D cinema.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Rides are grouped by minimum height requirement, so everyone from toddlers to teens can find suitable thrills.

• The park offers over a dozen eateries, from fast-food stands to themed restaurants.

• There are dedicated services for wheelchair users and visitors with other special needs; information and assistance is available at the visitor center.

• Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

How to Get There

Parc Astérix is located about 30 minutes north of Paris on highway A1; there is a dedicated exit for Parc Astérix between exits 7 and 8. You can also hop on the shuttles that run to the park from the Carrousel du Louvre Shopping Center at the Palais-Royal Metro Station and the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

When to Get There

The park is open from April through the first week of January but is most crowded during the school holidays, June–August. Visit in the spring or fall, or on weekdays in the summer, to avoid crowds.

Asterix and Obelix

Two of the most iconic cartoon characters in France, Asterix and his sidekick Obelix were created by comic book authors Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny in 1959. In the comics, these two plucky Gauls have a series of adventures and mishaps as they resist the Roman army and make friends along the way.

Ways to explore

Parc Astérix admission tickets grant unlimited full-day access to more than 40 themed rides and attractions spread over six history-themed zones. Explore the ancient Gaul village, brave the 7-loop Goudurix roller coaster, watch the Gauls vs. Romans live stunt show, and ride the Tonnerre de Zeus, Europe’s largest wooden roller coaster.

Options range from fixed-date or flexible tickets to premium experiences with lunch at the Restaurant du Cirque or packages with a night at one of the park’s three themed hotels.

Accessibility

An Accessibility Pass grants skip-the-line entrance to 28 wheelchair-accessible attractions. Limited wheelchairs are available for rent (€15 per day plus €50 deposit), and most shops and restaurants are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Some rides have minimum height requirements

What to pack

Day pack, picnic lunch (theme park restaurants are notoriously expensive), snacks, bottled water, sunscreen, umbrella, waterproof poncho or change of clothes (for water rides)

What to wear

Layers, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable closed shoes, wide-brimmed hat; avoid very loose or floaty clothing that could be a risk on the rides

Not allowed

Unaccompanied minors, smoking outside of the dedicated areas, pets (except assistance dogs), fancy dress costumes, large suitcases, selfie sticks, drones, all sports equipment, all recreational transport (bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, etc), glass items

Amenities

Hotels, restaurants, gift shops, restrooms with changing tables, Wi-Fi, luggage storage, single rider and baby switch lines

Address

Parc Astérix is located in Plailly, about 30 minutes north of Paris, and is accessible by car, shuttle, and public transport.

Driving

To reach Parc Astérix from Paris, take the A1 highway and follow the signs for Parc Astérix (exits 7 and 8). Paid parking is available at the park. If you’re coming from central Paris, it’s typically less hassle to take the shuttle or use a taxi or rideshare service.

Public transportation

From Paris, BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus, and Transdev buses all run direct services to the park from Gare de Bercy or Gare Routière Paris Nord. Direct shuttle buses also run each morning from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport; from central Paris, take the RER B train from Paris Gare du Nord to the airport.

Best times to visit

Arrive just before opening to make a beeline for the big rides first. The park tends to experience the largest crowds between 11am and 4pm.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are always less crowded, but be sure to check the calendar as the park is often closed on weekdays in the low season.

Best months to visit

Day visitors will get the most bang for their buck in July and August when the park stays open late, but it can get extremely busy (skip-the-line ride passes are highly recommended). March, May, and June are the best months to avoid the crowds; look out for shoulder-season special offers, too, such as free tickets for children under 12 years.

Special events

The park gets a festive makeover during the Gaulois Christmas festival, which starts just before Christmas Day and runs until the New Year. Halloween is marked by the annual Fear in the Park festivities, including haunted mazes and spooky shows.