Parc Asterix is a family-friendly holiday option 35 kilometres north of Paris, in Plaill with 50 different attractions available across six universes
Finding family-friendly getaways can be a bit of a task, particularly for those seeking a change from the usual UK theme parks. Just an hour away from Disneyland Paris, Parc Asterix offers ‘incredible rides’ at prices that are far more pocket-friendly than the more renowned theme park.
Situated 35 kilometres north of Paris, in Plailly, this theme park is a fantastic family-friendly holiday option. With 50 unique attractions spread across six universes inspired by the famous Gaul, Parc Asterix presents a great alternative for families looking for something different to Thorpe Park or Disneyland.
The park draws its inspiration from the cartoons featuring the adventures of Asterix, a Gaul, who along with his mate Obelix and other memorable characters, humorously explores French history.
Visitors to the park’s universes can journey back in time to six distinct historical periods. These include the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece, Egypt, and France from the Medieval era to the 19th century.
What’s on at Parc Asterix
Among the rides are La Galère pirate ship ride, where brave sailors swing back and forth in a massive ship, and La Tour de Numerobis, which elevates riders up 40 metres before spinning them around. This ride provides stunning panoramic views over the theme park, but ensures a gentle descent.
If you’re after a proper adrenaline rush, tackle the Tonnerre 2 Zeus, which translates to Thunder 2 Zeus in English. This beast of a ride delivers fear and velocity in equal portions, featuring a 90 degree climb, breakneck turns, and even a tunnel complete with spectacular lighting effects.
Beyond the rides, Parc Asterix puts on numerous daily performances, including an aquatic spectacle where dolphins and sea lions showcase their talents. For additional live action, catch the Gauls vs Romans show, where both factions battle it out in a grand arena.
How to get to Parc Asterix.
Reach Parc Asterix by motor vehicle via the A1 motorway, using exit 7 or 8. Car parking is on offer to guests for €20.
Alternatively, you can journey to the theme park using public transport and shuttle services. From Paris, board the RER B heading towards Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Alight at “Aéroport Roissy Charles de Gaulle 1” station. Head to the Parc Astérix desk where staff will direct you to the park shuttles.
These shuttles depart every 30 minutes, beginning one hour before the Park opens and continuing until one hour after the Park closes.
Where to stay
Parc Asterix boasts three hotels ideal for families planning to spend several days at the attraction. Les Trois Hiboux is a 3* establishment within easy walking distance of the park, offering complimentary parking and accommodation specially designed for families.
La Cite Suspendue is another 3* hotel – but with a unique difference. This accommodation is nestled deep within an ancient thousand year old woodland, featuring elevated guest hamlets built on stilts to preserve the local flora and fauna.
It takes roughly 10 minutes on foot to reach the park, and provides accommodation for up to 5 guests. Rooms start from 89€ per person.
There’s also a 4* choice at Les Quais de Lutece, which connects both sides of the River Seine and lets visitors embrace the authentic Roman way of life. Rooms begin at 98€ per person.
What are the prices for Parc Asterix
Online day passes cost 62€ for adults and include a complimentary ticket for children aged 3 to 11. Bulk purchases are available from 48€ for groups of 5-15 tickets.
Season passes and summer tickets can also be purchased, starting from 144€. Park entry is included when booking accommodation at one of the resort’s hotels.
What are visitors saying about Parc Asterix?
Guests have flocked to Tripadvisor to rave about their experiences at Parc Asterix. One reviewer awarded five stars, praising it as “very well themed” with “many great attractions”.
Another commented: “Can truly say it was one of the best experiences of a theme park I ghave had the pleasure to attend.”
They continued: “The rides were incredible”, and noted “The hotel was very good. Food in the evening and the morning was great.”
Though they cautioned about substantial queues for attractions, with waiting times of approximately 45 minutes to an hour per ride. A third visitor declared: “Best theme park we’ve ever visited and we have been to a lot.”
Numerous visitors claimed the park actually surpasses Disneyland – one reviewer declared: “First things first it is a better parc of enjoyment than Disneyland Paris that’s a fact.”
Though they cautioned that overwhelming crowds can prevent you from experiencing all the attractions.
Another visitor mentioned that ride queues stretched so extensively you’d need to purchase premium tickets to bypass the waits, as standard entry meant enduring hour-long delays between attractions.
For additional details and to secure tickets for Parc Asterix, click here to visit the website.
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
