Parc Asterix is an exciting theme park based on the adventures of Asterix, the famous comic book character created by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Located about 35 km from Paris, the park has acquired a reputation for providing thrills and surprises for older children and adults as well as gentle entertainment for the little ones. The park attracts visitors from around the world having consolidated its status as a major attraction in France.
As the comic series is based on a Gaulish village fighting off the Roman legions, with references to a rich cross-section of the worldwide cultures of this period, the park features both historical themed features and amusement park rides. Parc Asterix features five main themed sections, namely La Gaule, La Grece, LEmpire Romain, Les Vikings and A Travers le Temps (a walk through time). The latter area contains a reconstruction of a Parisian street scene from bygone days, with elaborate buildings, restaurants and shops. Each area of the park contains its own rides and attractions, delighting visitors of all ages.
Some of the many attractions at Parc Asterix include Goudurix, a steel rollercoaster with multiple loops; Tonnerre de Zeus, a massive wooden rollercoaster; Transdemonium, a haunted house with many special effects; and Oxygenarium, an extensive winding water slide where riders float on round dinghies. Not to be missed are Trace du Hourra, a 900m bobsled course where cars attain 80 kmh; Menhir Express, a flume log ride with a final drop of 13 m; la Galere, a swinging ship and Grand Splatch, an express river ride.
To replenish your energies after the thrills and excitement, the park offers a variety of food items, including the cuisine of Rome and Gaulish specialties like the wild boar sandwich, along with other delicacies.
The success of Parc Asterix demonstrates the perennial popularity of the Asterix comic book series, a total of 34 volumes which have sold a mind-boggling 325 million copies worldwide. These figures give the creators of the series, Albert Uderzo and Rene Goscinny the distinction of being the bestselling French authors abroad.
For the traveller wishing to make a
Paris hotel reservation at a
Paris city centre hotel, the obvious choice is the Millennium Hotel Paris Opera, a classy accommodation offering a variety of facilities in a superb location.
