Together with Euro Disney, Parc Astérix is one of the most popular amusement & theme parks in France. It is situated in the commune Plailly, about 47 km / 1 hour’s drive north of Paris. The park and events are based on the comic book series Asterix written by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. With around 2.5 million visitors yearly, Parc Astérix is a paradise for children, adults and families. Most visitors spend a full day at the park, but there are many who prefer to overnight in the park. There are different ways to get to the park, including by private car, bus or shuttle that one has to pre-arrange. For those who prefer to stay overnight, there are hotels with parking facilities for private cars.
The heart of the park is Gaul, aka “Welcome to the Gauls” and it is here that you will get a taste of the life of the Gaul, descendants of the French. The park is situated about 20 km north of Chantilly and its beauty, elegance and refreshing authenticity makes it attractive for children and adults alike.
Chantilly lies 20 km north of Paris and many visitors come to tour the Chantilly Chateau of course – as well as the horse-racing and lace-making, but did you know that what people really want is its cream, well known throughout Europe!
There is something for everybody in the restored Gaul Village and without a doubt everybody will be enchanted and overjoyed. There are more than 40 varieties of attractions, events, performances as well as numerous surprises. The adventures are tied to the history of France of that era.
One can relish the experience and take it all in as one follows the entertaining historical path of French history, beginning with the Roman period, continuing with the Vikings who almost reached Paris right up to the 19th century.
There are countless attractions in this colorful universe that is divided into six zones. You have Ceasar’s Carrousel, The Trojan Horse and the Magic Carpet, Le Transdemonium (The Ghost Train), Les petits-drakkars (dragon-headed Viking ships), an enjoyable meandering along the waters with a pastoral view, Pégase Express (roller coaster) – all in all, a wonderful day that takes your breath away and yet there is much more, many surprising activities.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From Chantilly via A1 motorway in the direction of La Chapelle en Serval , exit between 7 and 8
From Paris via A1 motorway in the direction of Lille OR shuttle bus from Louvre
(Directions to Bus Station):
- Louvre (Palais Royal metro station): access via the Carrousel du Louvre entrance (Rue Rivoli) or via the Pyramid.
- Take the escalator located in Hall Charles V (at the level of the shops) and leading to the bus parking lot. Please note that exiting from the station on days that the park is open is at 8:45 and only at 18:30 is there a bus returning to Asterix Park
Who was Asterix the Gaul?
The park is based on the different characters of Asterix and therefore we suggest that you become better acquainted with these personae before coming to visit the park. Then read the books – or vice versa!
Asterix, the cartoon character, is the most beloved by children, young adults and adults, a character that is a figment of the imagination of Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny.
The fictional series of Asterix is set in the year 50 BC in in a small village on the north coast of what today is Britanny. This was the time when Gaul was part of the Roman Empire and Julius Caesar and the Roman legions conquered all the villages but one – Asterix village, which was saved by the people who had acquired the magic potion which gave them superhuman powers, the concoction was developed by the village Druid (the High Priest, the magician).
The village was surrounded on all sides by the Roman soldiers who were responsible to keep an eye on all happenings in the village.
In most of the Asterix books the plots is based on the attempts of the Romans to prevent the Druid from brewing the miracle potion or their persistent efforts to get the recipe for the potion.
Sharing the same birthday, Asterix and Obelisk, the real heroes of the series, were best friends from the time that they were born. All attempts by the Romans to get a hold of the miracle potion were thwarted by Asterix who was fierce and agile, in spite of his being short in stature. He was aided by his best friend Obelisk, who was physically big and had a big heart.
In order to sustain his super-magical powers, the humanoid Asterix is compelled to constantly drink the potion prepared by Getafix, the Druid of the village. This was in spite of the fact that Asterix’s best friend Obelisk had ever-lasting power, due to the fact that he had fallen into a cauldron of magic potion when he was a baby. Obelisk still needed Asterix’s sharp mind in order to protect the village from the Romans.
This is the story in a nutshell. The comic book series is based on the conflict between the Romans and the two friends and the whole park is designed accordingly. Just like the park, the books are suitable for adults as well as well as for youth and children. The books are humorous, entertaining and accompanied by wonderful illustrations or set designs in the park. The Asterix comic book series, which was also translated into numerous languages, proved to be a tremendous success all over the world as was the amusement park, which was named after him.
