Asterix and Obelix: an iconic place in honor of comic book heroes

Asterix and Obelix: an iconic place in honor of comic book heroes

April 11, 2025

In the heart of France, just 35 kilometers north of Paris, is a magical place where the legendary comic book characters of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo come to spectacular life. Parc Astérix is the second most popular amusement park in France, attracting millions of visitors each year hungry for adventure in the world of the intrepid Gauls. Since opening in 1989, the park has continued to expand its offerings, combining thrilling attractions with a rich narrative based on the iconic comic books that have captured the hearts of readers around the world.

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History and themed lands of Parc Astérix

Parc Astérix officially opened its gates to visitors on April 30, 1989, thirty years after the publication of the first comic book about the adventures of Asterix. The park was created as a tribute to the iconic series, which has become one of the most important elements of French popular culture. The park's creators set themselves the goal of creating a place that would not only provide entertainment, but also transport visitors to the fascinating world of comic book characters.

The park is divided into six themed lands, each reflecting different aspects of the world depicted in the comic books. The Gaul Village is the heart of the park and is a faithful reconstruction of the place where Asterix and his friends lived. Here you can see the characteristic thatched huts, including the house of the druid Panoramix, where, according to legend, a magical drink giving superhuman strength was brewed. This part of the park also hosts shows relating to the daily life of the Gauls, their customs and traditions.

The Roman Empire is another fascinating area where visitors can feel as if they were in ancient Rome at the time of Julius Caesar. The architecture of this part of the park is reminiscent of classical Roman buildings with columns, arches and amphitheaters. This is where some of the most thrilling attractions are located, including the Tonnerre de Zeus (Thunder of Zeus) rollercoaster, which for many years was the tallest wooden rollercoaster in Europe.

Ancient Greece takes guests into the world of Hellenic myths and legends, which often appeared in the pages of Asterix comic books. This part of the park features replicas of Greek temples and statues, as well as water attractions, which are especially popular on hot summer days.

Ancient Egypt is a zone inspired by the adventures of Asterix and Obelix in the land of the pharaohs. The distinctive pyramids, sphinxes and obelisks create a unique atmosphere, and the attractions in this section allude to the mysteries and riddles of the ancient civilization. One of the most recognizable attractions is OzIris - a suspended rollercoaster that reaches speeds of over 90 km/h and includes numerous inversions, providing an unforgettable experience for lovers of thrills.

Vikings is a zone that refers to the adventures of the Gauls in the cold lands of the north. Characteristic wooden Viking boats and Nordic architecture create a unique atmosphere in this part of the park. Among other things, there is the Goudurix - a rollercoaster with seven inversions, which for years held the record in Europe for the number of rollovers.

Journey through Time is the youngest part of the park, which allows visitors to travel to different historical eras, not just those depicted in comic books. This land combines fantasy elements with education, offering attractions inspired by different historical periods, from prehistory to modern times.

Unique attractions and records of Parc Astérix

Parc Astérix boasts an impressive 44 attractions, including 8 rollercoasters and 7 water rides, making it one of the most diverse theme parks in Europe. Among them are some real gems that attract thrill-seekers from all over the world.

The park's newest and most spectacular attraction is the Toutatis, a launching steel rollercoaster that is the tallest and fastest in all of France. This impressive structure reaches a dizzying speed of 107 km/h and rises to a height of 51 meters. The route, which is more than a kilometer long, includes a unique element - a change of direction mid-ride, which is rarely seen in this type of attraction. The name of the rollercoaster refers to Teutates, one of the most important deities worshipped by the ancient Gauls, often mentioned in comic books about Asterix.

Another unique attraction is the Panoramix Theater, which can accommodate 600 spectators. This impressive facility hosts a show featuring 9 talented singers and actors who perform tunes specially composed for the park. The show uses a 26-element set and more than 80 revolutionary costumes, creating an unforgettable spectacle for the whole family.

OzIris, named after an Egyptian god, is a suspended rollercoaster that has been the park's flagship attraction for years. Its route includes numerous inversions and spirals, and a special design in which passengers' legs dangle freely enhances the ride experience. The attraction's theme refers to the adventures of Asterix and Obelix in Egypt, described in one of the series' most popular albums.

Discobélix is a unique attraction that combines elements of a rollercoaster with a carousel. It is inspired by the famous scene from the comic books in which Obelix throws Roman legionaries like a disc. Passengers sit in a rotating platform that simultaneously moves along the track, creating a unique experience.

Pegase Express is a family roller coaster styled after an ancient Greek train. Its unique feature is a section of the track that appears to have collapsed and requires 'magical intervention' for the train to continue. This element of surprise makes even a seemingly simple ride an exciting experience.

The Menhir Express is one of the most popular water attractions in the park. The menhir-shaped boats (referring to the stones that Obelix carries with him in the comic strips) glide down the rushing river, negotiating numerous rapids and curves. The climax is a 13-meter drop, which guarantees a solid dose of adrenaline and.... getting wet.

In 2023, Parc Astérix achieved record attendance, exceeding 2.8 million visitors. This result confirms the park's position as the second most popular attraction of its kind in France (after Disneyland Paris) and eighth in all of Europe. To meet the growing interest, the park has hired a record 2,000 employees for the 2023 season.

It's worth noting that Parc Astérix places a high priority on sustainability. The park operates electric buses, has introduced numerous initiatives to reduce waste, and has even installed beehives to produce honey that is later sold as a souvenir of the park. These environmental measures are appreciated by a growing number of environmentally conscious tourists.

Practical information and unique experiences

When planning a visit to Parc Astérix, it is worth knowing that the park operates seasonally, from mid-April to mid-November. During the summer, opening hours are extended, allowing you to take fuller advantage of the day and enjoy more attractions. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in May, as well as on certain national holidays, so be sure to check the current calendar on the official website before planning a visit.

The park pays great attention to accessibility for people with disabilities. There are reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities, priority access to attractions is offered upon presentation of a disability card, and wheelchairs can be rented. Most of the attractions are adapted to the needs of people with various types of disabilities, although some of the most extreme rollercoasters may have restrictions for safety reasons.

One of the most unique experiences Parc Astérix offers is the live themed shows. Of particular note is the show 'The Last Battle of Asterix,' which takes place in a specially designed amphitheater. The show combines elements of acrobatics, special effects and cartoon-specific humor to create a show that delights children and adults alike. Another popular show is 'Gaul on Fire,' which uses impressive pyrotechnic effects.

The park also offers a unique culinary experience. There are more than a dozen restaurants and food outlets, each themed around different aspects of the world of Asterix. Particularly popular is 'Feast at Obelix's,' where dishes inspired by the Gallian feasts described in the comic books are served, with venison as the main ingredient on the menu. The 'Caesar's Tavern', on the other hand, offers dishes inspired by the cuisine of ancient Rome.

For those who want to extend their adventure, Parc Astérix offers the possibility of staying overnight in one of the themed hotels located on the complex. The most impressive is the 'Hotel des Trois Hiboux' (Hotel of the Three Owls), styled as a Gallic village with comfortable rooms decorated in a rustic style. A newer option is 'La Cité Suspendue' (The Suspended City), inspired by tree houses, and 'Les Quais de Lutèce' (The Quays of Lutèce), which transports guests to ancient Paris.

Also worth mentioning are the seasonal events held in the park. Particularly popular are the Halloween celebrations, when the park takes on a spooky decoration, and special nighttime shows and attractions create a unique atmosphere. In winter, 'Noël Gaulois' (Gaulish Christmas) is organized, during which the park is illuminated by thousands of lights, and special holiday performances and decorations put visitors in a magical mood.

Mindful of the rich history of Asterix comics, the park regularly holds exhibitions and displays dedicated to the works of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. These educational elements allow visitors to better understand the cultural and historical context in which the adventures of the Gallic heroes are set, as well as to appreciate the artistic mastery of the series' creators.

For collectors and souvenir lovers, there are several stores in the park offering exclusive Asterix and Obelix-related products not available anywhere else. From traditional figurines and comic books to unique clothing items and replicas of comic book items, there is something for every fan.

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