Parc Astérix is France's other great theme park, based on the comic-strip adventures of Astérix and Obélix and their Gaulish village. It lies north of Paris, near the airport at Roissy, and it takes a little under an hour to reach from Disneyland Paris by car. The park is divided into themed areas, including a Gaulish village, a Roman world, a Greek section and a Viking area, and it has a reputation for strong thrill rides. Its coasters include a famous wooden one and several steel machines with steep drops and inversions, alongside water rides, family rides and live shows. The tone is cheerful and humorous rather than polished, with good costumes and plenty of jokes for anyone who knows the characters. It makes a good alternative for thrill-seekers who have already done the Disney parks, and for families who want a change of pace. Tickets are usually dated, so choose your date carefully.
What to expect
The park is smaller than the Disney parks and easier to cover in a day, with a good mix of thrill rides, gentle rides and shows. The big coasters have height restrictions and the queues can be long at busy times, so arrive early and ride the headline attractions first. The water rides are most popular in summer and are best done when the weather is warm. There are live shows and street entertainment in some seasons, so check the schedule on arrival.
Choosing your day
Weekdays outside the school holidays are calmer, and the park generally opens in spring and runs through to autumn, with some special events such as a Halloween period and occasional winter openings. Opening days and hours vary by season, so look at the calendar before you plan. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof layer, because some rides will leave you wet, and take a change of clothes for small children.
Getting there
A shuttle or train link from Paris exists, and by car the park is close to the A1 motorway, with large car parks on site. From the Disneyland Paris area it is easiest by car or a transfer, as public transport involves a change through the centre of Paris. Combination tickets that pair a Disney visit with a Parc Astérix day sometimes exist, so look at the options when you buy.
If you are staying near the resort for several days, Parc Astérix makes a good break from the Disney routine, and it is particularly suited to teenagers and families who love roller coasters. Allow a full day, with an early start.
Practical extras
The park has plenty of restaurants and snack stands themed to the stories, from quick burgers to Gaulish feasts, and children's menus are available. Lockers are useful for the water rides, and the first-aid and baby-care points are signposted. Queues move quickly at off-peak times, and a single-rider line may exist on some coasters.
Plan your day to ride the big attractions in the morning, take a long lunch in the middle and finish with shows and gentler rides when legs are tired. Bring sun protection in summer and a warm layer in the shoulder months, and keep your phone charged for the park map.
What to expect
The experience
A full day in a themed park with big coasters, water rides, family rides and live shows, all based on the Astérix stories.
Best time
Weekdays outside school holidays, arriving at opening to ride the headline coasters first.
How long
A full day from opening to closing.
Tips
Check the season and opening days, bring a waterproof layer and measure children before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Thrill-seekers and families who want a different theme park from the Disney ones.
- Families
- There are gentle rides and shows for younger children, though the headline coasters have height limits.
- Couples
- Share the big coasters and the water rides on a warm day.
- Pair with
- A rest day, then a return to the Disney parks, or an evening in Disney Village.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How far is Parc Astérix from Disneyland Paris?+
It is a little under an hour by car to the north of Paris. Public transport needs a change, so a car or transfer is easier.
Is it open all year?+
No, it generally opens from spring to autumn, with some special events at other times. Check the calendar before you plan.
Is it good for young children?+
Yes, it has gentle rides and shows, though the biggest coasters have height limits. Measure children in advance.
Is it worth visiting after the Disney parks?+
Yes, if you enjoy coasters or want a change of pace. It is smaller and easier to cover in a day.
Will I get wet?+
On the water rides, yes. Bring a waterproof layer or a change of clothes, especially for children.
