The Asterix amusement park in the suburbs of Paris is not as big as Disneyland, and its size is inferior, besides, it is closed from November to April. However, both a thrill-seeker and a quiet family man with small children will find here entertainment to their liking. Many of those who have been to Asterix once come here again and say that it is better than Disneyland.
The name "Asterix" is native to the French and is understood by the inhabitants of most European countries. Asterix and Obelix, the indomitable Gauls resisting Roman occupation, are the main characters of French comics that appeared in the sixties of the XX century. The comics have been translated into more than 100 languages and dialects (including even Latin and Esperanto), and a large number of films (most recently in 2014), board games and video games have been based on them. Even the first French satellite, launched in 1965, bore this proud name. In general, any self-respecting Frenchman, despising everything foreign, should prefer the park "Asterix" to Disneyland (which they actually do).
Attractions and entertainment
If a tourist has not held comic books in his hands and has not seen a film about Asterix - no problem, it will not prevent him from having fun in the park. You don't need knowledge about the Gauls and Romans to squeal on a roller coaster. This one does. There are only 32 rides, but what rides! What is worth one "Guduriks" - uncompromisingly bare rails, without decorations and scenery, on which carriages collapse from a height of 36 metres and make seven loops in the air, turning people upside down. And "Zeus' Thunder" with double spirals, and "Osiris", where daredevils are carried at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour, and the water slide "Menhir Express", after which you sometimes have to dry your clothes!
The rides have these names for a reason - the park, which occupies 33 hectares, is divided into five thematic zones: "Ancient Greece", "Egypt", "Roman Empire", "Vikings", "Time Travel", "Welcome to Gaul". Each zone is decorated accordingly, and everywhere there are not only nerve-jangling but also peaceful attractions for kids: carousels, boat rides, train rides, plane rides, car rides.
In each sector you can enjoy various shows: dolphins and California sea lions dancing in the Poseidon pool, stuntmen performing as Roman legionnaires, a spectacularly staged mini-performance about an attempt to steal the Mona Lisa or the work of artisans in a "medieval Parisian square". Tourists only need to take into account that all the shows, of course, are in French.
On a side note
- Location: 35 kilometres north of Paris
- How to get there: by special buses from Paris - from the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.
- Official website: http://www.parcasterix.fr
- Opening hours: daily from 10 to 18. Open from April to early January. Out of season open on weekends and holidays.
- Tickets: adult - 51 euros; children from 3 to 12 years - 43 euros; children under 3 years - free. There are family tickets and season tickets.
