When you think Paris, you think romance. But Paris can also match with thrills in amusement parks. No, not with Disneyland Paris, but with the little-known Astérix Park.
Astérix Park is a theme park based on the stories of Astérix & Obélix by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. Situated at just 30km north of Paris, Astérix Park surprised me with its thrilling attractions. The park is divided into “historical” sections such as the Gaulish village, the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece and so on.
Here is the story of my sunny day at Astérix Park. We started with the biggest wooden roller coaster in Europe, “Le tonnerre de Zeus” (the Thunder of Zeus), which was the best attraction I’ve ever experienced. It lifts you up to the top of Olympus and dives you headlong into a dizzying descent of more than 30 metres, racing at over 80 kph – thrilling!
I then tried the “Goudurix” (a pun meaning to have an appetite for danger) roller coaster and its seven loops without giving you the opportunity to breathe.
After these two breathtaking attractions, I decided to try something calmer and went to the area of the park named “A travers le temps”. I got inside a big inflatable boat at the “Oxygenarium” and descended 195m on a giant water slide – entertaining! I then tried the flying swings, “Les chaises volantes”, where you feel as though you were flying.
I also enjoyed riding a bobsleigh on “La trace du hourra” for the huge downhill run that made me feel the unique experience of gliding.
I went along the “Avenue of Paris” where a long journey in time took place; in fact ten centuries of history are illustrated here, each period represented by people in costumes, and typical shops.
Finally, I braved a tumultuous river aboard an inflatable boat – laughs and splashing guaranteed.
Unfortunately I didn’t have time to explore the whole park, but I can say the park suits everybody.
How to get there from Paris? Too easy! If you have a car, take the A1 from Paris to Lille, and the park has its own exit (exit 7-8). Otherwise, take the shuttle service from/ to Charles de Gaulle airport.
A little advice: it is best to book your ticket in advance on the internet to get a cheaper ticket, and try going on a sunny day, as you can get wet!
Expect to pay €8 for car-parking.
If you want to visit Paris and its region, the Michelin- Northern France and the Paris Region can be very useful. The French version of this guide is le guide vert Ile-de-France.
Regarding a useful map, I would say the Michelin- Paris Grande Banlieue is a good one if you want to explore Paris and its surroundings.
Author: Violaine Sabot