Hauts-de-France (Oise), France
Parc Astérix is France's fantastic alternative to Disneyland Paris, themed around the beloved Asterix and Obelix comics. With 41 rides, 31 of them rideable by a child under 110cm, it offers excellent family value with typically shorter queues than its more famous neighbor.
Why Choose Parc Astérix?
Advantages Over Disneyland
- Shorter queues - Generally 30-50% less wait time
- Better value - Tickets £20-30 cheaper
- Less crowded - More relaxed atmosphere
- Unique theming - Distinctly French character
- Better food - Traditional French options
Themed Areas
Gaul (Ancient France)
- Gallic village atmosphere
- Family attractions
- Shows and entertainment
Ancient Greece
- Mythological adventures
- Moderate thrill rides
Ancient Rome
- Historical theming
- Mix of family and thrill rides
Vikings
- Norse adventures
- Water rides
Ancient Egypt
- Pyramid-themed areas
- Dark rides
Time Travel
- Futuristic attractions
- Latest technology
Added in 2025
Cétautomatix - Europe's First Family Spinning Coaster
Opened August 18, 2025, Cétautomatix is Parc Astérix's newest roller coaster and Europe's first family spinning coaster. Built by Gerstlauer, this attraction features rotating 4-person tanks that spin unpredictably through the course. Located in the Gaul village area, it's themed after the village blacksmith. 100cm minimum - perfect for families!
Nationale 7 Closure
The vintage car ride Nationale 7 has closed permanently to make room for Cétautomatix.
Announced for 2026
A new Greek-themed area with additional attractions including a Zamperla Windstarz and family freefall tower was announced for 2026; check the park's website for its status.
Height Breakdown
Each ride is listed under the lowest height at which a child can ride (with an adult where allowed).
No Height Restriction (4 Attractions)
- L'Aventure Astérix (no height restriction)
- Aire de Jeux Panoramix (no height restriction)
- Aire de Jeux du Petit Chêne (no height restriction)
- Aire de Jeux du Sanglier d'Or (no height restriction)
Under 90cm (10 Rides)
- Attention Menhir ! (80cm with an adult, 110cm alone)
- Epidemaïs Croisières (50cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- La Rivière d'Elis (50cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Les Petits Drakkars (50cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Le Carrousel de César (50cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Hydrolix (80cm with an adult, 100cm alone)
- Les Petites Chaises Volantes (80cm)
- Lavomatix (80cm)
- Etamine (80cm with an adult, 105cm alone)
- Le Petit Train (50cm with an adult, 100cm alone)
90cm+ (8 Rides)
- Les Espions de César (90cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- SOS Tournevis (90cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Les Chaudrons (90cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- La Petite Tempête (90cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- L'Escadrille des As (90cm)
- Enigmatix (90cm)
- Aérodynamix (90cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
- Les Petits Chars Tamponneurs (90cm)
100cm+ (9 Rides)
- Pégase Express - family coaster (100cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- Cétautomatix - family spinning coaster (2025) (100cm)
- La Descente du Nil (100cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- Le Vol d'Icare (100cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- L'Hydre de Lerne (100cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- La Revanche des Pirates - Le Grand Splatch (100cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- Romus et Rapidus (100cm with an adult, 140cm alone)
- Menhir Express - log flume (100cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- Chez Gyrofolix (100cm with an adult, 120cm alone)
120cm+ (6 Rides)
- L'Envol d'Ibis (120cm)
- Tonnerre 2 Zeus - wooden coaster (120cm)
- La Trace du Hourra (120cm with an adult, 130cm alone)
- Discobélix (120cm)
- La Galère (120cm)
- La Tour de Numérobis (120cm)
130cm+ (2 Rides)
- Toutatis - launch coaster (130cm)
- OzIris - inverted coaster (130cm)
140cm+ (2 Rides)
- Goudurix - looping coaster, 7 inversions (140cm)
- Le Cheval de Troie (140cm)
Best for Families
- Toddlers (0-4): Very good - 14 attractions open to children under 90cm
- Young children (5-8): Excellent variety
- Older children (9-12): Outstanding mix
- Teenagers: Great thrill rides
- Adults: Unique character and atmosphere
Shows and Entertainment
Daily Shows (Included)
- Viking stunt show - Spectacular acrobatics
- Sea lion show - Educational and fun
- Gladiator combat - Ancient Rome themed
- Multiple character meet & greets
Seasonal Events
- Halloween (October) - Spooky decorations, special shows
- Christmas (December) - Winter village atmosphere
Best Times to Visit
- Quietest
- Tuesdays-Thursdays in May, June, September
- Busiest
- Weekends, French school holidays
- Best weather
- May-June, September
- Tip
- Check French school holiday calendar - avoid these dates!
Top Tips for Visitors
- Visit midweek - Dramatically shorter queues
- Arrive 30 mins early - First in for popular rides
- Do thrill rides first - Queues build through the day
- See the shows - High quality, great for breaks
- Try the food - Genuinely good French cuisine
- Bring waterproofs - Water rides get you soaked!
Language Considerations
- Shows - Primarily in French
- Ride instructions - French and pictograms
- Staff - Basic English at ticket booths and info
- Food menus - French (but pictures help!)
- Tip: Download Google Translate app
Facilities
- Baby change - Throughout park
- Stroller rental - At entrance
- Lockers - Near major rides
- Accessibility - Good disabled access
- Food - French cuisine (crêpes, galettes, regional dishes)
Getting There
- From Paris
- Shuttle bus - From CDG Airport and central Paris (book online)
- Car - 35km north of Paris via A1 (40 mins)
- RER + bus - Complex but possible
- Parking
- €15 per day
- Note
- Public transport more difficult than Disneyland - car recommended
Money-Saving Tips
- Book online 7+ days ahead (save 20%)
- Visit off-season for cheaper tickets
- Bring packed lunch (picnic area outside park)
- Fill water bottles at fountains (free)
- Stay in nearby Senlis (charming medieval town, cheaper hotels)
- Check for family packages
Food Recommendations
Unlike many theme parks, Parc Astérix has genuinely good food:
- Relais Gaulois - Traditional French meals
- Cirque - Buffet option (good value)
- Crêpes stands - Authentic and delicious
- Rotisserie - Roasted meats
Comparison with Disneyland Paris
- Choose Parc Astérix if
- You want better value
- You prefer shorter queues
- You enjoy unique French culture
- You have children 100-130cm (great selection)
- Choose Disneyland if
- Your children love Disney characters
- You want more attractions for under-100cm
- You prefer English language
- Theming is priority over rides
Must-Do Experiences
- Tonnerre 2 Zeus - France's best wooden coaster
- Oz'Iris - Incredible inverted coaster
- Viking stunt show - Don't miss!
- Menhir Express - Get soaked!
- Try the Gallic food - Part of the experience