Fun in Gaul! (Parc Asterix)

Member Name: louanna8

Product:	Parc Asterix
Date:	02/06/09 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of rides, short queuing times

Disadvantages: Expensive car parking

Parc Asterix is a great theme park that is around 35km north east of Paris and can be reached easily either along the A1 motorway or via RER from Charles De Gaulle(Roissy) airport. Although there is a huge car park it is sometimes packed especially in summer and parking isn't cheap at 8 euros!

The park is open everyday April through until the end of August and is open on set days in the other months. However, I would definitely check before you go in winter months as sometimes companies rent the park out. It costs 39 euros for adults(over 12's) and 29 euros for children with under 3's visiting for free. I would look out for offers though as I have been twice and paid 25 euros the first and went in free the second time (as a guest of a company.)

The park is split into five worlds; La Gaule(Gaul), L'Empire Romain(Roman Empire), La Grèce(Greece), Les Vikings(Vikings) and Travers le temps(Across the times). Some of the major attractions are:

Menhir Express, a water flume where a waterproof would be very advisable, particularly if you're at the front;
Le Tonnerre de Zeus, a great rollercoaster that isn't as rickety as it looks; La Galère, a swinging pirate ship that isn't for those with weak stomachs;
Oxygénarium, a fairly cazlm water attraction ;
Goudrix, the biggest attraction that travels at 75 km/h and takes in no less than seven loop the loops!


There are also several rides for children including The Grand Splash, a small rollacoaster, spinning cups and more. Furthermore, children would enjoy the dolphin show held every afternoon in the summer.

I have been to the park with a group in their teens/twenties and with two 5 year olds and both times had a thoroughly enjoyable day. There was something for everyone to do and activities such as the dolphin show and ice-skating spectacular(held near to christmas) were popular with both groups. One thing to bear in mind is that the water rides tend to shut in late autumn and winter as well as on days where the weather is particularly bad.

In comparison with Disneyland which is not too far away and the most popular choice for many visitors to Paris Parc Asterix isn't as magical. Although the decorations and "worlds" are not in the same standard as Disney they are still pretty impressive and add to the experience. There is a good selection of food available, several gift shops and helpful staff who speak english well if you are not a french speaker. The queues are relatively short compared with most theme parks so you get the chance to try as many rides as possible! At Parc Asterix everyone is welcome and everyone will have a great time.

Summary: Enjoyable for adults and children alike.