As a former Parisian, we are lucky enough to go to the French capital a few times a year to visit the family. This summer, we have decided to combine a few days in Paris just before the Olympic Games with 2 days exploring the Parc Astérix. We absolutely loved the Parc Astérix and I thought to give our first impressions including our experience at the new hotel Les Quais de Lutèce.
Located just 35 kilometres north of Paris, Parc Astérix is among the most popular theme parks in France. It offers for every family a fun day experience inspired by the beloved Astérix comic series. This guide will walk you through what to expect when visiting Parc Astérix with children, ensuring a fun-filled and memorable experience for the entire family.
Day 1: Arrival and the Adventure Begins
Morning: Arrival and Check-In
We left the centre of Paris on Friday morning around 830am and took a Uber to take us to Parc Astérix. Typically the journey takes about 45 min to 1 hour depending on the traffic and the fare is usually around 70 to 90 EUR one way. You could also decide to take the RER train to Charles de Gaulle Airport and then take a Asterix coach service (it is running every 30 minutes).
To maximise our stay, we’ve chosen to book a family room with bunk beds at Les Quais de Lutèce, a charming 4-stars family-friendly hotel within the park. The hotel’s themed decor and spacious rooms provide a cozy retreat for families, while its proximity to the park entrance ensures you’re never far from the action.
We left our luggage at the hotel reception and checked in early (even though couldn’t take possession of our room just yet) so we could head straight away to the Parc Astérix around 10am. When you access the park from the hotel, you have a huge advantage as it is located opposite the main entrance. That means you could go to popular rides in the Viking Area like Goudurix in the morning without too much queue.
Afternoon: Exploring Ancient Gaul
After a smooth check-in and a brief rest, we were ready to dive into the adventures that await. The park is divided into six themed areas, each offering unique attractions and experiences. We started our exploration in Ancient Gaul, where the adventures of Astérix and Obélix come to life.
Forest of Idéfix: This area is perfect for younger children, featuring a variety of small rides and playgrounds themed around Idéfix, the loyal canine companion of Astérix. Your child’s face lights up as they enjoy gentle rides like Enigmatix and Lavomatix, while you appreciate the park’s meticulous attention to detail and storytelling.
Viking Area: Thrills and Spills
Next, we ventured to the Viking Area, where the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement. Our teenager, always in search of adrenaline-pumping experiences, was eager to ride Goudurix, a roller coaster with seven thrilling inversions. As they scream their way through the loops, my wife and our younger child opted for the more serene Drakkar, a ride that simulates a Viking ship voyage through gentle waters.
Around 2 pm, we were quite hungry so we headed to Le Cirque, a buffet restaurant offering a wide range of dishes to suit all tastes. From fresh salads and hearty mains to delectable desserts, there’s something for everyone. The circus-themed decor adds an element of fun to your dining experience, making it enjoyable for the entire family.
Because the day was very hot, we thought that the indoor restaurant experience was a good option even though it takes a good hour to have your full meal there. Some other families might want to save the money for dinner and have a quick sandwich for lunch at the several take away options available at the park.
Splash Time During a Hot Afternoon
After lunch, we were still experiencing a high temperature at the park around 30, so we decided to select all the splash thrilling rides available at the park. We loved every single ride!
For instance Grand Splatch is a popular water ride that takes you on a scenic boat journey through the park before culminating in a thrilling plunge down a waterfall, creating a big splash that soaks everyone aboard. It’s a fantastic ride for both children and adults looking to cool off.
You can also try Oxygénarium, a large spinning raft ride that simulates a journey down a rapid river. As you descend the twisting, turning path, you’re guaranteed to get wet, making it a favourite for families on warm days. And yes the raft spins 360 and very fast so prepare to get dizzy a bit!
Romus et Rapidus is the favourite water ride of my daughter and we experienced 3 times during our 2 days at the park. This wild river rapids ride takes you through Roman-themed rapids. You and your family board a circular raft and navigate through turbulent waters, facing splashes and sprays from all directions. It’s an exciting and soaking adventure.
Le Menhir Express is another fun ride involving some serious water splash. You’ll board a log-shaped boat designed to carry a few passengers. The seats are arranged in a single file, so each person sits one behind the other. You will experience a few drops and rapids before the final drop that guarantees you to be a bit wet.
Finally, La Croisière Epidemaïs is a relaxing ride on a boat that takes in different parts of the park while meeting different characters of the Astérix family.
At 8pm, it was time to get back to the hotel, get changed and have a feast at our hotel restaurant Les Berges de Seine. Luckily, we had a table outside with the view over the river the beautiful wooden décor of Lutèce. It was such a peaceful and fun experience while trying different starters and main courses at the buffet.
Seafood section was really impressive and of good quality. I was quite pleasantly surprised with the cheese board with a selection that I have never heard of. We thought we still had some juice to go back to the park after dinner but we were exhausted. Time for bed!
Day 2: More Adventures and Fun
Morning: A Hearty Start
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel with a table outside (the day was going to be hotter than the previous day), our family was ready to try new rides in other areas of the park. The buffet at Les Berges de Seine offers a variety of options, including fresh pastries, fruit, cereals, and hot dishes, ensuring everyone is fuelled for the day ahead. I went for a light breakfast so I could try the thrilling rides without any digestion problem.
Ancient Egypt: Mysteries and Marvels
Our first stop is Ancient Egypt, a relatively newer addition to the park. The towering statues and hieroglyph-covered walls transport you to another era. The highlight here is OzIris, an incredible fast roller coaster themed around the Egyptian gods. While my teenager revelled in the high-speed twists and turns of this thrilling ride, my younger child enjoyed the more accessible SOS Tournevis, a gentle yet fun coaster that offers excitement without the intense speed. Unfortunately we had to wait a good hour to get on the OzIris ride. It is among the most popular attractions in the park so try to plan ahead to go this ride.
Afternoon: Medieval Feasts and Meet the Characters
For lunch, we chose la Taverne Dionysos where you can eat sandwiches and sit down in a shaded area. The restaurant offers a menu with drinks and snacks which was convenient for a quick 30 minutes break before continuing our journey at the park.
After lunch, we headed to the Gaulish Village for an exciting meet-and-greet session with Asterix, Obelix, and other beloved characters. Our children were thrilled to interact with their heroes, posing for photos and collecting autographs. We also experiences again our favourite water rides as the sun was very hot again around 2pm.
We took the time to attend four different shows that are all worth to see. However, please note that all these shows are in French. But to be honest, you can get away with it with maybe the exception of the musical show C’est du Délire. If you are short in time, I would definitely pick Main Basse sur la Joconde, the oldest show at the park running for 28 years now. We also very much enjoyed Les Plongeons de l’Olympe which is all about diving contest between Romans and Gauls.
At 5pm, our kids asked us to come back to the hotel for a final drink before ordering a Uber back to Paris. We simply didn’t have energy left to continue other rides at the park.
Budget for 2 days at Parc Astérix
Overall, the cost of our 2 days at the park was around €800 for 2 adults and 2 children, 1 night stay at Les Quais de Lutèce, with breakfast and dinner buffet + lunch at Le Cirque and a quick lunch at Taverne Dionysos on the second day. This is relatively very good value for money and much cheaper that Disneyland Paris.
Conclusion
Visiting Parc Astérix with children was a delightful adventure filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. From the whimsical charm of Ancient Gaul to the thrilling rides of the Viking Area and the mysteries of Ancient Egypt, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
By planning ahead and taking advantage of the park’s family-friendly amenities, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. So pack your bags, book one of the three hotels available at the park, and get ready to create magical memories at Parc Astérix!
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