Parc Asterix Day Trip from Paris
A Parc Asterix day trip from Paris brings you to France's answer to Disneyland - a theme park based on the Asterix comics with roller coasters, water rides, and shows themed around Gauls, Romans, Vikings, and ancient civilizations. The park has 50+ attractions including some of Europe's best coasters. Tickets include unlimited access to all rides and shows for the day.
Parc Asterix sits 35km north of Paris near Charles de Gaulle Airport. The park opened in 1989 and targets a slightly older audience than Disney - more thrill rides, less princess focus, distinctly French humor. It's cheaper than Disneyland Paris, less crowded, and has better coasters if you're into adrenaline.
This theme park near Paris works well as a day trip if you have kids who want rides without the Disney price tag, or if you're theme park enthusiasts chasing coasters. The park is manageable in one day - you can hit major attractions without the exhaustion of larger parks. Transport is straightforward with direct shuttles from Paris and CDG Airport.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance for better rates. Walk-up tickets at the gate cost significantly more than advance online purchases.
| Factor | Details |
| Distance from Paris | 35 km north |
| Travel time | 45 minutes by shuttle; 35 minutes by car |
| Time needed | Full day - 8-10 hours at park |
| Best season | April-October when all rides open |
| Entry | Ticketed - book online for best rates |
| Crowds | Moderate - less than Disney |
| Best for | Families with kids 6+, coaster enthusiasts |
Parc Asterix Tickets - How to Book
Parc Asterix requires entry tickets. The park is privately operated and all attractions are included in the base ticket price - no separate fees for individual rides.
Ticket Types
Standard day tickets include unlimited access to all rides, shows, and attractions. Children under 3 enter free. Reduced rates apply for children ages 3-11. The park uses dynamic pricing - tickets cost less on weekdays and off-peak dates, more on weekends and summer.
Advance online tickets (booked 7+ days ahead) offer the best rates. Same-day tickets at the gate cost substantially more. The price difference can be significant, so booking ahead is worth it.
Season passes exist for frequent visitors. These make sense if you're visiting multiple times in a season but aren't practical for tourists doing a single day trip.
Ticket Add-ons
Some ticket packages include round-trip shuttle transport from Paris. These combo tickets simplify logistics - you get park entry and transport in one booking. The shuttle picks up from multiple Paris locations including Bercy and La Défense.
Fast-pass options exist for popular rides, allowing you to skip regular queues. These cost extra but can save hours of waiting on busy days. Evaluate based on crowd levels and your tolerance for lines.
Where to Buy
Book tickets through the official Parc Asterix website for guaranteed authenticity and best prices. Major booking platforms also sell tickets, sometimes bundled with transport or hotel packages.
Avoid buying tickets from unofficial resellers or street vendors - these may be invalid or overpriced.
Booking Strategy
Book 1-2 weeks ahead for summer weekends and French school holidays. Weekdays and shoulder season (April-May, September-October) have better availability and lower prices. Check the park calendar - some days have extended hours or special events.
The park closes certain days in winter and has reduced hours in spring/fall. Verify operating hours before booking travel.
How to Get to Parc Asterix from Paris
Direct Shuttle Bus
The easiest option is the direct shuttle bus from Paris. Shuttles depart from Bercy (Metro lines 6 and 14), La Défense, and other pickup points. The ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic and pickup location.
Shuttles run only on days the park is open. Departure times are scheduled to arrive at park opening. Return shuttles leave at intervals throughout the afternoon and evening, with the last shuttle departing 30 minutes after park closing.
Book shuttle tickets in advance - they can sell out on busy days. Some ticket packages include shuttle transport. Standalone shuttle tickets are available if you already have park entry.
Shuttle from CDG Airport
A direct shuttle connects Charles de Gaulle Airport to Parc Asterix. This is convenient if you're arriving in Paris and want to visit the park before heading into the city, or if you're staying near the airport. The shuttle departs from Roissypole bus station (platform A3) and takes about 20 minutes.
The CDG shuttle runs every 15-30 minutes when the park is open. It's timed to meet RER B trains from Paris, making it accessible even if you're not flying through CDG.
Rental Car
Driving from Paris takes 35-45 minutes via A1 motorway. Parking at the park is plentiful and costs a flat daily fee. This option gives you flexibility with timing and works well if you're combining Parc Asterix with other destinations like Chantilly (15 minutes away).
The drive is straightforward on highways. GPS works fine. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours and summer weekends.
Public Transport
There's no direct train to Parc Asterix. You can take RER B to CDG Airport, then catch the park shuttle from Roissypole. This takes longer than the direct Paris shuttle but works if you're already near an RER B station.
One Day Itinerary for Parc Asterix
8:00-9:00 AM: Depart Paris
Catch an early shuttle from Paris (usually departing 8:00-8:30 AM) or drive to arrive at park opening. Getting there early is crucial - the first hour has the shortest lines for popular rides.
9:00-10:00 AM: Arrive and Entry
Arrive at Parc Asterix around 9:30-10:00 AM (opening time varies by season). Enter through the main gate, pick up a park map, and head straight to the biggest rides before crowds build.
The park is divided into themed areas: Gaul (entrance area), Roman Empire, Ancient Greece, Vikings, Egypt, and Travel Through Time. Each area has rides, shows, and restaurants matching the theme.
10:00-11:30 AM: Hit Major Coasters First
Start with the park's top thrill rides while lines are short. Priority targets:
OzIris - The park's signature inverted coaster with loops and corkscrews. This is consistently the longest wait, so ride it first. The coaster is smooth, intense, and has great theming around Egyptian mythology.
Tonnerre de Zeus - A massive wooden coaster that's rough, loud, and exhilarating. One of Europe's best wooden coasters. The ride is in the Gaul area near the entrance.
Goudurix - A multi-loop steel coaster with seven inversions. It's older and rougher than OzIris but still fun for coaster fans.
Hit 2-3 major coasters in this window before lunch crowds arrive.
11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Water Rides and Mid-Tier Attractions
Move to water rides and family attractions as the day warms up. Menhir Express is a log flume with a big drop - you will get wet. Romus et Rapidus is a river rapids ride, also wet. These are refreshing in summer but less appealing in cool weather.
Other solid mid-tier rides: Trace du Hourra (bobsled coaster), Pegase Express (family coaster), and Discobélix (spinning disco ride).
12:30-1:30 PM: Lunch
Eat lunch early (before 1:00 PM) or late (after 2:00 PM) to avoid peak crowds. The park has multiple restaurants serving French and international food. Quality is theme park standard - decent but not exceptional. Prices are high as expected in captive environments.
Themed restaurants include Gaulish taverns, Roman banquet halls, and Viking longhouses. The food matches the theme loosely. Quick service spots have burgers, pizza, and sandwiches.
Bringing outside food is typically not allowed, but the park doesn't strictly enforce this for small snacks. Check current policies.
1:30-3:00 PM: Shows and Attractions
After lunch, catch some of the park's live shows. Parc Asterix has stunt shows, dolphin shows (yes, there's a dolphinarium), and character performances. Show times are listed on the park map and app.
The Main de Cesar stunt show features chariot races, sword fights, and pyrotechnics. It's entertaining and gives you a break from walking. The dolphin show is popular with kids but controversial for animal welfare reasons.
Use this time to rest and recharge before the afternoon ride push.
3:00-5:00 PM: Remaining Rides and Revisits
Spend the afternoon hitting rides you missed in the morning or re-riding favorites. Lines are often shorter in late afternoon as families with young kids start leaving.
Don't miss: Pégase Express (family-friendly coaster with good theming), SOS Numérobis (dark ride through ancient Egypt), and Vol d'Icare (flying theater experience).
If you have kids, the Gaul Village area has gentler rides and play areas. The park has good variety for different age groups.
5:00-6:00 PM: Final Rides and Shopping
Use the last hour for final rides or browsing the gift shops. The main shop near the entrance has Asterix merchandise, French products, and typical theme park souvenirs.
Lines often drop significantly in the final hour as people head to exits. This is a good time to re-ride popular coasters without long waits.
6:00-7:00 PM: Return to Paris
Head to the shuttle pickup area or parking lot. Shuttles back to Paris run every 30 minutes starting mid-afternoon, with the last shuttle leaving 30 minutes after park closing. If driving, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour back to Paris depending on traffic.
Things to Do - Strategy and Tips
Ride Strategy for Busy Days
On crowded days (summer weekends, French school holidays), arrive at park opening and head straight to OzIris or Tonnerre de Zeus. These two rides have the longest waits all day. Knock them out first, then work through other major coasters before lunch.
Consider buying fast-pass access if the park is packed. The cost is significant but can save 2-3 hours of waiting. Evaluate based on crowd levels when you arrive.
Use the park's mobile app to check wait times and plan your route. The app shows real-time queue lengths for all major rides.
Seasonal Events
Parc Asterix runs seasonal events that change the park atmosphere. Summer brings extended hours and special shows. Fall has "Peur sur le Parc" (Fear in the Park) - a Halloween event with scare zones and night hours. Winter brings Christmas decorations and festive shows.
These events require separate tickets or premium pricing. They're fun if you're into seasonal themes but not necessary for a standard visit.
Weather Considerations
The park operates rain or shine, but some outdoor rides close in heavy rain or strong wind. Coasters especially are weather-dependent. Check forecasts before your visit - a rainy day means shorter lines but fewer operating rides.
Bring rain gear if there's any chance of precipitation. The park has covered areas but you'll be outside most of the day.
With Young Children
Parc Asterix works well for kids 6 and up who meet height requirements for major rides. Younger children have fewer options - there are family rides and play areas but the park skews toward older kids and adults compared to Disney.
Height restrictions are strictly enforced. Check requirements on the park website before visiting if you have kids near the cutoff heights.
The park has stroller rentals, baby care facilities, and kid-friendly dining. It's manageable with young children but not optimized for them.
Combining with Other Destinations
Chantilly chateau is 15 minutes from Parc Asterix by car. Some visitors do both in one long day - chateau in the morning, park in the afternoon. This is ambitious but possible if you have a car and start early.
The park is also close to CDG Airport, making it a good option if you have a long layover or are arriving/departing Paris and want to maximize time.
Parc Asterix vs Disneyland Paris
The comparison is inevitable. Parc Asterix is smaller, cheaper, and less crowded than Disneyland Paris. The rides are more thrill-focused - better coasters, fewer dark rides. The theming is distinctly French with Asterix humor that may not translate well if you're unfamiliar with the comics.
Disneyland Paris has better theming, more polished shows, and broader appeal for young children. But it's also more expensive, more crowded, and has longer waits for popular attractions.
Choose Parc Asterix if you want coasters, prefer smaller crowds, or are on a tighter budget. Choose Disney if you want the classic theme park experience, have young kids, or prioritize theming and shows over thrill rides.
Practical Tips
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes - you'll walk 10+ km throughout the day
- Sunscreen and hat for summer visits
- Light rain jacket - weather can change quickly
- Refillable water bottle - fountains available throughout park
- Phone charger or power bank - you'll use GPS and the park app heavily
- Change of clothes if doing water rides
- Small bag for belongings - lockers available at major rides
Money and Food
The park accepts cards everywhere. Bring some cash for small purchases or in case card systems go down. Food and drink are expensive as expected in theme parks. Budget accordingly or eat before/after visiting.
Water fountains are free throughout the park. Refill your bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Lockers and Storage
Major coasters have free lockers for bags and loose items. You can't take bags on rides, so use the lockers. They're timed - free for the expected ride duration plus buffer, then they charge if you exceed the time.
Language
The park is French-language focused. Signs, shows, and announcements are primarily in French. Staff usually speak some English but don't count on it. The park app has English language options.
Accessibility
The park is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Most pathways are paved and flat. Some rides accommodate disabled guests with special boarding procedures. Contact the park in advance for specific accessibility needs.
