If your family’s theme park radar is locked on Florida or even Paris, it might be time to widen the lens. Amusement park, Parc Astérix, named after the beloved French comic book hero, has been welcoming families to the outskirts of Paris for over 35 years and with the 2026 season now open, it’s arguably never been a better time to visit.
Set in the forests of the Oise, just 35km north of the French capital, the park spans six immersive themed worlds: Gaul, the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece, the Vikings, Egypt and a dedicated zone for younger children. With 50 attractions and shows across the site, it comfortably holds its own against Europe’s biggest parks… just with shorter queues and a more manageable scale for families with little ones in tow.
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Oziris ©Christophe Taniere
What’s new at Parc Astérix for 2026?
The headline theme this season is Ancient Egypt, with the park’s Egyptian zone receiving a substantial makeover. Two key attractions have been completely re-imagined as part of the transformation.
La Descente du Nil is the new incarnation of what was previously the Oxygénarium. Now reimagined as a Nile river adventure, it features an all-new themed queue, updated scenery and a water ride experience that takes you through dramatic Egyptian landscapes watched over by the gods. It’s a solid pick for families with children of mixed ages and one of the standout new additions to the park this year.
L’Envol d’Ibis transforms the former flying chairs attraction into a soaring journey above a lush aquatic garden. Jets of water and dense planting turn a classic fairground staple into something altogether more atmospheric – a tamer ride that works well as a breather between bigger thrills.
Rounding out the Egypt zone’s new offering is Les Offrandes de Cléopâtre, a completely reworked live show in which Cleopatra and her courtiers perform on a new outdoor stage. Expect dancing, music and audience interaction… the kind of spectacle that younger children will love.
Also opening later in the season is Les Comptoirs d’Épidemaïs, a new themed buffet restaurant serving a broad menu of oriental-inspired dishes. For families who find park food a sore point, it’s a welcome addition and a good excuse to slow down mid-afternoon.
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Cetautomatix ©Sylvain Cambon
What rides are at Parc Astérix beyond Egypt?
The Egyptian zone may be the star turn but it sits within a park that has plenty more to offer across its six worlds.
Cétautomatix is a propulsion-powered spinning roller coaster themed around the village blacksmith from the Asterix comics. Accessible from one metre, it combines thrills with a rotating carriage design that makes each ride feel slightly different. It’s the kind of attraction that appeals across the family age range, from older primary schoolers upwards.
For those chasing bigger thrills, OzIris and Toutatis are the park’s headline coasters. OzIris is an Egyptian-themed inverted coaster and one of the park’s signature rides, while Toutatis is billed as one of Europe’s most extreme roller coasters – one for the teenagers and thrill-seeking adults in the group.
At the other end of the spectrum, Forêt d’Idéfix is the dedicated younger children’s area, with gentler rides and attractions designed for the smallest members of the family.
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La Cité Suspendue
Where to stay at Parc Astérix
One of the park’s real strengths is its hotel offering. Three on-site hotels sit within the Regional Natural Park of the Oise, all accessible on foot from the entrance. Guests benefit from early access to attractions 30 minutes before the gates open to day visitors – an amazing perk when you’re trying to fit everything in.
For a premium option, Les Quais de Lutèce is a four-star property with 150 rooms set around a Gaulish-inspired riverside setting, whilst La Cité Suspendue offers a Celtic village atmosphere across three distinct hamlets (potters, artists and druids) also with 150 rooms, tucked into the surrounding woodland. Les Trois Hiboux is the cosiest of the three, a forest lodge hotel where an open fire greets you after a long day and the atmosphere leans into the surrounding nature.
All three hotels include that early park access, so if you’re planning a full two-day visit, an overnight stay is well worth factoring in.
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La Tour de Numérobis ©Christophe Taniere
How to get to Parc Astérix
Parc Astérix sits around 35km north of Paris, making it straightforward to combine with a trip to the French capital.
By car, you’re looking at approximately 35 to 40 minutes from central Paris via the A1 motorway. If you’re travelling without a car, a shuttle service runs from Paris CDG airport, and the park is reachable by RER B train to Roissy, followed by a connecting bus during the season.
From the UK, the combination of Eurostar to Paris and a short onward journey makes it a very manageable weekend or short-break destination.
For more information, visit: www.parcasterix.fr/en
Parc Astérix FAQs
How old do children need to be to enjoy Parc Astérix?
The park suits a wide age range. Forêt d’Idéfix caters for toddlers and young children, mid-range attractions like Cétautomatix start from one metre and the major coasters are there for teenagers.
How long do you need at the park?
A full day covers a good portion of the park. Families wanting a more relaxed pace or to experience everything will get more from a two-day visit, especially with the early access perk that comes with an on-site hotel stay.
Is Parc Astérix suitable if my children don’t know the Asterix comics?
Yes. The attractions and shows stand on their own merits and are easy to enjoy without any prior knowledge of the characters.
When is the park open?
The 2026 season opened on 4 April, with daily hours of 10am to 7pm.
How much does it cost?
Advance tickets (booked seven days ahead) start from €53 per child and €56 per adult. A flexible ticket allowing date changes costs €59 per child and €68 per adult.
How do I get to Parc Astérix from the UK?
Take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, then connect onward to the park. A seasonal shuttle runs from CDG airport and the park is well signposted from the A1 if you’re driving.
