Parc Asterix, a French holiday frolic just north of Paris offers children and adults a wonderful treat

  • Parc Asterix is an amusement park built on the books of Rene Goscinny, Albert Uderzo and Albert Uderzo. 
  • Jane Keightley stays at Les Quais de Lutece hotel during her visit to the park  
  • Christmas season at the park will start on December 18, with shows and themed events










There were screams of terror mixed with happy faces, and the scent of crepes was in the air. Parc Asterix is a large theme park that was inspired by the works of Rene Goscinny, Albert Uderzo and is gearing up to celebrate Christmas.

Near Paris it boasts 47 attractions, including those based upon the Roman Empire and Gaul. If you can’t get enough of the place in one day there are three hotels, Les Trois Hiboux, La Cite Suspendue and Les Quais de Lutece. The latter is where I’m staying.

It’s based on a reconstruction of the River Seine in Gallo-Roman times and I feel like I’ve stepped out of a time machine.

Enchanting: The yuletide stalls at Park Asterix. The Christmas fun at the park runs from December 18

Enchanting, Park Asterix’s Yuletide Stalls From December 18th, the Christmas festivities at the Park begin.

Kids get the chance to meet the famous characters at the park, who will be wandering around 'dressed in festive costumes', according to Jane

Jane says that children will have the opportunity to interact with the iconic characters of the park. They’ll be walking around in festive costumes. 

There are many thrilling attractions to thrill-seekers and less scary rides for children younger than 5. For adults without children (like myself), the park is well-equipped.

My favourite moment is sipping an Aperol spritz high above the Parc on the revolving bar, L’Aerolaf. It offers a great view of both the Parc and Forest. Children and adults will enjoy the Christmas festivities starting December 18, and continuing through January 2.

The park’s legendary characters, Asterix, Obelix, Getafix, Cacofonix and Vitalstatistix will be wandering around dressed in festive costumes accompanied by a Gaulish Father Christmas. 

The air will be filled with traditional carols, and decorations will be everywhere.

Pictured is one of the souvenir shops at the park, which is just north of Paris

One of the many souvenir shops in the park is shown here, located just north of Paris

Parc Asterix has 47 attractions based on the Roman Empire, Gaul, Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt and the Vikings

Parc Asterix offers 47 attractions, all based upon the Roman Empire and Gaul.

Little and large: Asterix (left) and Obelix (right) were created by authors Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo

Little and large: Asterix (left) and Obelix (right) were created by authors Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo

Four themed shows will be presented. Is Santa the one who has it? is an ice extravaganza in the heart of Santa’s toy factory at the Mona Lisa Theatre. 

Acrobats, dancers and other performers will take visitors to the world of circus. Panoramix Theatre has put on Chronos, which is magic-and-grand illusions-based show. A spectacular, nocturnal show called “The Island Of Wishes” will be performed on the lake.

If you are interested in winter sports, the Tous en Piste has four sledging runs as well as two ice rinks. It is an amazing place that I love and can’t wait to visit again with my family. 

Travel Facts 

Jane travelled with Parc Asterix (parcasterix.fr/en), which offers two nights’ B&B during Christmas from £660 for a family of four. 

The Eurostar (eurostar.com) from London to Paris costs from £39 one way.

Advertisement