Parc Astérix

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Advertisement for Parc Astérix in a Paris subway station. The ad depicts a car carrying a menhir on its way to the amusement park.

Parc Astérix is a theme amusement park in France, based on the stories of Asterix (by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny). Situated approximately 35 km (20 miles) north of Paris in Plailly in the département of Oise, it opened in 1989.

It is especially well known for its large variety of roller-coasters, and has begun incorporating rides and themes from historic cultures such as the Romans and the ancient Greeks.

The park management initially feared a loss of business to Disneyland Paris prior to the opening of the latter, but the popularity of both has in fact increased as a result, exhibiting a synergistic effect seen in other places with multiple theme parks (though most notably in central Florida, where Disney has its largest presence and numerous other theme parks benefit as a result). When it originally opened it was seldom heard of by most foreigners; today many of its visitors come from around the world.

Unlike Disneyland Paris, the park opens only from April to October and has generally shorter opening hours. However, it is easily visited in a day. It has its own exit on the A1.

The park is operated by Grévin & Cie.

Hotel des Trois Hiboux (Three Owls' Hotel) is located on the park grounds. The hotel has a rustic design, and is particularly family-friendly. The screams from the roller coasters can be heard through the woods surrounding the hotel.