Day 3 - Parc Asterix

[davewasbaloo]

We woke up that morning to beautiful sunshine. Even though as veteran park hoppers, we knew Saturdays are not a good idea. But the choice was Paris or Parc Asterix, and something told me the kids were history and cultured out a bit, so we went to the Park instead.

We swung by McDonalds for some chocolate pancakes and ham and gruyer pancakes, then on to Parc Asterix.

The queue to get in to the car park was mammoth and took us nearly and hour to get from the autoroute to the park gates (not a great sign, but we were there).

We had ignored Parc Asterix in the past because we thought the kids were too young. But Jessica really love Dolphins and I had heard really good things (including reassurances that little ones would have fun). We are really glad we went in spite of the crowds.

For those that do not know the Asterix stories, they are like a non PC version of Gummi Bears or Popeye to a degree. A great story of friendship and community by the celtic gauls beating the romans through the help of the druidic potions.

The park feels like a very french version of a Busch park or old school Knott's Berry Farm - great!!!! The shows are first rate (not quite Disney standard, but certainly at Universal Studios standards), and the craftsmen are wonderful.

There are lots of thrills on offer for those who are after them (the crowds were too big for me to try - not willing to spend 3 hrs away from the family for 2 mins of fun). There are lots of kiddy rides too.

But for me, the fun was the theming and entertainment, which is good, because it is a good way to beat the crowds.

I do recommend Parc Asterix, especially if you are a fan of the comics. We had a ball.

for more details and pics:


http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/I.jsp?...localeid=en_GB

[Olivier]

Great TR and pics. I loved the photos with Obélix and Astérix buoys.

[nathan detroit]

How is the language barrier addressed here? is it similar to DLP or are they less bothered about catering to us ignorant mono-linguists?

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by nathan detroit

How is the language barrier addressed here? is it similar to DLP or are they less bothered about catering to us ignorant mono-linguists?

Fraid nothing is in english except some very small parts of the map, but the shows do not require language to enjoy (nor do the thrills)

[DizDee]

Thanks for sharing your photos.

I always look at Parc Asterik, wondering if it really is worth a whole day away from Paris or perhaps cutting into my DLP days. I'm still not convinced but it looks interesting.

BTW, your kiddos are adorable and it looked like they had a great time!!!

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by DizDee

Thanks for sharing your photos.

I always look at Parc Asterik, wondering if it really is worth a whole day away from Paris or perhaps cutting into my DLP days. I'm still not convinced but it looks interesting.

BTW, your kiddos are adorable and it looked like they had a great time!!!

Thanks very much!

As it was my 50th trip to DLP, I thought it was time to try it, after all we had a 9 day vacation. It was fun, but i think it is for people that like thrills, shows and speak French. It is better than any theme parks in the UK IMHO, but certainly is not Disney.

[TDLFAN]

This is a most interesting pictorial. Seems like the theming is nice in some areas and that roller coaster looks like fun, and so does the boat ride. Those roman-like soldiers marching in the show look like a scene straight out of the caligula movie! LOL!
Just one comment, I take points away for having spotted one discarde bottle water among some lovely gargoyle statues.

[seenoevil]

Looks like fun! You have a lovely family. Oh my gosh, what a huge cotton candy (my favorite)!

A question for you as a gargoyle lover...I've heard that if the gargoyle's mouth is not open, it's called a grotesque. Do you know about this?

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

This is a most interesting pictorial. Seems like the theming is nice in some areas and that roller coaster looks like fun, and so does the boat ride. Those roman-like soldiers marching in the show look like a scene straight out of the caligula movie! LOL!
Just one comment, I take points away for having spotted one discarde bottle water among some lovely gargoyle statues.

True it was not as clean as a Disney park, but for a European park with such heaving crowds the cleanliness level was pretty impressive.

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by seenoevil

Looks like fun! You have a lovely family. Oh my gosh, what a huge cotton candy (my favorite)!

A question for you as a gargoyle lover...I've heard that if the gargoyle's mouth is not open, it's called a grotesque. Do you know about this?

I would never claim to be an expert, but a true gargoyle is actually a drain for a building, whereas a grotesque is there for decoration (and to scare evil spirits).

[seenoevil]

^ See there! Now that you've confirmed it, I can add this info to my pretentious fact spouting! :>)