The Tom Anstey Column


www.parkworld-online.com


The


Gauls Are Coming


A small village in Gaul is set to expand across Europe, with Asterix, Obelix and company marching toward Germany. Tom Anstey explains why he thinks this will mark a major shift for Europe’s theme park landscape.


I


n my opinion, France’s Parc Astérix is one of the world’s best theme parks. It’s a place I first visited as a child and one


I still happily detour to whenever I find myself near the French capital. Parc Astérix strikes a fantastic balance of nostalgia and immersion, coupled with world-class attractions. There’s fun for children and high thrills for adults, as well as plenty of experiences that families can enjoy together. My most recent trip in 2023 reminded me why


the park stands apart. Yes, Disney is just up the road doing what Disney does best, but its sheer size and cost can overwhelm the experience if you’re there for a day at a theme park and not just to experience Disney. You pay a premium for the privilege, yet often leave feeling you’ve only scratched the surface. The crowds, the queues, the prices - it becomes a day of compromise.


24 WINTER 2026


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