Leading themed entertainment company, Jora Vision, has designed a fun-filled mega roller coaster for France’s Parc Astérix.
Pégase Express is expected to open in June at the park dedicated to the popular comic hero.
Jora Vision worked with the team from Compagnie des Alpes on the new, highly-detailed attraction. The intention was to explore the world of Astérix while creating a story-filled standalone attraction.
The ride takes passengers on a fun and thrilling journey through Astérix-stye Ancient Greece aboard the Pégase Express.
The train, themed to reflect the ancient era of the stories, whisks guests on a round trip of almost a kilometre. Riders hurtle past the Romus and Rapidus attraction and crash into a billboard. Finally, they enter the Temple of Medusa. Medusa wakes up in a bad mood, at which point the train quickly reverses.
Much of the storytelling takes place in the queue and loading station, located inside the monumental Gare Montparnassos. The name is both a nod to the famous Parisian train station as well as the eponymous Greek mountain.
In true Astérix tradition, jokes and knowing references abound. Headlines on magazine stands offer a nod to current publications. Ancient ticket booths refer to modern-day commuter struggles such as train strikes. Posters even announce an upcoming tunnel to Londinium.
“The strength of our design team, I believe, is the synergy between different expertises,” explains Jan Maarten de Raad, CEO of Jora Vision. “For Pégase Express, we had architects, illustrators, graphic designers and a creative director working together. It is key to us that our designs — which come with new innovations and challenges each time — are feasible technically, as well as budget-wise.
“We plan construction and execution costs right from the preliminary design phase. If you look at the current construction photos of Pégase Express, you’ll see only a few differences from the concept design. That makes us very proud indeed!”