Parc Astérix has unveiled its upcoming €36 million ‘Festival Toutatis’ zone, which will be anchored by the new record-breaking ‘Toutatis’ roller coaster.
The park’s most ambitious project to date will open in spring 2023. The new zone is dedicated to Toutatis, a Celtic god who was worshipped in ancient Gaul.
Covering three hectares, it includes the Toutatis coaster, a family-friendly attraction called ‘Chez Gyrofolix’, the ‘Sanglier d’Or’ play area, a restaurant, and a sweet shop and gift shop.
The coaster, Parc Astérix’s largest investment in its history, features seven forward and backward accelerations and maximum speeds of 110 km/h – a first in France.
It also boasts a 51-metre-high vertical boom, a 101-degree inclined drop, three inversions and 23 airtime moments, which is a world record for a steel coaster.
Chez Gyrofolix has four arms that rotate, and Sanglier d’Or is the largest play area at Parc Astérix.
The new area, located in the theme park‘s Gaul zone, is inspired by the stories of the Carnutes forest and Gaulish festivals.
A description from the park reads: “Vitalstatistix, accompanied by the villagers, must go to the tumulus of Toutatis – a megalithic site, a place of worship dedicated to the tribe’s patron god, to preside over a great festival organised in honour of Toutatis.
New zone dedicated to Celtic god Toutatis
“For this festival, bringing together various tribes of Gaul, stalls, souvenir stands and food outlets have been set up in the area around the tumulus de Toutatis, including a new restaurant called Le Dolmen Gourmand.
“But the highlight of the celebrations is the ‘Ritual of Courage’ – as the druids of Carnutes forest, assisted by Getafix, have transposed the teachings of the god Toutatis into a ritual designed to test one’s bravery.”
Launched in 1989, Parc Astérix was one the first theme parks to join Compagnie des Alpes. Inspired by the comic book series by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny, it is home to themed attractions, shows and lands.
Images: Compagnie des Alpes
