Parc Asterix is a French amusement park located in the suburbs of Paris. Asterix, the lovable Gaul warrior (think 50 B.C.), and his friend Obelix have been beloved comic book characters in France since the 50s. They have taught countless French children about the history of France in an incredibly fun and unique way. Asterix and Obelix’s amusement park is another way to teach children (and you!) a bit of history while having a blast at the amusement park.
Parc Asterix features all the traditional amusement park rides for big and small, plus restaurants, shopping, and even on on-site hotel. In my opinion, if you want to go to a theme park in Paris, it makes best sense to go to one that is purely French in nature and in tradition. Do something you can’t do at home!
Open every day from April 5 - August 31
After September 3, oopen Wednesdays and Weekends through October 31
Hours: High season (July/ August) from 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., other days from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tickets:
1 day: 12 and older — 37 euros
3 - 11 — 27 euros
Reduced rates for seniors, large families and the handicapped
RER: Take RER B3 from Paris to Roissy CDG 1. Take the Parc Asterix shuttle at platform A3.
Cars Air France: Take the Air France bus to CDG 1. Line 2 leaves from Place Charles de Gaulle Etoile or Porte Maillot. Line 4 leaves from Montparnasse or Gare de Lyon. At the airport (CDG 1), take the shuttle bus at Platform A3.
I’m a National Public Radio/ Public Radio International junkie, and today I heard a story on their program “Marketplace” that piqued my interest. Eleanor Beardsley, whose life I envy for all of its jet-setting and living and reporting in Paris, tells us what it’s REALLY like to live in Paris with her American dollars. And it ain’t pretty.
The dollar, which started out on par with the euro at its inception in 2001, is now so pathetically value-less vis-a-vis the strong euro that our dear Eleanor can’t even window shop anymore. (Gasp). She’s become a haggler. (Double gasp). She winces when she realizes her 300 euro withdrawal from the ATM equals almost $500. That makes me wince too. That makes me decide that this year maybe I’ll vacation in Paris, Kentucky.
For a good idea of what life is like when you earn dollars but spend and live in euros, read (or listen to) Eleanor Beardsley’s report on PRI’s Marketplace.
The eighth annual Saint Germain Des Pres Jazz Festival will take place during the second two weeks of May.
The festival pays tribute to Paris as one of the leading jazz cities in the world today. During the festival, you can enjoy everything from musical tours of the left bank in a vintage bus to jazz concerts in the St. Sulpice church to rythm and blues concerts all over the 6th arrondissement. There are even photographic expositions in various locations during the festival.
There are events to enjoy every day during the festival. Most concerts are free and the most expensive is 35 euros.
The daily schedule as well as ticket information can be found at the Esprit Jazz Web site.
