The Parc Astérix unveiled in preview its new nighttime show, named Astérix et la Potion d'Étoiles, a drones spectacle featuring water jets and pyrotechnics that come to life above the lake. We were on site for the opening night, held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the famed theme park in Plailly, Oise (Hauts-de-France), about forty kilometers north of Paris. And to say the least, the show is sure to leave us starry-eyed.
We all know the famous opening line of the comics, which sets the scene in 50 BC in that little village of irreducible Gauls who still resist the invader. It’s exactly this iconic phrase that opens the park’s new immersive show, notable for one big twist: it largely unfolds in the sky.
The sky, for its part, is claimed by drones. Where the Gauls once feared they might fall on their heads, it now becomes a true giant screen. The park thus joins the wave of drone shows to discover in Île-de-France, increasingly popular as a modern alternative to fireworks. For this new bet by the second most-visited amusement park in France (boasting 2.9 million entries in 2025), the means are commensurate with the ambition.
On the menu of this nocturnal symphony: more than 350 drones, colorful lasers, dozens of water jets shooting up to 20 meters high, a water screen and over 150 projectors. The whole show is choreographed to<|> fireworks, catchy music and humorous sound effects that hit the mark.
For about ten minutes, several pages of the albums come to life in the dark: Julius Caesar's arrival, the Gauls–Romans clash, pirates disembarking by boat, and the druid Panoramix preparing the magic potion.
The park offers an experience that blends offbeat humor, adventure and magic, true to the spirit of Goscinny and Uderzo. And there are plenty of nods to comics and cinema, with a few iconic lines along the way—for example, the famous "These Romans are crazy!"
To bring this project to life, Parc Astérix has enlisted French and European partners renowned in live entertainment, including Magic Drone (recently seen in action for the De Gaulle tribute at Saint-Cloud), Fêtes et Feux, Dimmer, Crystal Groupe or Laser System Europe. A creation that pushes the boundaries of the night show while showcasing real technical mastery.
The show Astérix and the Potion of Stars runs every evening during the Gaulish Summer, from July 11 to August 30, 2026, closing the day. To fully enjoy the spectacle, our on-site tip: arrive a little early and settle comfortably on the lakefront steps for a clear view without standing for the entire performance. A designated zone is set aside for visitors with disabilities, and families with strollers can particularly position themselves in front of the lake, on the steps.
What stood out for us is the millimeter-perfect synchronization between the drones, the water jets, and the fireworks. The whole show feels cohesive, almost like a comic book coming to life right before our eyes. Kids are spellbound by the lighting and sound effects, while adults appreciate the craft and the spectacle in this park undergoing a metamorphosis.
The season’s other big novelty is the Egypt Zone, fully reimagined in the spirit of Astérix and Cleopatra. Here, the family rides play the card of controlled thrills, perfect for taking the kids along without frightening them. The Oxygénarium thus becomes The Nile Descent, a giant buoy raft slide that’s as refreshing as it is fun, while the Chaises Volantes transform into The Flight of the Ibis, a gentle ascent ten metres above a lush aquatic garden.
On the OzIris esplanade, a new street performance is now shaping the day: Cleopatra's Offerings. The Queen of Egypt and her entourage weave together dances, music, and audience interactions, delivering a lively and colorful moment that charms both children and adults alike.
On the indulgence front, this area welcomes a brand-new restaurant, Les Comptoirs d'Épidemaïs, opened this June. Designed as an all-you-can-eat buffet inspired by the travels of the famed Phoenician trader, it leans into flavors from far-off lands and an ambiance that shifts with the seasons. A welcoming stop to discover in the heart of Gaulish Egypt. For us, it’s the ideal family-friendly spot since everyone can take what they want. And since it’s indoors, you’ll find the setting surprisingly pleasant, complete with a lively troupe playing Oriental music.
When the thermometer climbs, the water attractions become the best weapon against the heat. We recommend heading for the rides that spray you down, starting with The Pirates' Revenge – The Grand Splash and its spectacular 11-meter drop, then Romus and Rapidus, the rapid river of Ancient Rome, and finally Menhir Express, the classic inspired by Obelix since 1995.
We left looking like sponges, but in this heat we dry off fast and can dive back in with gusto. Another plus: most queues are shaded, which makes the wait much more bearable. For the little ones, Hydrolix, in the Forest of Idéfix, offers a gentle boat ride with a mini drop that's perfect for those first thrills. In short, everything is designed to soak you, even more than usual. Our little sensor tells us they’re cranking up the water jets and other spray points so you end up soaking wet (to our great pleasure).
Practically speaking, the park stays open until 10 p.m. every evening during l'Été Gaulois, letting you ride through the daytime attractions before the show. Tickets can be booked on the Parc Astérix official site, reachable from Paris via the RER B to Roissy and then a dedicated shuttle on open days. For extra ease, especially with family, consider staying at one of the hotels—there are currently 3, with a fourth on the way. They let you enter the park ahead of the crowds, park your car for free, and enjoy attractions like Toutatis before everyone else arrives. In the evening, they spare you a long drive after the nocturnal show and a full, busy day. It does come at a price, we’ll admit, but it brings greater peace of mind.
If you’re developing a taste for aerial ballets, Île-de-France has plenty to offer this summer. In the Yvelines, the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes at the Château de Versailles light up the gardens with fountains and fireworks on Saturday evenings. And for thrill-seekers, check out the guide to amusement parks around Paris for this summer 2026.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
From July 11, 2026 to August 30, 2026
Location
Astérix Theme Park
Parc Astérix
60128 Plailly
Prices
Billets : €42 - €68
Official website
www.parcasterix.fr
