First published in 1959, Astérix (and his good friend Obélix) made their way onto the international stage. Back in 1969, the comic series about the Gaulish underdogs fighting against the Roman Republic Army proved to be a hugely popular non-historically factual comic. As a result of the popularity, television and film series followed. With Netflix having recently resurrected interest in these characters, the demand for further adventures has heightened, and the appeal of Parc Astérix has reached my 4- and 8-year-olds.

While many parents are driven by demands of a visit to Disneyland Paris, France's most popular theme park, the second most popular theme park is actually not located far from its competitor. Having opened in 1989 in Plailly, Parc Astérix currently attracts around 2 million visitors a year, and amongst them this year were my parents, my children and me.

The excitement for Parc Astérix had been building in our household in the weeks leading up to our visit, with the series and films being watched and re-watched, but it was spotting Astérix from the A1 sat atop his lonely boulder that the excitement exploded. As we made our way into the park, the slight wait in the parking queue saw my two reach fever-pitch excitement.However, unlike its nearby competitor, entry into the park was quick and easy. As we made our way through the shop-filled village to the rides, it was immediately apparent that this was a theme park with heart and one that would easily satisfy the cravings of my two eager fans.

With rides large and small filling the park, it was inevitable that the first one we came to – a carousel – would be immediately boarded. Luckily without a queue, we were straight on and on the first round; a ride on the horses was selected before a return trip to sit in Obélix's spinnable bottom!

From here it was off to Romus and Rapidus, where our joy at seeing my mum get a little too wet left everyone feeling giggly and happy (apart from my poor mum). This was also our first real test of disability access, given that she had opted against the Carousel de César. With the ride staff slowing the rotating platform and supporting her walk from her wheelchair to the boat, initial access was easy, but the situation was harder at the end of the ride as the platform was not slowed and she nearly ended up on a second ride without pause.

While there were clear favourites amongst the children – Calum loving L'Oxygénarium (on his multiple rides) and the 4D Cinema experience and Skye preferring the calmer Les Espions de César – it was the occasional challenge of accessibility for my mum that caused unwanted obstacles. Having been unable to access a couple of rides, she decided to people-watch instead while we enjoyed the rides – though she was happy with this arrangement, it may be worth checking accessibility for your own needs prior to a visit.

A real strength of Parc Astérix, however, is the range of food on offer and its affordability. Opting for a meal at Le Relais Gaulois, there were plenty of vegetarian options, and the buffet-style selection was fun for the children – who were even more thrilled when they got to play with Astérix and Obélix in the restaurant! Outside of the meal, snacks were also accessibly priced, and the range of healthy and unhealthy was unusual for the setting.

Post-dinner the rides and fun continued until two tired children were ready to crash out and head home via a souvenir shop visit. One cap and a pillow later, we all waved farewell to Astérix, having made some wonderful memories.

Although our group encountered some accessibility issues during the day, Parc Astérix left us all happy and exhausted. A very well-balanced theme park without epic queue times and with a range of rides that really is suitable for all ages – this is a theme park visit that we would all highly recommend!

More information here.