Asterisk Asterix and the Olympics

Mais oui, the Games have indeed begun but still the fall-out continues from the Rain on the Seine, the Drag Queen Last Supper and the opening ceremony, but for us we want to asterisk Asterix and the Olympics.

Nor are we alone in feeling short-changed by the greatest Gaul of all being absent from the curtain-raising ceremony in Paris.

Particularly as our comic book hero and his bon ami Obelix boast such athletic prowess.

As featured in their adventures and particularly in Asterix at the Olympic Games.

Which was turned into the-then most expensive non-English and French film of all time, featuring inevitably Gerard Depardieu, back in 2008.

Now while Emmanuel Macron and the French Olympic Committee may have overlooked the appeal of Asterix.

Parc it with Asterix

Our friends at Irish Ferries know his popularity endures with enfants and grand enfants alike visiting their shores.

Which is why they are flagging up Parc Asterix, 20km from charmant Chantilly, itself only a 24-minute train ride from Paris.

It just so happens too that the Parc is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Now fresh for this year they boast a grand new attraction among the roller coasters and rides… La Tour de Numerobis.

You’ll rise to a height of 40 metres and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the whole of Gaul from your perch in Egypt.

While for those who love a water ride Le Grand Splatch becomes La Revanche des Pirates.

Where Red Beard takes revenge on the Gauls.

We’re told that between catapults, nets and harpooning you will be required to show skill and courage to avoid being shipwrecked.

While on that theme there is a new float at the Gaulish Parade.

Gaul’s well that ends well

Asterix has flagged up the Défilé Gaulois to us.

Where you’ll see a parade featuring Astérix, Obélix, Cléopâtre, César, Barbe-Rouge and all our other favourites.

Which this year features a new chariot based on Asterix in Spain.

Now everyone’s a critic after the fact but here’s a thought Emmanuel…

Would it not have been better, a lot more fun, and probably a little less costly to just let Parc Asterix run the opening ceremony.

The perfect match

Parc Asterix offers a one-day/one-night stay.

For two adults and two children in a four-person room at the Hôtel des Trois Hiboux or the Hôtel de la Cité Suspendue in high season from €87.85pp.

And to get you there, Irish Ferries  has the seasygoing option for you this summer.

On board its flagship W.B. Yeats.

With sailings from Dublin to Cherbourg from just €238.

For a car with one adult and child in August with an inside ensuite cabin.

So even if Emmanuel and the French organising committee don’t deem him worthy of their attention you can still Asterisk Asterix and the Olympics this summer.