Parc Astérix Off-Season: Iconic Elephant Restoration

While Parc Astérix is closed to visitors, the teams are working flat out behind the scenes to get the park ready for opening in April—delivering extensive maintenance that means even greater safety, fresh shine, and a perfect start to the new season for fans. This year’s particular highlight is the first major restoration of the iconic elephant from Épidemaïs Croisières since the park opened.

Every year, the off-season is used for thorough inspections: The ride maintenance team checks every attraction and its safety systems down to the smallest detail. All coaster trains are sent to a specialized company, where they are completely disassembled, overhauled, every single component inspected, and then reassembled—a must to guarantee the highest safety standards. The supporting structures of all rides are also rigorously examined, with special focus this year on Studios Idéfix, where stairs and LED systems are being completely renewed, as well as on Attention Menhir!.

Time is tight, because before reopening, the TÜV inspects every attraction and only then gives the all-clear. At the same time, the painting team is refreshing damaged elements and decorations. The standout project: The 4.5-meter-tall elephant from Épidemaïs Croisières, along with its figures, was lifted out of the attraction by crane and will undergo a month-and-a-half restoration—the first major overhaul since the park’s debut.

The decoration teams are already one step ahead too: They are preparing seasonal props while already working on themes for Peur sur le Parc and Noël Gaulois. Fans can rest assured: Parc Astérix will launch into the new season perfectly prepared.