A wave of nostalgia sweeps over Parc Astérix as the "Nationale 7" oldtimer ride takes its final laps. But what comes next? A look at the conclusion of an iconic attraction and the park's upcoming plans.
The End of an Era
The "Nationale 7" oldtimer ride at Parc Astérix, which has been entertaining visitors with humorous scenes of stranded motorists since 1992, is soon to be a thing of the past. The French amusement park, renowned for its themed attractions centered around the beloved comic characters Asterix and Obelix, has decided to permanently close the ride after this season. The final day of operation is set for November 5th, with the demolition of the track expected to commence this winter.The History Behind "Nationale 7"
Constructed by the esteemed German manufacturer Mack Rides, the attraction offered guests a delightful journey inspired by the French highway running from Paris to the Côte d'Azur. This concept bore a resemblance to the original design of "De Oude Tufferbaan" in the Dutch theme park Efteling, making the ride particularly intriguing within the amusement park community.Interestingly, despite its placement in Parc Astérix, "Nationale 7" was not directly linked to the tales of Asterix and Obelix. This distinction from the park's other thematic rides might be a reason behind the planned redevelopment of the area.
Parc Astérix's Future Plans
While the decision to shut down one of the park's oldest attractions may be disappointing for many fans, Delphine Pons, the Director of Parc Astérix, emphasized in an interview with the French daily Ouest-France that it's time for a change. She pointed out that "Nationale 7" occupied a significant space and was far removed from the central theme of the Asterix universe.The grounds of Parc Astérix are limited, being bordered by a protected Natura 2000 area. This necessitates careful planning and efficient use of the available space. Ms. Pons stressed the need to optimize the park's layout and promote growth "from within."
While the precise plans for the area that housed "Nationale 7" remain under wraps, the park has already announced that a new attraction will emerge in its Egyptian section next year: An impressive carousel set to attract visitors from around the globe.
