La Descente du Nil, Raft ride at Parc Astérix, France
The Oxygénarium is a raft ride at Parc Astérix, north of Paris, where circular boats drift along a themed channel lined with plants and brick walls before dropping down a steep slope. The channel winds through outdoor landscaped areas, giving the ride a mix of calm drifting and a single large drop.
The ride opened in 1999 and was built with the goal of creating strong theming despite a limited budget. This approach later earned recognition from the themed entertainment industry.
The ride tells the story of a fictional 1900 invention that purifies oxygen through a system of pipes and pumps. Guests who look carefully along the route will notice small themed details that bring this made-up story to life.
Children below a certain height must ride with an adult, while taller guests can go alone. The ride will get you wet, so it is a good idea to store valuables safely and bring a spare set of clothes.
The circular boats spin as they move along the channel, so no two riders experience the same view during the same ride. This spinning effect means the drop at the end can come as a surprise depending on which way the boat is facing.
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