Romus et Rapidus, River rafting ride in Parc Astérix, France

Romus et Rapidus is a river rafting ride at Parc Astérix where round boats carry groups through a 540-meter course. The route passes through caves, past waterfalls, and across a wave pool with several unexpected turns and drops.

Romus et Rapidus opened with Parc Astérix on 30 April 1989, built by Intamin as a rapids ride in the park's Roman Empire section. It was first called La Descente du Styx, after the river of the Greek underworld. After a boy drowned in 2006, it closed and reopened in 2008 with safety nets, cameras and life jackets, under its present name.

The name draws from the mythological story of Romulus and Remus, with Roman architectural details visible throughout the course. Visitors encounter statues and decorative elements that reinforce this ancient theme.

Riders must be at least 1 meter (100 centimeters) tall to board the six-person rafts, which operate during the park's regular hours. It is wise to wear water-resistant clothing or expect to get wet.

The ride's first name, La Descente du Styx, referred to the river of the Greek underworld; it was renamed Romus et Rapidus for the 2008 season after safety works that added nets near the lift, security cameras, life jackets along the river and large backrests on the boats. The new name puns on Romulus and Remus and on the French words for eddies and rapids.