Tonnerre 2 Zeus Review, Parc Asterix CCI Wood Coaster | We Need More Backwards Rows!

Tonnerre 2 Zeus is the CCI wooden roller coaster at Parc Asterix. This ride originally opened in 1997 as Tonnerre de Zeus, but it got a major overhaul from Gravity Group in recent years that brought a new name, layout changes, and new trains. And the ride is running fantastic right now. It's arguably the best traditional wood coaster in all of Europe, and that backwards row plays a big part in that!
Video Credits
Tonnerre 2 Zeus Off-Ride (GLaDOS)- • Tonnerre 2 Zeus at Par...
Tonnerre 2 Zeus Off-Ride, Aerial (Theme Park Worldwide)- • Parc Astérix Vlog Augu...
Tonnerre 2 Zeus Off-Ride, Hotel (Theme Park Worldwide)- • Parc Astérix Vlog Apri...
Tonnerre de Zeus Off-Ride (Theme Park Worldwide)- • Parc Astérix Vlog July...
Tonnerre de Zeus POV (Theme Park Worldwide)- • Tonnerre de Zeus Front...
Background Music
Rock Sport Workout by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Go Bounce- • Rock Sport Workout by ...

[@Sauci55on]

I guess you could say those ops are *lightning* fast.

[@CanobieCoaster]

True!

[@Sauci55on]

I do like the drop after the old helix, it’s surprising and has nice airtime.I also love the hill that throws you to the left, as when you come into it it feels that you will continue on a straight line since you see some rails behind the hill, that makes the laterals surprising too.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I liked that drop better before the retrack, but it's still great.

[@glados792]

I've never ridden it backwards but from my experience, it's a really good, long wooden coaster that has great pacing, especially compared to the original. I did get some unpleasant rides on it but it wasn't constant, with only maybe two that were not great but all of my other rides were great. Thanks for using my footage btw!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for putting it in the Creative Commons!

[@bluetomato2184]

This thing is insane on a hot day. My ears were ringing after that tunnel though… 😅

[@CanobieCoaster]

Timberliners are always loud.

[@richey0995]

Man I need Indiana Beach to do this same renovation with Hoosier Hurricane one day, with the backwards seat and all!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish!

[@maxmustermann6612]

I adore this coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's very good.

[@mattyorshin]

U still got the best coaster reviews

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@Sauci55on]

The first drop is great, unfortunately the trains feel like they’re bouncing way too much on it. You can really feel 3 successives jolts wich aren’t really enjoyable in my opinion.

[@NathanHydra]

I’m surprised canobie didn’t mention this as I noticed this a lot as well

[@CanobieCoaster]

I didn't find the drop rough.

[@AG7-MTM]

I think european parks are obsessed with leaving remnants of older wooden coasters somewhere around their new ones (This, Colossos & Untamed)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like it.

[@LittlePotatoRoll]

I completely agree about the backwards row. I think Mystic Timbers would be insane with a backwards row.

[@Kittyhat]

I can't name a single woodie that wouldn't be improved immensely. Backwards sfmm Colossus in the back went from like a 7/10 to a 9/10 during fright fest lol

[@LittlePotatoRoll]

@@Kittyhat honestly good point lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

A lot of rides would be epic with one.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

If I ask you about the ride's history, Canobie Coaster would say: Tonnerre de Zeus opened in 1997 as France's second wooden coaster. This was the fourth and final Custom Coasters International, or CCI, wood coaster to open in Europe. Zeus inmediately became the signature attraction at Parc Asterix and received rave reviews. In its first 5 years of operation, this coaster placed in the top two in the annual Mitch Hawker best wood coaster poll. While the popularity never dwindled with general parkgoers, the ride started to fall out-of-favor with coaster enthusiasts over the next decade. Some started to find the coaster rough and/or sluggish. Most still found the coaster good, just no longer elite. That was my first experience with Tonnerre de Zeus when I first rode it in...

[@CanobieCoaster]

2019

[@TheCoasterrus]

Great review, love all the detail you go into as always! Personally I didn't think much of Tonnerre 2 Zeus, but I think it's mainly because the timberliner trains are uncomfortable to me. I was surprised by how smooth it was when I rode it in April as I heard it was particularly rough, but sadly there wasn't much airtime. I am guessing it's a mixture of the ride warming up in summer and knowing "how to ride" timberliners which make it a much better experience, as I have heard others who also rate it highly. I still thought it was a solid wooden coaster because of it's sense of speed in the first half. Wildfire and Wodan are my current favourite woodies.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I enjoy Timberliners for the most part. My only cons is that they make it easy for an op to staple you and they are very loud. Even when they shuffle, they at least have pretty good padding.

[@joecandish3923]

I really like this woodie not my favourite in the world but really good, whilst it doesn't have the crazy airtime like Phoenix or El Toro, or the sheer power of Wildfire one thing I always say about Tonnerre 2 Zeus it is the wildest wooden coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is wild and well paced.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: While there are one or two hills that don't quite deliver along with that shuffling, much of the ride is phenomenal and those backwards rides in particular left me breathless. I think this is probably my second favorite wood coaster in all Europe now, if I'm in that backwards row, as it's just behind Wildfire at Kolmården. That is how good the renovation and that backwards row in particular made this ride. I was interested how this would compare Leviathan at SeaWorld. That was a Gravity Group wood coaster that opened with a backwards row, meaning it was designed with a backwards seat in mind while Zeus clearly was not. I really liked both rides in reverse, mainly because of the unpredictable nature. The forces enough feel similar between them. But I do give the slight edge to Leviathan because that coaster, at this time at least, is...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Smoother

[@clairefunnell8481]

CCI was the company that built thee Mega Zeph at the old Six Flags New Orleans park. Looks cool, you know I love woodies. Wildebeast will be getting a refurbishment too. Great looking ride. Looks fun.❤❤❤❤❤

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wish I could have ridden Mega Zeph.

[@clairefunnell8481]

@@CanobieCoaster you and me both.

[@mateoalvira3514]

If I ask you about the comparisons between Zeus and Leviathan, Canobie Coaster would say: I was interested to see how this would compare to Leviathan at Sea World in Australia. That was a ground-up Gravity Group wood coaster that opened with a backwards row from day one, meaning it was designed with a backwards seat in mind while Zeus clearly was not. I really liked both rides in reverse, mainly because of the unpredictable nature. The forces enough feel similar between them. But I do give the slight edge to Leviathan because that coaster, at this time at least, is...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Smoother

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

If I ask you about the ride's smoothness, Canobie Coaster would say: Now what about the smoothness? I have noticed a lot of rides retrofit with Timberliners seemed to develop a shuffle. Now Zeus is not glossy smooth. The train noticeably shakes on the turns, particularly as you move further back in the train. But it wasn't too excessive and the way the trains are padded prevent any discomfort, at least for me. My wife, who is more sensitive to roughness, had no trouble with Zeus in the forwards rows, but she did find the backwards experience a bit too intense for her tastes with all that shaking. Say "very intense" and "a bit too intense". What does each one mean and what are the biggest differences between the two terms? What do you think? A) Both are and feel exactly the same. B) Very intense goes more beyond what someone could find comfortable. C) A bit too intense goes more beyond what someone could find comfortable.

[@CanobieCoaster]

C

[@joecandish3923]

To be honest although I have not been on Toutatis Parc Asterix may have a near perfect coaster, with an awesome 1 2 punch

[@CanobieCoaster]

Their top 3 is amazing.

[@mateoalvira3514]

If I ask you about the ride's pacing, smoothness, and final score? Canobie Coaster would say: The big renovation definitely improved this ride's pacing. This was a big issue in the original form's later years as the second half felt sluggish. Outside of one or two hills in the middle, most elements on Zeus now deliver. The ride carries good speed start-to-finish and the coaster was tossing my body about, wheither it be airtime or laterals, particularly in that backwards row when you couldn't anticipate what would happen next. Now what about the smoothness? I have noticed a lot of rides retrofit with Timberliners seemed to develop a shuffle. Now Zeus is not glossy smooth. The train noticeably shakes on the turns, particularly as you move further back in the train. But it wasn't too excessive and the way the trains are padded prevent any discomfort, at least for me. My wife, who is more sensitive to roughness, had no trouble with Zeus in the forwards rows, but she did find the backwards experience a bit too intense for her tastes with all that shaking. So what would I rate Tonnerre 2 Zeus?

[@CanobieCoaster]

See the review.

[@mateoalvira3514]

If I ask you about the smoothness on Tonnerre 2 Zeus at Parc Asterix, with the renovation and the Timberliner trains (with backwards row). Canobie Coaster would say: Now what about the smoothness? I have noticed a lot of rides retrofit with Timberliners seemed to develop a shuffle. Zeus is not glossy smooth. The train noticeably shakes on the turns, particularly as move further back in the train. But it wasn't too excessive and the way the trains are padded prevent any discomfort, at least for me. My wife, who is more sensitive to roughness, had no trouble with Zeus in the forwards rows, but she did find the backwards experience...

[@CanobieCoaster]

A bit much.

[@godwolley1883]

Actually it used to be 12€ at the openning, so it was really a premium experience. Now I only ride it backwards, and its way better then :)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad it's free now!

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Canobie Coaster would say: While the popularity never dwindled with general parkgoers, the ride started to fall out-of-favor with coaster enthusiasts over the next decade. Some started to find the coaster rough and/or sluggish. Most still found the coaster good, just no longer elite. That was my first experience with Tonnerre de Zeus when I first rode it in 2019. I loved the first half. The big drops had some shocking ejector airtime. Then the 540 degree helix had excellent sustained laterals. However, the coaster faded in the second half. There were several bunny hills in the middle that looked like they should give airtime and I believe they did in the ride's early years, but...

[@CanobieCoaster]

They didn't in 2019 for me.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Would you like to go again to Parc Asterix and ride Tonnerre 2 Zeus, especially in the front row, or in which row?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like it best going backwards.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

If I ask you about the ride's pacing, Canobie Coaster would say: The big renovation definitely improved the ride's pacing. This was a big issue in the original form's later years as the second half felt sluggish. Outside of one or two hills in the middle, most elements on Zeus now deliver. The ride carries good speed start-to-finish and the coaster was tossing my body about, whether it would be airtime or laterals, particularly in that backwards row when you couldn't anticipate what would happen next. What does that mean, did you like the pacing in all rows?

[@CanobieCoaster]

If you rode backwards, you couldn't see what was coming.

[@alantrotter2077]

So I rode it in the back row last month but I rode it in the first 30 minutes it was open. The first half was really good. The overall experience was good in terms of the coaster being smooth. My one issue with my ride is the pacing in the second half. It really died. Again I rode it very early in the day so that might be the cause. But again that first half was great.

[@Sauci55on]

I agree, it really feels sluggish on the second half when it’s not warmed up

[@NathanHydra]

It gets much rougher at the end of the day from my experience.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I thought it had good pacing. I only rode it in the afternoon onwards.

[@Paolo8772]

I haven't ridden this coaster. I've also not been to China, nor have I ridden Shivering Timbers, Wildfire, Outlaw Run, T-Express or The Voyage. Also, Coaster at Playland has seatbelts now, which means the best coasters I've ridden are El Toro, Ghostrider and The Cyclone. Of those: I pick The Cyclone at Coney Island in Luna Beach NYC as the best wooden coaster I've ridden even though I only rode it three times, all consecutively on June 3rd 2022.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Cyclone is a wondeful classic.

[@mateoalvira3514]

If I ask you about the smoothness on Tonnerre 2 Zeus at Parc Asterix, with the renovation and the Timberliner trains (with backwards row). Canobie Coaster would say: Now what about the smoothness? I have noticed a lot of rides retrofit with Timberliners seemed to develop a shuffle. Zeus... A) is glossy smooth. B) is not glossy smooth.

[@CanobieCoaster]

B

[@kotchapakmaneechote2062]

Along with Toutatis, Asterix makes a great 1-2 punch.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Absolutely. Their top 3 is great too with OzIris.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Would you like to go again to Parc Asterix and ride all coasters in the park?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love that park. I like most coasters there.

[@zacg_]

I'm all in favor of more backward rows as long as they aren't all up charges or that some trains have forward facing back rows. I'd hate for this to get out of hand and the only way to ride in the back on any new thrill coaster is to pay money for a backward seat.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The system works well here having the queue in the station.

[@mateoalvira3514]

What do you think about Tonnerre 2 Zeus at Parc Asterix? Do you like all rows on the current ride?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love the coaster. Backwards is best.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

If I ask you: CCI was also the company that made defunct and SBNO wooden coasters like Mega Zeph at Six Flags New Orleans. Canobie Coaster would say: Wish I could have experienced Mega Zeph. If I ask you why, what would you say, Canobie Coaster?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It looked like a good CCI.

[@NathanHydra]

I rode this backwards in the morning and it was wild. In the late afternoon I rode this in row 12 and I was quite disappointed, the airtime didn’t seem very strong and I was just bouncing up and down all the time because of the not so smooth tracking and I’m not a fan of these timber liners either. I’m quite tall (6’2/188cm) and I have fairly wide shoulders so I felt quite squished and the padding isn’t nearly as good as millennium flyers

[@CanobieCoaster]

I didn't have an issue with the bouncing and found the airtime fine, but I know you're not the only one who has an issue with this ride.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster said: Some started to find the coaster rough and/or sluggish. Most still found the coaster good, just no longer elite. That was my first experience with Tonnerre de Zeus when I first rode it in 2019. Imagine saying "good", "great", fantastic", and "elite". What are the differences between the four? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

They increase in quality.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

If I ask you, what do you think about the smoothness or the roughness on Tonnerre 2 Zeus at Parc Asterix? Canobie Coaster would say: Now what about the smoothness? I have noticed a lot of rides retrofit with Timberliners seemed to develop a shuffle. Zeus is not glossy smooth. The train noticeably shakes on the turns, particularly as you move further back in the train. But it wasn't too excessive and the way the trains are padded prevent any discomfort, at least for me. My wife, who is more sensitive to roughness, had no trouble with Zeus in the forwards rows, but she did find the backwards experience a bit too intense for her tastes with all that shaking. "More sensitive", what does that mean?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Less tolerable to roughness.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Which ride did you like more, Tonnerre 2 Zeus or Tonnerre de Zeus (2019)? How do you think between the two in airtime and laterals?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Tonnerre 2 Zeus was better because of the backwards row.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Most of them said Canobie Coaster. Do you know an exception, or do you like the rides on all coasters at the park?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes, Vol d'Icare is uncomfortable.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Of all coasters at Parc Asterix, I think there is one with a warning sign saying: Lean forwards. And you, do you know that, yes or no?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Trace du Hourra

[@loganmcgrew2822]

When will the Goudurix review be out?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Tomorrow

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Back in your first visit in 2019, was Tonnerre de Zeus your favorite ride at the park?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No, OzIris was.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Canobie Coaster, did you find all coasters at Parc Asterix tolerable?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most of them.

[@mateoalvira7826]

How many coasters are there at the park, what do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

8 uncontested ones. Some count Discobelix or Menhir Express.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Did you find all coasters at the park to be bearable, Canobie Coaster? Canobie Coaster would say: All them are enjoyable for me.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most are enjoyable.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Do you like or do you love how the ride looks?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It looks great.

[@Kittyhat]

no way, free backwards row? with a queue that doesn't start 20 cycles back? unbelievable

[@CanobieCoaster]

You can't access the backwards row until you reach the station, so it has a similar queue to a front row on other coasters.

[@Kittyhat]

@@CanobieCoaster Literally the only reasonable way to do it as far as I'm concerned now. Still makes sense on rides with a spinning backseat cause that was actual extra maintenance issues

[@williamthomas7170]

The back row is no longer backwards facing, it has been replaced with two forward facing rows as of 2024

[@CanobieCoaster]

I preferred it backwards, but the very back row is still excellent.

[@mateoalvira7826]

I said "all" because it also includes Vol d'Icare.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That ride is awful.

[@mateoalvira3514]

So what would you rate Tonnerre 2 Zeus?

[@CanobieCoaster]

See this review.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

And imagine saying "very intense" and "a bit too intense", what are the differences between the two? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

A bit too intense means it went beyond what some find comfortable.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Canobie Coaster would say: I like to ride on all those coasters except Vol d'Icare. If I ask you: why? Canobie Coaster: Vol d'Icare... A) is painful B) is boring C) is underwhelming

[@CanobieCoaster]

A

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Imagine saying "great" and "elite". What are the biggest differences between the two? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Elite is top notch. Great is very good.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

If I ask you about the ride's smoothness, Canobie Coaster would say: Now what about the smoothness? I have noticed a lot of rides retrofit with Timberliners seemed to develop a shuffle. Now Zeus is not glossy smooth. The train noticeably shakes on the turns, particularly as you move further back in the train. But it wasn't too excessive and the way the trains are padded prevent any discomfort, at least for me. My wife, who is more sensitive to roughness, had no trouble with Zeus in the forwards rows, but she did find the backwards experience a bit too intense for her tastes with all that shaking. What does that mean, "intense", in the quote?

[@CanobieCoaster]

She thought it was too much for her.