Next stop, "Placedeclichix". Nope, you didn't read it wrong. Metro stations in Paris have been renamed to celebrate 60 years of the adventures of Asterix and Obelix. Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens or RATP renamed 12 stations.
First published in 1959, Asterix and Obelix, the Gaulish characters have become icons of sorts in pop culture. The comics were initially written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. Following Goscinny's death in 1977, Uderzo both wrote and illustrated the series until he retired in 2009.
Translated into more than 100 languages, the books have inspired several movies and cartoon series. "Legionnaire school", "Menhirmontant", "Place de Clichy", and "Ecole Militaire" are some of the station names. Animations will be displayed at the stations too.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 16, the famed 'magic potion' from the comics will be distributed in the presence of Asterix, Obelix and Panoramix at the "Gare de Lugdunum" (Gare de Lyon).
