He took a helicopter flight over Erquy in 1996 and afterwards admitted that he might have "unconsciously" modelled his vision on the area's rocky cape and sandy bay, before later insisting the village was purely imaginary.

Erquy will therefore have to content itself with being an unofficial draw for the Gaul's fanatic devotees, unlike Parc Asterix outside Paris, which drew 1.8 million visitors last year despite the economic crisis.

"These Romans are crazy!"

Meanwhile, the moustachioed hero's adventures continue next week with his 34th edition, 'Asterix and Obelix's Birthday: The Gold Book'.

The series almost came to an end in 1977 with the death of Goscinny, the author of the books' famous catchphrases — such as "These Romans are crazy" — and distinctive verbal wit. Asterix's puns have proved a headache for translators worldwide.

The illustrator Uderzo, however, decided to carry on alone and, now aged 82 has chosen two men to succeed him after he retires.

The Mebarki brothers, Frederic the draughtsman and Thierry the colourist, already draw Asterix on merchandising spinoffs for Uderzo's publishing house and, if they can find a writer, will continue the series.

"No-one would ever guess it wasn't me drawing these characters. It seems my style isn't very difficult, I hope it won't be hard to take over. Time will tell," Uderzo said.

The handover won't come yet, however, as Uderzo is already working on the next adventure.

"I have a vague idea, it's not a given that it will come to a conclusion. If I can still amuse myself by working, it'll be for my own pleasure and I hope for that of the readers," he said.

Universal appeal

So why has Asterix proved such a hit for young and old for so long?

Some say the stories touched a particular political chord in a France that was recovering from the humiliation of Nazi occupation and rediscovering national pride under General de Gaulle.

Asterix and his friends preserve Gaullish honour and celebrate a very French way of life, refusing to bow to Roman rule even when many of their neighbours are collaborating.

Uderzo is dismissive of the idea that the series had a broad political theme, but admits to seeking to celebrate and gently mock certain aspects of the French national character in the attitudes of his ancient Gauls.

There must also be some more universal appeal, given the books massive export success.