Five times winners of global awards, Puy du Fou is a unique theme park set in 55 hectares of ancient woodland. Believe me, when I tell you, it’s like nothing you will have experienced before. There are no rides for starters. Instead, visitors are treated to immersive performances with mind-boggling special effects so extraordinary they’ll leave you agog.
Situated in the Vendée region of France, Puy du Fou’s daytime and evening shows are inspired by moments in French history. These remarkable spectacles are innovative, captivating and action-packed providing more excitement than you thought possible. From the scenery, the costumes, the music and the dramatics, each performance made us feel like we were a part of it, even drew us in emotionally. What Puy du Fou has achieved is something very special. With each show, all very different, we were left thinking how on earth did they do that? And just when we thought a show couldn’t be topped, it was. And that’s before we saw La Cinéscénie – ranked the best night show in the world – which blew our minds! If you’re looking for the wow factor, Puy du Fou has it in spades. But what can you expect to see at France’s 2nd largest theme park and what’s new for 2019?
Getting there
I visited Puy du Fou as part of a press trip with BritMums along with a group of my fellow travel bloggers. We flew from Gatwick to Nantes Atlantique airport with Easyjet. The flight is less than 1.5 hours with the park just an hour’s drive. Puy du Fou also operates a shuttle service (chargeable) from the airport and Angers TGV train stations which can be booked in advance.
The accommodation
Puy du Fou has a range of accommodation options available from the period hotels on site to partner and recommended hotels. We extended our journey through history by staying in the park. There are five-period hotels to choose from, each of which transports you back in time. I stayed at Îles de Clovis which is spread over 7 hectares. It felt like we’d been transported back to the Middle Ages when we arrived with wooden walkways, lakes and a check-in complete with thrones, throws and artefacts.
Îles de Clovis consists of fifty thatched huts on stilts surrounded by nine lakes and 80,000 plants, all of which were individually planted. The half-timbered huts are eco-designed to recreate the ambience of a village from the first millennium but built to a high standard with all the mod cons you’d expect. Each has been decorated to the highest standard combining authenticity with comfort, there’s even air conditioning. Read more about my stay at Îles de Clovis and the other period hotels on offer here.
The mind-blowing performances
Puy du Fou welcomed 2.3 million visitors in 2018 with an ever-increasing number heading over from the UK. It’s hardly surprising given it’s easy to get to. Added to which it’s very reasonable. Two days in the park costs just €60 for adults and €43 for children when booked in advance. Puy du Fou offers a feast of unforgettable shows (63 to choose from) themed around French history which provide visitors with an exciting journey from the first to the twentieth century. They’re in French but you don’t necessarily need to speak the language to understand what’s happening – the storytelling is exceptional. There are headsets available and an app though if you’d prefer to listen in English. Check out the video at the bottom of this post too.
Le Bal des Oiseau Fantômes
Here’s a taste of some of the shows on offer. If you’d want to see more from our visit to Puy du Fou, check out this post. Our introduction came with Le Bal des Oiseau Fantômes, a bird of prey show like nothing I’d seen before 330 eagles, falcons, vultures, kites and owls. It tells the story of Aliénor who wakes in the ruins of the old château and her memories result in the birds emerging. Watch the video here.
Les Vikings
Les Vikings performance Viking warriors leave their longships, bound for the thatched village of Fort de I’An Mil, where they launch an attack. It’s a really exciting show with the most dramatic moment the appearance of a 20-metre ship which rises from beneath the pond! Watch the video here.
Le Dernier Panache
Award-winning Le Dernier Panache is performed on a 360-degree stage in Le Théâtre Des Géants (which measures 7,500 square metres). It tells the story of a naval officer, and hero of the American War of Independence, whose life alters dramatically. It’s the only production of its kind in the world. Watch the video here.
Le Mystere de la Perouse
Le Mystere de la Perouse was introduced last year and is set in 1785. It saw us sail La Pérouse ship and the La Boussole expedition. Leaving the port of Brest, we braved unknown waters and made discoveries in our voyage from Cape Horn to Alaska and through the storms of Vanikoro. This walk-through not only mimics the motion of the sea, we saw unbelievable scenes through portholes and experienced differing climates. Watch the video here.
Mousquetaire de Richelieu
Mousquetaire de Richelieu is set in a gigantic theatre with the largest stage curtain in the world. Set in the 17th century, it features musketeers on horseback with stunts, sword fights and even flamenco dancers. Seemingly appearing from nowhere, the stage filled with water providing an unforgettable experience for everyone. Watch the video here.
Le Signe du Triomphe
Le Signe du Triomphe will give you a taste of what it feels like to be in a gladiator stadium. The thrilling Gallo-Roman stadium has gladiator battles and chariot races – the atmosphere is unreal. Watch the video here.
Le Secret de la Lance
Le Secret de la Lance is set in the Hundred Years War and focuses on a young shepherdess who discovers the secrets of a powerful lance. This is a large-scaled medieval adventure with stunts, pyrotechnics and a 60-metre long bulwark that completely disappears! Watch the video.
Les Orgues de Feu
Les Orgues de Feu takes place on the Puy du Fou lake every evening. There are nymphs and sprites that glide across the water dressed in illuminated costumes. At one point a pianist (with piano) appears from beneath the surface. As does a golden harp. And I can’t even begin to tell you about the giant organ complete with fire and water. Watch the video here.
La Cinéscénie
Finally, there’s La Cinéscénie which focuses on Vendée’s history. This extended production tells the story of a Vendée family from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. It’s a visual extravaganza that lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes (no interval) and will completely blow your mind. Seen by 11 million people it is recognised as the greatest night show in the world. Taking place on the world’s largest stage (32 hectares), it features 2,400 actors, 28,000 costumes and 130 horse riders. There are 80 technicians responsible for cutting-edge technology like film projections with 3D mapping, free-flying drones, “neopters” and 3,000 protectors. It is the most incredible show I have ever seen and that’s before the 850 fireworks. Tickets for La Cinéscénie are not included in the price of the park but prices start at €27 – these must be booked in advance. Watch the video here.
What’s new for 2019
If that wasn’t enough, Puy du Fou is continually innovating and introduces new productions every year. In 2019, they have a spectacular new immersive attraction called Le Premier Royaume. Inspired by a pivotal period in French history, this immersive attraction features magnificent sets and unprecedented special effects, uniquely conceived and produced by the Puy du Fou team.
It leads visitors on a 20-minute walk-through experience, following Clovis through 14 different fantasy worlds. Visitors pass through rooms surrounded by Attila’s Huns, through the bustling royal armoury and the Mérovingian palace until they reach the mythical legend-rich world of Valhalla where some of the uncertainties of this troubled period start to unravel.
There are a number of other experiences available in the park. Like Le Monde Imaginaire de La Fontaine (an interactive garden with animals from famous fables and talking trees!), Le Labyrinthe des Animaux (a hedge maze with surprises – watch out for the statues!) and Le Repaire des Enfants where children can play at being princesses or knights in a small-scale castle. The forest of Puy du Fou has more than 1,500 animals including rabbits, fallow deer, wolves and eagles inhabiting their nature reserve.
The period villages
If you’re wondering what else you can do in-between the many performances, the answer is plenty. There are four-period villages at Puy du Fou, all of which make you feel like you’ve returned to a bygone era. As with the shows, expect to be surprised when you least expect it. La Cité Médiévale, the first village we came across, transported us back to the Middle Ages. Puy du Fou doesn’t have tourist shops as such, instead, visitors can purchase authentic gifts, many of which made by hand, in the villages. Often the people that have made the products are also those behind the counter – as was the case in La Cité Médiévale.
Le Fort de l’An Mil (Fort Year Mill) is a hamlet with thatched roofs situated a stone’s throw from the Viking show. It’s a performance that provides non-stop excitement, pyrotechnics galore and some very clever special effects. Like the appearance of a 20-metre longboat which rises from beneath the pond! We spent less time in this particular village but did get to spend time with blacksmiths, watching them work.
In Le Village XVIIIème, it’s almost as if time has stood still. Beautifully kept, there’s a kitchen garden, wash-house and a barn to explore. Most impressive is Le Grand Carillon – a giant clock which stands sixteen metres above ground. It has ringers that twirl and 70 giant bells which chime to famous tunes with some superbly timed choreography thrown in for good measure.
The Bourg 1900 is a colourful square, with a carousel the centrepiece, brimming with Victorian and Edwardian style shops. The Bistro is a great pitstop for lunch, a snack or an afternoon ice-cream. It’s also where you can watch Le Ballet des Sapeurs performance by the Puy du Fou Academy pupils which is good fun and focuses on villagers trying to put out a fire. Read our post about the period villages at Puy du Fou here. The Puy du Fou Academy trains over 700 young people every year in performing arts.
Puy du Fou is investing €28.5 million in 2019 to guarantee the successful delivery of its ambitious new projects and ensure the continued evolution of its shows and attractions. Puy du Fou has been established for 40 years and its next venture will launch in Toledo, Spain in 2020. This will be an evening show focused on the history of Spain.
Puy du Fou is a must-see!
Puy du Fou was voted the top attraction in France and Europe and the 3rd most popular in the world in the 2018 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. It’s been named “Best Park in the World” twice. This is no surprise given their relentless pursuit of innovation, creativity and technical excellence. I do hope we can get there as a family soon as I know my husband and daughter will love it as much as I did. Make sure you add Puy du Fou to your must-see travel list if you haven’t already. The 2019 season runs from the 6th April to the 3rd November. Entry to the park starts at €36 for adults and €26 for children with the Pass Emotion (fast-track) €15 per person per day. Bookings are open here now.
Disclaimer: This was a hosted trip with BritMums and Puy du Fou. Opinions are as always our own.
