Puy du Fou Park in France
In the heart of western France, among the spectacular landscapes of the Vendée region lies an experience that is much more than an amusement park. Foy du Foy is defined as an amusement park, but here you won't find roller coasters or noisy facilities, but a time capsule that will take you back hundreds of years. Using spectacular performances against the backdrop of an extraordinarily elaborate set, the journey will take you through the history of our world, which comes to life and captures the hearts of millions. The park, considered the second largest in France, offers a mesmerizing combination of art, drama and history, one unlike anything else in the world.
So whether you are a history buff, a family looking for an unforgettable vacation, or anyone looking for an extraordinary and completely unusual experience, Puy Du Puy promises to take you on a wonderful journey.
Pui Du Pu - the story behind the success
Foy du Foy Park is much more of a historical park than a theme park, as it diverges from the common pattern of roller coasters and amusement facilities and it takes its visitors on a captivating journey through time, one that celebrates Europe's rich historical story.
The park began its journey in 1978, when Philippe de Villiers established the park with the aim of celebrating and recreating the historical story of the Vendee region where the park is located. At first the park put on a single show, "La Cinéscénie", this was a huge success and led to the park's growth and becoming one of the leading tourist attractions in France. The park covers 55 acres and hosts over 2 million visitors every year.
Puy du Fou is more than just a park, but a living narrative. The charm of the place lies in its ability to recreate historical periods - from Viking invasions to the splendor of the Roman Empire. Through meticulously designed sets, world-class performances and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, Puy du Fou offers visitors the chance to step into bygone eras and witness history unfold before their eyes.
Visiting Puy du Pu Park - what to do?
The heart of the park's experience is its grandiose shows and attractions, which were carefully designed with a huge investment in order to take visitors on a journey through different periods of history. These shows, against the backdrop of impressive architectural wonders, are the beating heart of the park. In the park you will find 20 spectacular shows that will take you through hundreds of years of history - from the Roman Empire through the First World War, the Hundred Years' War and countless other surprises. Let's explore the must-see attractions and sights in the park, the ones that have captured the imagination of millions.
- The Sign of Triumph
Set in a magnificent Roman amphitheater, this play depicts the magnificent games of ancient Rome. Expect chariot races, gladiator fights and an incredible journey through the power and splendor of the Roman Empire. The experience takes place in an arena that can hold thousands of people, and the spectacle alongside the roars of the audience will make you feel like you're in a different and crazy world.
- The Vikings
A journey to a medieval village, which is suddenly attacked by a Viking ship breaking out of the water. Through fire, stunts and spectacularly beautiful effects the show tells the story of the Viking invasions in Europe and the battles between them and the French.
- The Cinéscénie
Considered the favorite and most popular of the plays, La Cinéscénie takes place in the evenings daily and is attended by over 2,500 actors. The show takes place on an area of 230 dunams while telling about 700 years of history of the district you are visiting. With original sound, dazzling lights and complex choreography, this is an experience you simply cannot miss.
Please note that this show is not included in all admission tickets.
- The Ghost Bird Ball
In this spectacle, the sky comes alive with an inspiring bird show. The tranquil backdrop of a ruined castle sets the stage for an aerial ballet, featuring hawks, eagles, falcons and more. Here you can see pastoral nature meet in harmony with human art and creativity.
- The First Kingdom
A play that follows the life story of Clovis, the first king of the Franks. The experience combines walking along different sets while combining spectacular effects and unique elements and offers you visitors an immersive dive into a tumultuous period of battles, betrayals and the growth of a kingdom.
The villages that make up the park
The design philosophy behind the park offers separate areas, each of which represents a time capsule. Every corner and area of the park transports you visitors to another era through carefully restored villages. Besides the shows that take place throughout the park, you will find these areas that offer an immersive experience between picturesque alleys, restaurants, cafes and shops, all of which vary from area to area and give a sense of authenticity and charm.
The areas that make up the park:
(Le Bourg 1900 (Le Bourg Bérard- Here you can step into the beginning of the 20th century and discover the magic of the Belle Epoque. In this village you will find cobbled streets, bustling cafes and art shops.
(La Cité Médiévale (Font-Rognou- A medieval town with stone walls, blacksmiths and traditional markets. Here you can get the feeling of the daily lifestyle of the medieval period.
(Le Fort de l'An Mil (Saint Philbert le Vieil – Discover the turbulent times of the year 1000, years when Vikings and local inhabitants lived side by side.
Le Village XVIIIème- Wander through an 18th-century French village where you'll find a farm, gardens and water mills, which provide a peaceful picture of rural life at that time.
The hotels of Foy du Foy Park
Besides being an amazing theme park, Puy du Puy offers its visitors to stay more than one day in its time capsules inside spectacular themed hotels that take their guests back in time with architecture, decor and atmosphere that match the period.
Among the various hotels you will find La Citadelle, which is designed in the theme of a medieval castle, where guests can experience life in a medieval fortress with stone walls, tapestries and torch-lit corridors. The starting price for a night at the citadel is 62 euros per person.
Les Îles de Clovis consists of thatched cottages on the waterfront and offers accommodation in a peaceful setting reminiscent of medieval France. The starting price per night at this hotel is also 62 euros per person.
Next on the list is the Le Camp du Drap d'Or hotel, which is designed in a French Renaissance style inspired by the historic meeting between King Francis I of France and King Henry VIII of England. Accommodation is in special tent rooms, and here the starting price is 55 euros per person.
You will also find the Gallo-Roman Villa (La Villa Gallo-Romaine), a 3-star hotel that brings the Roman period to life. Here the starting price is 58 euros per person per night.
A stay at one of these themed hotels enhances the entire Puy du Fou experience, as the historical immersion continues even after you leave the park's shows and attractions. Each hotel also provides a restaurant that serves dishes according to its special theme, which further adds to the cultural and historical immersion.
Where is it located and how to get to the park
Foy du Foy Park (Puy du Fou) is located on the outskirts of the town of Les Épesses in the province of Vendée in western France, a distance of about 80 km south of the city of Nantes, and about 380 km southwest of the city of Paris.
The most convenient way to get to this land of legends is of course by car, about three and a quarter hours' drive from Paris, three hours from Bordeaux and about an hour's drive from the city of Nantes. There you will find free parking in all the parking areas along the park. The different parking areas are accessible one hour before the opening of the Puy du Fou and one hour after the park closes.
The closest train station to the park is Gare Les Epesses, which is 5 km from the park, about 7 minutes by taxi.
The nearest TGV station to Puy du Fou is in the town of Angers, from where a shuttle leaves to the park which takes about an hour and twenty. The shuttle leaves about 3 times a day and is only available by reservation on the park's website. The cost of the shuttle is 16 euros one way, 33 euros round trip.
important information
Activity time: The hours and days of the park's activity change from season to season, so it is recommended to be updated on the park's official website. During the busy summer months the park operates daily from morning to late evening, while during the winter months the park operates on a more limited basis.
Tickets: The price of a ticket for one day is 42 euros for an adult, 30 euros for children aged 3-13, and free for children under 3.
The price of a two-day ticket to the park is 72 euros for an adult, 50 euros for children aged 3-13, and free for children under 3.
The price of a three-day ticket to the park is 79 euros for an adult, 55 euros for children aged 3-13, and free for children under 3.
Tickets must be ordered in advance!
Questions and Answers
For a comprehensive experience, a two-day visit is recommended. However, if you are on a tight schedule, one day can cover the main shows and attractions.
Although tickets can be purchased on the day of the visit, it is recommended to purchase them in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure entry and avoid long lines.
Most of the shows and attractions are suitable for families as well as children. However, some may be intense for young viewers, so it is recommended to check the synopsis of those shows before viewing.
Yes, throughout the complex you will find many restaurants alongside cafes and stalls that offer everything from fast food and snacks to gourmet meals.
The shows are mostly in French, but many of them offer headphones that translate into English. Even if you don't speak the language, the experience is still amazing and the fact that the shows are in French does not affect the quality of the show at all, since the main thing is the choreography, the setting and the spectacular elements.
In terms of the seasons, the park is mainly busy in the summer months, but in these months the performance schedule is much more intense. A visit to the park is recommended in all months of the year, and if you want to avoid congestion and long entrance lines, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, close to the opening time.
Yes. The park offers a variety of hotels that invite park visitors to stay in them.
In conclusion, a visit to Puy du Fou in France is an experience you simply must not miss. From the amazing historical performances and the attention to detail, through the various villages that are exceptionally restored to the restaurants and hotels that bring with them the spirits of the past, visiting the amusement park is without a doubt an experience that you will not be able to experience anywhere else. So if you're ready to travel back in time and be captivated by the magic of Puy du Fou, pack your bags and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.
