The History of Puy du Fou: The Birth of a Legend
Puy du Fou is not the result of a simple theme park project, but of a vision brought to life by Philippe de Villiers, a French historian and politician, who was also passionate about the history of France and medieval cities. In 1978, while serving as the mayor of Les Epesses in Vendée, he decided to create a show recounting the local history, called the Cinéscénie. This open-air, nighttime spectacle immediately achieved immense success, attracting crowds from far beyond the borders of Vendée. With thousands of extras reenacting local historical events, Puy du Fou quickly established a strong reputation.
This innovative idea of recreating historical events while grounding them in local reality soon gave birth to a true theme park. What made Puy du Fou a unique experience was that it was not just a place of entertainment, but also a complete immersion into history. Over the years, the park has evolved, adding new shows, incorporating modern technologies, and constantly reinventing the way it tells history. Today, it is regularly voted the best theme park in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Breathtaking Shows
One of the highlights of Puy du Fou is undoubtedly the quality and diversity of its shows. In recent years, the park has particularly distinguished itself with the scale of its productions. The shows at Puy du Fou are not simple attractions; they are artistic performances combining theater, dance, music, and special effects. Here are some of the most iconic shows:
The Cinéscénie :
This nighttime show, considered the largest of its kind in the world, is a monumental work that attracts over 12,000 spectators every evening. In the Cinéscénie, the history of Vendée is told through spectacular scenes, impressive battles, and poignant historical events. This visual and auditory masterpiece, accompanied by light displays and breathtaking music, is a must-see for anyone visiting the park.
The Weddings of Fire:
This spectacular nighttime show plunges the audience into a magical world where fire and light meet. Presented every evening at Puy du Fou, this grand spectacle features artists and mystical creatures in a series of fiery choreographies, impressive pyrotechnic effects, and breathtaking light displays. The atmosphere, both enchanting and intense, transports the audience to a world where fire becomes a living element, rhythmically accompanied by captivating music. This poetic and grandiose show is a true immersion into a legendary universe, and it is a must-see during a visit to Puy du Fou.
The Vikings:
This show transports the audience to the era of Viking invasions, with breathtaking fight scenes, spectacular naval battles where ships catch fire, and striking special effects. It offers a complete immersion into the brutal and mystical world of the Vikings, while staying true to the history of their battles and customs.
The Last Panache:
This show tells the story of François Athanase de Charette, an 18th-century French sailor, and his role in the War of Vendée. With impressive special effects and reenactments of naval battles, this show is a true technical and artistic feat that pays tribute to the heroes of French history.
The Secret of the Lance:
This show portrays medieval legends and the world of knights, with horseback battles, pyrotechnic scenes, and magical elements. It transports the audience to a mythical era full of mysteries and adventure.
Richelieu's Musketeers:
The audience is immersed in the world of King Louis XIII's musketeers, with spectacular duel scenes, cavalcades, and sword fights. This dynamic and thrilling show allows viewers to relive the great adventures of the musketeers.
The Ball of Phantom Birds:
This aerial show offers a magical experience where free-flying birds dance around the spectators. This poetic encounter between man and nature creates a fairy-tale atmosphere that will delight both young and old.
Reconstructed Villages: A Complete Immersion
Puy du Fou is not limited to its grand shows; it also offers reconstructed villages where visitors can discover the daily life of different historical periods. These immersive spaces allow guests to fully experience the atmosphere of various eras, whether in the Middle Ages, Ancient Rome, or the 18th century.
The Medieval Village:
In this village, you can explore ancient crafts such as blacksmithing, pottery, and leatherworking. You can also watch archery demonstrations and even take part in knight combat.
The 18th Century Village:
This village recreates the atmosphere of the 18th century, with traditional houses, craftsmen at work, and market scenes. You will discover the daily life of the era’s inhabitants through realistic reenactments and period costumes.
Ancient Rome:
This area recreates the grandeur of the Roman Empire. You can observe gladiator fights in arenas, learn about Roman culture through exhibitions, and attend gladiator demonstrations.
Attractions for the Whole Family
Puy du Fou is a park that caters to all ages. In addition to the impressive shows, it offers many immersive attractions and activities to delight families. "The World of the Forest," an immersive adventure in nature, and the "Garden of Dreams," a playful and poetic space with interactive installations, are perfect for children. These attractions are ideal for young visitors, who can have fun while learning.
Where to Stay? Campsites Around Puy du Fou Park
To extend the experience, several campsites are located near Puy du Fou, offering ideal accommodation for visitors who want to fully enjoy the park. Among the most recommended:
Camping Au Bois du Cé **** in Chambretaud:
Just 15 minutes from Puy du Fou, the family-friendly Au Bois du Cé campsite offers facilities for both young and old, with a water park including an indoor and outdoor heated pool, as well as a secure paddling pool.
Camping L'Oiselière **** in Chauché:
Located 30 minutes from Puy du Fou, Camping L'Oiselière is a true haven of peace. Certified with the Ecolabel and Green Key, it offers a perfect natural setting for family stays or professional events. It provides a wide range of accommodations, from mobile homes to unique lodges.
Camping Lac de la Chausselière **** in La Guyonnière:
The family-friendly Camping Lac de la Chausselière, located just a few kilometers from Puy du Fou, is nestled by a lake. It offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from traditional mobile homes to more unique options such as treehouses. It allows visitors to fully enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Tickets, Opening Hours, and Reservations
To visit Puy du Fou, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Tickets can be purchased on the official park website, where you can also find family packages and special offers for multiple days. The park also offers VIP passes, which provide priority access to certain shows and attractions.
Puy du Fou is generally open from April to November, with hours that may vary depending on the season. In summer, the park is often open all day, from 10 AM to 11 PM, while during the off-season, the hours are more limited. La Cinéscénie, being a nighttime show, starts at dusk and attracts thousands of spectators each evening.
To help plan your visit, it is advised to consult the detailed show schedules, which are regularly updated online, so you can maximize your experience and not miss anything. You can also book accommodations and restaurants in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Contact Information:
85590 Les Epesses
Phone: +33 (0) 820 09 10 10
Official Puy du Fou website:
https://www.puydufou.com/france/fr
Find a list of campsites near Puy du Fou:
https://www.campingfrance.com/nos-thematiques/sites-touristiques/puy-du-fou