On the 27th we drove off the island and further north for a 3 night stay at Puy de Fou. This is perhaps the most unusual theme park, often rated as the best in the world. It focuses on historical/mythical re-enactments with 20 hugh shows played out in massive purpose-built arenas/buildings with large casts and incredible technology, bringing the past to life. The location also has it’s own well-equipped Aire with a shuttle bus running to the main entrance – very helpful!
We has visited Puy de Fou once many years ago but it has expanded significantly since then. The shows are a challenge to describe but I hope you can get a flavour of this weird and wonderful location from the following comments on some of the main shows….
Le Dernier Panache
Set in the French Revolution, it tells the story of resistance fighters during the War in the Vendée. You sit in a huge circular building and the 2400 seat audience platform rotates 360˚ as the action plays out around you.
Mousquetaire de Richelieu
Featuring the 3 Musketeers, the show has plenty of sword fights and stunts. The finale involves the whole stage being flooded with water and horses and flamenco dancers splashing through it (don’t ask!).
Le Signe du Triomphe
Set in the 4th century as the Roman Empire is starting to weaken and the local Gauls are putting up some resistance. The show is set in a massive recreation of a Roman arena (seating 7000) with chariot races and other battles between gladiators and slaves. The finale involves the centrepiece of the colosseum converting into a huge Roman galley, which turns 360˚ before being set on fire!
L’Épée du Roi Arthur
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table have been imprisoned by Morgan le Fay. It’s down to Tristan and his men to find Excaliber and release Arthur. The show involves huge amounts of scenery moving on the set and Tristan has a swordfight with a tree (don’t ask!).
Les Vikings
Around the 9th century, a wedding in a quiet village on the coast of France is interupted by the invasion of Vikings. Lots of battles and plundering follows, including the dramatic arrival of two Viking longships, the second of which rises up from the middle of the lake, complete with crew on deck!
There are plenty of well trained animals and birds at Puy de Fou but I am still amazed this microlight pilot (spotted while we were walking between shows) managed to get a flock of birds to fly in formation behind them!
Le Secret de la Lance
We’re in the 15th Century, in the middle of the Hundred Years War. A young shepherdess helps Joan of Arc defend the Château from the English (boo!) and the Burgundians. Lots of knights in armour and trick horse riding, also soldiers running down the side of a tower wall (don’t ask!).
Le Mime et L’Étoile
I especially loved this show, set in 1914. You are in a studio watching the making of a black & white silent movie about the love story between a mime and a movie star – the director wants the movie to burst into colour and sound. The effects are very impressive with moving footpaths and a huge rolling backdrop.
Le Café de la Madelon
We booked into this restaurant in the evening of our second day. It is, of course, another show. We are guests at a wedding reception set in 1914, the Belle Epoque period. The food was excellent but the wedding doesn’t go to plan. Needless to say, the waiters and waitresses burst into song & dance!
Les Noces de Feu
Our last show at Puy de Fou started in darkness at 10:30pm and was typically bonkers and dazzling at the same time. A classical music concert in the middle of a lake with musicians and ballet dancers dressed in LED covered outfits (and lots of fountains). A delightfully mad ending to a very entertaining two days!