{"id":26146,"date":"2019-08-01T16:30:12","date_gmt":"2019-08-01T15:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/?p=26146"},"modified":"2022-10-21T11:10:28","modified_gmt":"2022-10-21T10:10:28","slug":"puy-du-fou-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/08\/01\/puy-du-fou-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Puy du Fou Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Puy du Fou was described to me as a must-visit place – perfect for home education with a good dose of history mixed with incredible entertainment. It was described as a theme park but without rollercoasters but the most amazing shows. That people come from all over to visit – including America and Japan. I enquired about the possibility of complimentary tickets <\/strong>in return for a review and am delighted to tell you that they said yes, including emotion passes and lunch. All opinions are honest and my own – besides I also have video footage to let Puy du Fou speak for itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"roman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About Puy du Fou <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Puy du Fou is a historical theme park in Les Epesses in the heart of the Vend\u00e9e region of Western France, and is the second most popular theme park in France after Disneyland Paris<\/a>. But it offers something we have never seen anywhere before – with stunts that will astound and amazing you (well they did us!). This includes not only the talented actors but the scenery too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Grand<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Set in 50 hectares of forest and gardens there are variety of historical shows with actors and animals recreating high drama such as Roman Gladiators, Vikings<\/a>, and King Arthur<\/a> – with spectacular special effects. You can listen to a translation in your own language via the app (your own headset is required but it is quite loud and difficult to hear over the original). Even if you don\u2019t understand the language you can still follow the story, and the live action is incredible. The shows are suitable for a variety of ages, but some things youngsters may find upsetting (such as the fake blood).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"scenery<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As well as\nthe shows there are reconstructed historic\nvillages, including a medieval settlement and an 18th-century farm, where you\ncan go into houses and watch artisans at work; and calm places great for\ntime-out or cool down (with many water features including spray-jets) in the\nwoodland and garden areas (with lots of well-cared for and beautiful  flowers).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Experience of Puy du Fou<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I was gifted our day at Puy du Fou which included entrance, Pass Emotion and lunch at Le Bistrot for five on a day in July when the French had already broken up for the school holidays. We located Puy du Fou with ease and parked with no problems in the free car park. Everything was straight forward and as soon as we entered we picked up our English map with details of the day\u2019s programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"owl<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shows at Puy du Fou<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We were blown away by the shows – I would describe them as like some Merlin Attractions<\/a>, such as Warwick Castle<\/a> or any of the Dungeons<\/a>, meets the Circus<\/a> – but so much bigger and better! The fighting scenes were so impressive at Le Signe Du Triomphe (Roman Games) that one of my children asked me if the blood was real!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Viking<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We were staying a little way away at Les Gen\u00eats Campsite, St Jean-de-Monts, Vendee, so did not arrive as soon as the park opened and in fact didn\u2019t get to see much before lunch but stayed until closing (at 11pm); in that time we got to see 5 of the 7 big shows (Le Signe du Triomphe, Les Vikings, Le Bal Des Oiseaux Fantomes, Le Secret de La Lance and Les Orgues de Feu) as well as seeing many of the other shows, walk-throughs and attractions. We particularly liked the Roman Games for the crowd participation, action and animals, Les Vikings for the amazing skills especially bringing up the Viking ship from underwater with people on it! The closeness of the birds such as falcons, eagles, owls and vultures in Le Bal des Oseaux Fantomes; and the amazing stunts at castle turning in Le Secret de La Lance. The night show of Les Orgues de Feu was fantastic with its lights and effects and certainly worth staying for if you are there at the end of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Les<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have to admit that I can get very claustrophobic with crowds and obviously too much sensory input can be a little much for The Sensory Seeker<\/a> – but honestly Puy Du Fou is so well organised and spaced out that the only time it felt a little busy was whilst exiting from Le Signe du Triomphe (note this was with using Pass Emotion so may be well worth purchasing). Otherwise ensure you arrive early. There is plenty of people entertaining the crowds including a man with an extra arm! Or just generally the French themselves (who were singing, chanting and generally keeping everyone\u2019s spirits high).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk-through Shows <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We visited three of the walk-through attractions during our visit to Puy du Fou which had a good mixture of live actors, special effects and story (some of which was in English as well as French to read). The Renaissance du Chateu; Le Premier Royaume (Attila the Hun); and Le Mystere de La Perouse (with great effects to feel like you are sailing – and in a storm!). These looked amazing but it was the one time where our lack of French let us down and we could not understand a lot of it (including what I assumed was being told that I was not allowed to use my phone for photography and filming).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"walk<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eating at Puy du Fou<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is a picnic area, fast food outlets and several restaurants,\nincluding live shows over dinner (Le Caf\u00e9 de la Madelon, close to Le Bourg\n1900; and Le Relais de Poste in Le Village XVIII). Food is served at\ndiffering times which begin at 9:15am and ends at 22pm (at La Queue de L\nEtang). If you are wanting to eat in one of the restaurants then it is\nrecommended that you book in advance – and then you collect your restaurant\nvoucher outside from the ticket office on the far right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Steak<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Le Bistrot<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We opted for Le Bistrot which is by (11) Les Automates Musiciens (a\nunique concert performed from the windows of Le Bourg 1900\u2019s square). Le\nBistrot is very light and airy – which could be attributed to the massive\nwindow at the front with stained glass around the edges. The tables are\nwell-spaced out in Le Bistrot and there are lots of lovely little details and\nthings adorning the walls. It was a very hot day but the temperature in Le\nBistrot was just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Seating<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Le Bistrot offers a Brasserie menu in a Belle \u00e9poque style restaurant\nwith amazing table service. Not only did those who serve us treat us well but\nthey took the time to not only translate the menu to English for us all, but\nalso discuss more about the different items to help us fully consider our\nchoices; of which there was a great variety to meet everyone\u2019s tastes, as well\nas the opportunity to try out something new. The menu at Le Bistrot is\ncharmingly set out like an old fashioned newspaper. The food at Le Bistrot was\npromptly served, tasted delicious, and as you would expect was the right\ntemperature. I would also add that some of the servings were rather generous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"croque<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Visiting Puy du Fou<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  1. Download the app<\/em> – this can not only greatly help you plan your day but also has an\ninteractive map – where you can see yourself moving, helping you to find your\nway to the next great attraction. The app also allows you to translate some of\nthe big shows through your device (headphones are required).<\/li>
  2. Plan your day<\/em>. The shows for the day go live the\nevening before on the website – or you can pick up a map (available in a\nvariety of languages) which is tailored for that day with each of the shows and\ntimes on. Remember to factor in eating, toilet stops and getting around the\npark. The map is colour coded – red numbers are\nthe shows, yellow letters are the restaurants, blue are the night time and\nhotels and green are nature attractions.<\/li>
  3. Arriving in good time and\nthink about your exits from the shows.<\/em> This planning also involves arriving at the shows in good\ntime as they have a cut-off for when people can still be seated. If you arrive\nearly you will get more choice about where to sit – which is really useful if\nit is hot and you want to sit in the shade.<\/li>
  4. Wear sensible clothing.<\/em> The park opened at 10am on our visit\nand the last act did not finish until 11pm. It was really hot and we did a lot\nof walking. You can go back to the car if required (grab a handstamp) so you\nmight want to have something available if it should get cooler or start raining\n– either way good footwear is a must.<\/li>
  5. Have something to record your\nmemories.<\/em> I know\nideally we would just want to watch and experience, but honestly you\u2019ll be so\nblown away you will want to take at least a couple of snaps (where you are\nallowed). You may want to take a digital camera, or have a battery charger for\nyour phone.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"le<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Things to Know when<\/strong> Visiting Puy du Fou<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    1. Puy du Fou has FREE Parking and FREE WiFi. <\/li>
    2. There is good security – which includes a bag search on the way in.<\/li>
    3. You can leave and have your hand stamped to re-enter.<\/li>
    4. They speak French and English around the park and in the restaurants (this does not apply to everyone but you will be sure to find someone).<\/li>
    5. Prioritise the shows – you will not be able to see all the shows in one day.<\/li>
    6. The shows are listed in order of importance – well the big shows are the first 7.<\/li>
    7. You can access the stands to shows 1 to 6 is possible 30 minutes before the schedule time – with a \u2018Pass \u00c9motion\u2019 (fast pass) you can arrive up to 10 minutes before.<\/li>
    8. Remember that when there are vultures flying right at you with their mouths open that they only eat dead things! Or so my son reassured me!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \"les<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Conclusions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Obviously Puy du Fou has a lot to offer and there is probably so much more I could say about it (including the fact that there is the option to stay over in one of their hotels). It was a great experience for us all and I particularly liked the educational factor of it. Our children are used to a lot of thrills so I think the fact that even our teenager enjoyed himself says a lot about the place. Well worth a visit – would definitely recommend fuelling up at Le Bistrot (it is a long day) and having the Pass Emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      See also Germany\u2019s Phantasialand<\/a> and\u00a0Europa Park<\/a>, plus Claire from The Ladybirds\u2019 Adventures shares her insights into\u00a0Efteling Theme Park\u00a0<\/a>in the Netherlands<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I was gifted our day at Puy du Fou which included entrance, Pass Emotion and lunch at Le Bistrot for five. All opinions are honest and my own.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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