Puy du Fou

We spent two days visiting Puy du Fou. It is an immersive theme park where history comes to life in action packed shows.

https://www.puydufou.com/france/en/must-see-france

On the way into the show we heard a strange noise overhead and it was a man flying a microlite being followed by a flock of geese. Geese like to fly in a V formation as this helps them use less energy. It was all part of the theme park, they were doing flying loops around the car park and entrance.

Le Secret de la Lance / The Secret of the Lance

The first show told the medieval story of the 100 year war. There were people doing tricks on horseback and jousting which I thought was incredible. I learnt a new word, siege, which means to come under attack.

“Jeanne d’Arc comes to meet the knight Fulgent, to gather all the best warriors ready to fight the English. After the knights’ departure for Orléans, Marguerite, a young shepherdess, finds herself alone at the château. She will need to unveil the secret of a lance with amazing powers so she can protect the enchanted ramparts of the château in the midst of a battle.”

Le Signe du Triomphe / The Sign of Triumph

The next show was about ancient Rome. At the start we saw Romulus & Remus, baby twins being looked after by wolves. Next came some chariot racing which was really exciting, I didn’t know which colour would win. A wheel came off the blue chariot and the red chariot broke in half! The show ended with a Roman Galleon ship full and a battle.

During the show we took part is several Mexican Waves which was lots of fun.

“Held in a Roman style amphitheatre the show features gladiator battles, chariot races, and a naval battle climax, transporting 7,000 spectators to 3rd-century Roman Gaul amidst a rebellion against Roman rule.”

Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantomes / The Ball of the Ghost Birds

Whilst waiting for the next show, we could see lots of birds including Andean Condors, these are the largest flying birds in the world.

“This spectacular 30-minute performance features hundreds of tame birds of prey and other species, such as eagles, falcons, and owls, performing an aerial ballet that flies over the audience’s heads within the ruins of a medieval castle. The show, which is suitable for all ages, is a blend of history, legend, and falconry, highlighting the importance of these birds of prey, and ends with a grand finale with hundreds of birds flying together.”

L’Epee du Roi Arthur / The Sword of King Arthur

I already knew abit about the legend of King Arthur and Excalibur his sword, from visiting King Arthurs Labyrinth earlier this year.

“At the foot of the ramparts of Font Rognou, the medieval city of Puy du Fou, young Tristan stumbles upon the ruins of an ancient castle. The legendary King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table are trapped under the spell of the wicked fairy Morgana.

With the help of his five loyal friends and guided by the mysterious Lady of the Lake, Tristan must summon all his courage and cunning to free Excalibur, the enchanted sword of the famed king of Britain. Will he be able to outwit the powerful enchantress?”

Les Vikings / The Vikings

This was my favourite show, it had horses, two viking ships, explosions, dogs, sheep and so much action.

The Vikings were people from Scandinavian who set sail on the sea to claim new lands. They were fierce fighters and conquered varies parts of Europe during the Middle Ages.

“While the whole village celebrates the wedding of Sybèle and Aldéric, frightening drakkars appear in the middle of gigantic flames: the ferocious Vikings invade “Saint Philbert le Vieil” and its thatched huts. At the foot of the imposing feudal mound, the battle rages in a deluge of stunts and special effects! Only a miracle can save the villagers from the fury of these fearsome assailants…”

Mousquetaire de Richelieu / Musketeer of Richelieu

This was one of my favourite shows. It featured horses dancing to light shows and fountains. By the end of the show the stage was submerged in water and the horses hooves caused the water to spray up which was lit my the coloured lights.

“A clever mix of sword fights, poetic tirades, flamenco choreography and equestrian prowess, this show offers an intense staging enhanced by incredible special effects! Water and light effects, gigantic mobile sets, period costumes, everything has been designed to transport you! The Grand Carrousel, an oversized theater, equipped with the largest stage curtain in the world, is the marriage of the charm of 17th century theaters and the gigantism of the Puy du Fou.”

Le Mystere de la Perouse / The Mystery of La Pérouse

This was a self guided walk through story about an explorer who’s boat was lost at sea. As you walk through the difference parts of the boat, it feels like the room is moving. Water sprays against the windows and the sounds make you think you are actually sailing the seas. It’s a true story, in 1785 the ship set sail and was never seen or heard from again. Then in 1992 a deep sea dive mission found a ship wreck. Within the ship wreck they found a plate and from it’s coat of arms they could identify the ship. The plate was returned to the family and is now on display at the end of this walk.

“Become explorers for a day and take to the high seas for a legendary scientific expedition, under the command of King Louis XVI! In 1785, board one of the ships of explorer La Pérouse. Leave the port of Brest and set sail to brave the unknown waters. On board the ship, take part in the great discoveries, from Cape Horn to Alaska, all the way to Vanikoro… and endure the most challenging of storms! You will experience, from within, the odyssey of an expedition from which there was no return: the mysterious voyage of La Pérouse!”