Visit the Puy du Fou

Nestling in the heart of the Vendée, in the commune of Les Epesses, the Puy du Fou is one of France’s most prestigious tourist destinations. This one-of-a-kind theme park takes you back through the centuries with its grandiose shows and historical re-enactments of exceptional quality. Voted “World’s Best Amusement Park” several times, the Puy du Fou offers much more than a simple family outing: it’s a real journey through time that will amaze young and old alike.

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1. Why visit the Puy du Fou?

Le Puy du Fou is revolutionising the concept of the amusement park by focusing on emotion and history rather than traditional rides. This French leisure complex, founded by Philippe de Villiers in 1977, covers more than 100 hectares and offers total immersion in different historical eras. Unlike traditional parks, each show tells an authentic story, featuring meticulous reconstructions with period costumes, grandiose sets and breathtaking special effects. Visitors can discover the history of France from Roman antiquity to the 20th century, through shows that combine stunts, pyrotechnics and exceptional performances.

Le Puy du Fou’s international reputation is based on its innovative approach to family entertainment. The park has revolutionised the leisure industry by creating a new genre: the immersive historical show. This excellence has earned it numerous prestigious awards, including Thea Awards and Applause Awards, establishing the site as a global benchmark for cultural attractions.

2. The must-see shows at Le Puy du Fou

The Sign of Triumph

Inaugurated in 2001, this show plunges you into the heart of Roman Antiquity in a grandiose amphitheatre seating over 6,000. You’ll witness authentic gladiatorial combat, epic chariot races and confrontations with impressive wild beasts. The faithfully reconstructed architecture and period costumes create a striking atmosphere that instantly transports you to the excitement of an ancient Roman circus.

The Vikings

Created in 2005, this show recounts the Viking invasions of the 9th century with striking realism. The stunning arrival of an authentic drakkar rising from the waves is one of the park’s most spectacular moments. Choreographed stunts, epic battles and pyrotechnic effects recreate the tumultuous atmosphere of a village threatened by the fearsome warriors of the North. Humour and action intertwine to provide all-round entertainment that captivates all audiences.

The Phantom Birds Ball

Launched in 1989, this exceptional falconry show features over 330 birds of prey flying in perfect harmony in the skies over Vendée. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons and griffon vultures perform breathtaking aerial ballets, guided by expert falconers. The choreography of the birds, accompanied by spellbinding music, creates a unique natural symphony. This magical moment also reveals the historical importance of falconry in medieval French culture.

The Secret of the Lance

This 2010 creation transports you to the height of the Hundred Years’ War, revealing the extraordinary destiny of a young shepherdess possessed of a mysterious power. Cavalry charges, spectacular pyrotechnic effects and monumental sets that transform before your eyes create a gripping epic fresco. The authentic medieval costumes and captivating narration bring this crucial period in French history to life with remarkable intensity.

Le Dernier Panache

Inaugurated in 2016, this show retraces the epic story of General François de Charette, hero of the Vendée Wars. Thanks to a revolutionary 2,400 m² revolving stage, you can follow the action from every angle, from the American War of Independence to the conflicts in the Vendée. The immersive sets and epic soundtrack underline the magnitude of this historic figure’s destiny. This innovative staging offers a unique perspective on the great upheavals of the 18th century.

3. Magical night-time shows

The Cinescénie

A founding show of Le Puy du Fou since 1978, the Cinéscénie remains the park’s flagship attraction. This monumental nocturnal fresco mobilises over 4,000 local volunteers to retrace the history of the Vendée from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. Over the course of 1? hours, the living tableaux follow one another on the world’s largest stage, including an illuminated authentic château and spectacular fountains. The magical lighting effects, grandiose pyrotechnics and spellbinding music create an unforgettable emotional experience.

The Fire Wedding

Created in 2020, this night-time aquatic show unfurls its splendour on an artificial lake in an enchantingly romantic setting. You’ll witness the magical reunion of a virtuoso violinist and his muse at their fairytale wedding. The 80 electroluminescent costumes, refined aquatic choreography and pyrotechnic effects create a breathtaking visual aesthetic. Live music played by professional musicians adds an extra emotional dimension to this celebration of love and art.

4. Reconstructed historic villages

The Fort of An Mil

Opened in 1992, this fortified village immerses you in everyday life in the early Middle Ages. The authentic wooden buildings, surrounded by defensive palisades, are home to craftsmen in period costume demonstrating ancestral skills. Blacksmiths, millers and weavers perpetuate the traditional gestures of the 10th century, giving you an insight into the social and economic organisation of this pivotal period in European history.

The Medieval City

Created in 1979, this faithful recreation of a medieval town invites you to wander through its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. The imposing ramparts, watchtowers and craft stalls recreate the authentic atmosphere of a fortified town. The actors and actresses bring to life the bustle of the markets of yesteryear, introducing you to the crafts of leatherwork, calligraphy and illumination that flourished in those prosperous times.

The 18th-century Village

Established in 1990, this rural hamlet faithfully recreates rural life in the Age of Enlightenment. Authentic thatched cottages, traditional farmhouses and a working mill bear witness to the simplicity of pre-industrial farming life. On-site craftsmen share their ancestral techniques, from bread-making to flax processing, while farmyard animals complete this bucolic immersion in France’s past.

Le Bourg 1900

Opened in 1989, this Belle Époque district recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of the early 20th century. The picturesque shops with their colourful facades, the period café and the railway station of yesteryear transport visitors back to the bustle of that optimistic period. Everyday objects, vintage advertisements and street entertainment aptly evoke changing lifestyles and the emergence of the modern consumer society.

5. Practical information for visiting the Puy du Fou

Opening times and calendar

The Puy du Fou opens its doors from 5 April to 11 November 2025. Opening times vary according to the period: from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm during the regular season, and from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm or 10:30 pm on the evenings of night-time shows. During special offer periods, the park offers particularly attractive reduced rates. It is essential to consult the official calendar before your visit for the exact times and programme of night-time shows.

Prices and ticketing

Prices for 2025 range from €46 for an adult (ticket purchased online 72 hours in advance) to €58 on site. Children aged 3 to 13 benefit from preferential rates from €33. Multi-day tickets offer attractive discounts: 16% savings for two days, 37% for three days. The Emotion Pass, available at an additional cost, gives access to VIP seats and premium services for the most popular shows.

How to get to Puy du Fou

Located in Les Epesses in the Vendée (85590), the Puy du Fou is accessible via the A87 motorway, exit no. 28. The D27 road leads directly to the park entrances, where free parking is available for visitors. By public transport, Angers TGV station offers direct links from Paris, followed by a TER connection to Les Epesses (1h20 journey time) and then a free 15-minute shuttle to the park. Nantes airport, an hour’s drive away, also serves the region for international visitors.

Download the audio tour to discover Nantes on foot and on your own

If you’re planning a visit to the region, don’t miss Nantes, less than an hour from Le Puy du Fou. This city in the Pays de la Loire region is bursting with architectural and cultural treasures. With the Navaway itinerary, explore the capital of Brittany in an interactive and fun way, discovering its emblematic monuments, historic districts and contemporary innovations. The audio guide accompanies you on a 6.2 km stroll that reveals all the secrets of the city of the Dukes of Brittany.

6. Tips for making the most of your visit

Plan your route

To get the most out of your visit to Le Puy du Fou, download the official app, which provides real-time timetables and allows you to book certain shows. Start your day with the most popular attractions: Le Signe du Triomphe, Les Vikings and Le Secret de la Lance. Reserve the historic villages for the busiest times, as they make for a more leisurely visit. If you have several days, devote one whole day to the shows and another to exploring the villages and complementary activities.

Choosing the right period

The special offer periods (mainly April-May and September) offer the best value for money, with reduced prices and fewer crowds. Summer allows you to take full advantage of the night-time shows, but requires early booking. June and September offer an excellent compromise between good weather, a full programme and reasonable attendance. Avoid the weekends in May and the summer school holidays if you want to visit in comfort.

Services and catering

The park has a dozen themed restaurants, from medieval taverns to 18th-century inns, serving cuisine inspired by the historical periods represented. Picnic areas are also available for self-catering. Souvenir shops offer exclusive items, including reproductions of historical objects and regional craft specialities. Left-luggage and pushchair services make it easy for the whole family to visit.

7. Around Le Puy du Fou: what to discover in the region

The heritage of the Vendée

The Vendée is packed with historic sites to complement your visit to Le Puy du Fou. The Château de Tiffauges, nicknamed “Bluebeard’s castle”, offers medieval entertainment and period re-enactments. The Logis de la Chabotterie, where Charette was captured, sheds light on the history of the Vendée wars. These sites offer a chance to learn more about local history in an authentic, unspoilt setting.

The châteaux of the Loire

Less than an hour’s drive away, the Loire Valley unfolds its emblematic Renaissance châteaux. Angers and its imposing medieval fortress, home to the famous Apocalypse tapestry, is a major cultural stop-off point. The châteaux of Saumur, Chinon and Azay-le-Rideau are the perfect complement to the historical discoveries made at the Puy du Fou, offering an exceptional architectural panorama of the French Renaissance.

The Vendée coastline

The beaches of the Vendée, just an hour’s drive away, combine culture and seaside relaxation. Les Sables-d’Olonne, Saint-Jean-de-Monts and La Tranche-sur-Mer offer vast stretches of fine sand and a variety of water sports. This proximity to the Atlantic Ocean adds a maritime dimension to your stay, which is characteristic of the Vendée identity. To take your discovery of the region a step further, a visit to Nantes is a cultural must.

In conclusion, visiting the Puy du Fou is much more than a simple leisure outing: it’s a total immersion in French history that will leave a lasting impression on your memory. This exceptional park, with the quality of its shows and the authenticity of its re-enactments, offers a cultural experience that is unique in the world. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of great shows or simply looking for a thrill to share with your family, the Puy du Fou will win you over with its timeless magic. Don’t hesitate to extend your discovery of the region by exploring the treasures of the Vendée and Pays de la Loire regions, in particular by following the Nantes itinerary for a complete exploration of this region rich in history and tradition.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to visit the Puy du Fou?

One day is all it takes to discover the essential shows, but two days offer optimum comfort so you can take full advantage of all the shows and historic villages without rushing.

Is the Puy du Fou suitable for young children?

Absolutely! Most of the shows are accessible from the age of 3. Certain moments may impress the most sensitive (fights, sound effects), but the whole thing remains family-friendly and educational.

Is it possible to visit the Puy du Fou in the rain?

Most shows take place in covered grandstands or under a big top. Only a few outdoor shows may be cancelled in the event of severe bad weather. The historic villages can still be visited in wet weather.

Do I need to book in advance?

By booking online, you can save up to 20% on on-site prices and guarantee your access, particularly during busy summer periods and at weekends.

Are there any shows in foreign languages?

The shows are mainly in French, but the visual aspect allows universal understanding. Audioguides in several languages are available for certain shows and historic villages.