Puy du Fou
A huge favourite with all of us, young and old, is this historical theme park which in our opinion beats Disneyland hands down. In fact Puy du Fou is one of the most visited places in france outside major cities and it is only an hour and a half drive from La Perriere!
The original manor on the site survives half burned to ground and is now the theatre of one of the most impressive night-time sound and light (sons et lumières) shows in Europe.
The park is split into five separate attractions, each running for approximately 30 - 40 minutes:
is set in front of the battlements of a Middle Age Castle. It relates the story of a young shepherdess who must defend alone her donjon from the English knights, helped by a lance with supernatural powers.
is set in a reconstructed 1000 year old fortress that is attacked by a Viking Longship.The story begins with a marriage in the village, just before the arrival of a Viking Longboat. Special effects include the emergence of a Longboat from underwater, and a saint walking on the water.
is set in a replica of an amphitheater that is 115 meters long and 75 meters wide. It recreates the Gaul atmosphere during Roman times. It features a traditional parade of people and animals, gladiatorial comabat, chariot racing and executions. It is set during the time of Diocletian, when there was great unrest.
is a show set to a mysterious story. Dozens of birds of prey surge from the ruins and swoop low over the heads of the visitors. The falcons are placed on the heads of some visitors wearing hats by the falconers.
features Musketeers performing swash-buckling sword fighting and Gypsy girls Flamenco dancing in water. Horses also perform special trotting/ jumping techniques. Performed in complete darkness, this is the only show that is staged indoors.
During April, July and August 2010 after sunset the Grand Park presents (except on Fridays and Saturdays for the summer season). This show takes place completely on the water and depicts a love story between two musicians.
Experience the awesome excitement of the biggest night show in the world, where 1200 actors using 6000 costumes with 70 horsemen and all the latest technology entertain you for 1hr 40 mins with a show that is awesome and breath taking. It is a true "son et luminare" a medieval pageant play displayed with 21st century technology.
The show tells the history of the Vendee as seen through the eyes of a small boy over the period from just before the start of the Wars of the Vendee in 1793 through two centuries to the present day.
Nothing about this show is on a small scale, the Stage, over 70 acres is the largest stage in the world, the water fountains and firework display the largest of its kind on a regular basis in Europe, the list goes on, but to really understand the enormity and magic of this spectacular you will need to visit.
Due to the popularity of the show you will need to pre-book especially for the main holiday season which is normally sold out months in advance.
Be warned though if you would like to go to the Cinescenie you will need to book well in advance as tickets go very quickly inspite of their being an audience of 10,000 twice a week!
Find out more and to book in advance