We visited Puy du Fou with our two children, who were 4 and 8 at the time, and I honestly wasn’t prepared for just how spectacular it would be. Puy du Fou has twice won the award for the “Best Theme Park in the World” and is the second most popular theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris.
As I watched the shows, I was left completely in awe. Did that Viking ship really just come out of the water? How on earth did they do that?
Unlike other theme parks in France like Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix, Puy du Fou has no traditional roller coasters. Instead, it brings different periods of history to life through enormous live shows, incredible special effects and immersive experiences.
We spent two full days exploring the park, and it was one of those family trips that stayed with me long after we came home. In this guide, I’m sharing what we loved, which experiences I’d think twice about with younger children, and the practical things I’d want to know before visiting.
Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Puy du Fou
How many days do you need at Puy du Fou?
I’d recommend allowing two days to visit Puy du Fou, particularly if you’re travelling with children.
We spent two days at the park and managed to see every show that was on offer during our visit, without feeling that we had to rush from one performance to the next.
The park is extensive, and the shows take place at different times and venues. Trying to squeeze everything into one day would mean making some difficult choices, particularly if you want to enjoy the villages, take breaks and watch the evening entertainment.
If you’re travelling a long way to get there, I’d plan for two full days and stay overnight nearby.
Book your tickets in advance
I’d recommend booking your tickets before your visit, especially if you’re travelling during the French school holidays or on a weekend.
Ticket prices depend on your dates, the number of days you visit and whether you add an evening show or other extras.
You can check current prices and availability on the official Puy du Fou ticket website. Pre-booking your tickets online gives you a 20% discount if done at least 72 hours ahead of your visit. The park also offers an Emotion Pass that allows you to skip the line and benefit from the best seats in the stands at the major shows. We visited Puy du Fou mid-week over the October school holidays in France. Without the Emotion Pass, we had no problem entering any show without queues and finding a good seat. However, I know the park is much busier during the summer, so consider getting Emotion Pass if you are going during the peak season.
Download the Puy du Fou app
I’d download the Puy du Fou app before your visit and familiarise yourself with the map and shows. The schedule is the key to planning your day. Shows take place at different times and venues, and you’ll need to allow time to walk between them. Choose the performances you most want to see first, then fit the rest of your day around them.
The app is useful for checking showtimes, navigating the park and following the daily programme. Check it again shortly before your visit, as schedules can change.
And don’t forget a portable phone charger. You’ll probably be using your phone quite a bit throughout the day.
Check the weather forecast and plan a mix of indoor/outdoor experiences
We were in the park for two days. The first day greeted us with sunshine, while the second day brought pouring rain. To make the most of your visit, aim for outdoor shows when the weather is pleasant, and opt for indoor shows and immersive experiences (all indoors) on days when it’s raining or scorching hot.
In case you find yourself unprepared for the rain, don’t worry. You can purchase rain covers within the park to stay dry and comfortable.
The Best Puy du Fou Shows and Experiences for Kids
The shows are the main reason to visit Puy du Fou, but not every performance will appeal to every child.
We watched all the experiences with our children, and while my 4-year-old was oblivious to anything remotely scary, my 8-year-old did get upset during a few of them.
Here are the shows we particularly enjoyed, followed by the experiences I’d approach with a little more caution if you’re visiting with younger children.
Our favourite shows
I’ve listed our favourites below, with a little detail about what to expect. I’m deliberately not giving away too much, as part of the fun is discovering the spectacular effects for yourself.
- Le Signe du Triomphe: gladiator battles and chariot races
- Les Vikings: Viking invasion complete with contests and daring feats
- Le Mime et l’Etoile: moving love story at the time of black-and-white cinema
- Le Secret de la Lance: legend of Joan of Arc’s sacred lance and acrobatics on horseback
- Les Chevaliers de La Table Ronde: tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table
- Mousquetaire de Richelieu: action-packed show with Musketeers and flamenco dancers
- Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantômes: birds of prey show with impressive falconry
Shows and experiences that may frighten younger children
Some experiences may not be suitable for younger children, and it’s important to gauge your children’s comfort levels. After all, you know your kids best! If you can, leave your kids with a partner while you go and watch them by yourself…
We did all of the experiences with our kids, and while my 4-year-old was oblivious to anything remotely scary, my 8-year-old did get upset and frightened at the shows below. I would say leave these for older children:
- Show: Le Dernier Panache (French Revolution execution reenacted on stage)
- Immersive experience: Les Amoreux de Verdun (loud noises, darkness, operating room)
- Immersive experience: Le Premiere Royaume (water, sound effects and strong scents)
- Immersive experience: Le Mystere de la Perouse (recreates a moving and sinking vessel)
Practical Tips for Visiting Puy du Fou with Kids
Explore the villages between shows
One of the things I loved about Puy du Fou was that there was so much to discover between performances. Take a stroll through the period villages and explore the various shops that have been beautifully adorned in the style of the Middle Ages and other historical periods. These shops primarily feature crafts and artisans who have preserved traditional techniques for centuries. Here, you can witness a master glassmaker demonstrating the art of glass blowing, visit the skilled saddler, observe the potter’s craftsmanship, and interact with other tradespeople.
We also enjoyed the playground, labyrinth and fountains, which gave the children a chance to run around and take a break from sitting through performances. I’d leave some time in your schedule to wander around and enjoy these areas. They’re part of what makes Puy du Fou feel so different from a traditional theme park.
Don’t miss the evening entertainment
The evening shows are another highlight of Puy du Fou. During our October visit, we had the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing “Les Noces de Feu” performance on the lake. This show is an absolute must-see, and features stunning water-based scenes and performers emerging from the depths. Watch the trailer here. The best part? It’s all included in the price of your park ticket, so there’s no need to pay extra. The show starts at 9 pm and lasts for 30 minutes. During our visit, even the kids were wide awake and enjoyed every moment.
The park also stages Cinéscénie on selected dates. It’s a separate, large-scale outdoor production requiring its own ticket or appropriate package, so check the official programme and availability before booking. Featuring a massive cast of 2,500 actors and dancers, “La Cinéscénie” is the world’s largest nighttime show. What a fantastic way to conclude your day at Puy du Fou!
Food and restaurants
There are several restaurants and places to eat throughout the park, including themed restaurants that fit in with the historical surroundings.
You can make restaurant reservations onsite for a sit-down meal or grab healthy French fast food (think croque monsieur), ice cream or other food at fast food outlets scattered around the park.
I recommend making dinner reservations in advance due to popular demand. There are several options onsite including buffet-style restaurants like Les Deux Couronnes where we ate one night, and a restaurant with live comedy entertainment like Le Café de la Madelon while you eat. We preferred the buffet-style restaurant for dinner because there was more food choice. Whether you book lunch or dinner, doing so in advance saves you 15% off the menu price.
I’d check the current menus, prices and reservation arrangements before going, especially if you want to eat at a particular restaurant or are visiting during a busy period.
You can find the latest information on the official Puy du Fou website.
How to get to Puy du Fou
Puy du Fou is located in the Vendée, in western France, near Les Epesses.
It’s a considerable distance from Paris, so I’d treat it as part of a wider trip rather than a quick day trip from the capital.
By car
Puy du Fou is a 3hr 30mins drive from Paris, 3hr drive from Bordeaux, 2hr drive Poitiers and 1hr drive from Nantes and Angers.
We had our car and visited Puy du Fou as part of our visit to the Loire Valley. The park is only an hour’s drive from the famous chateaux in the region, so I recommend staying and exploring the area. Read Best Loire Valley to visit with kids for more ideas to plan your itinerary.
All parking at Puy du Fou is free of charge, and there is even a charger for electric cars in Parking Lot D, which was a lifesaver for us.
If you want to hire a car, DiscoverCars is a great platform that lets you compare the prices of rental cars from your location to Puy du Fou.
By train
You can travel by TGV from Paris to Angers or Nantes and arrange onward transport to Puy du Fou.
A dedicated shuttle has operated between Angers TGV station and the park, but its timetable, operating dates, fares and reservation requirements can vary.
If you’re travelling by train, check the official Puy du Fou transport information before booking your train tickets.
I’d organise the onward journey in advance rather than assuming you can easily find transport when you arrive..
By plane
The nearest airport to Puy du Fou is Nantes Atlantique Airport. You could take the domestic flight from Paris to Nantes, and then it’s 1 hour by car or by dedicated shuttle from the airport.
Where to stay when visiting Puy du Fou
You can stay at one of the six onsite Puy du Fou hotels, each with a unique historical theme. For example, La Citadelle resembles a castle from the Middle Ages, La Villa Gallo-Romaine takes you back to the time of the Roman Empire, and Le Camp du Drap d’Or features giant tents with four-poster beds and all modern facilities inside.
Alternatively, there are various accommodations available outside the park, catering to a range of budgets and preferences, such as:
- Chateau Du Boisniard: 5 mins drive from the park; a 5-star hotel with a Michelin-star restaurant, extensive amenities, and outdoor pool
- Cit’Hotel Le Relais du Boisniard: 7 mins drive from the park; 3-star hotel with family rooms accommodating up to 6 people
- Hôtel la Verriaire: 8mins drive from the park; 8 mins drive from the park; 3-star hotel with simple but comfortable family rooms
- Hotel Château de la Barbinière; 12 mins drive from the park; 4-star hotel with beautiful grounds and an outdoor swimming pool
Is Puy du Fou Worth Visiting with Kids?
For our family, absolutely. We spent two full days at Puy du Fou, and it was one of the most memorable theme park experiences we’ve had in France.
It’s not a traditional theme park, and that’s exactly what makes it special. The spectacular shows, immersive historical settings and the chance to discover something completely different made it a trip we all enjoyed.
I’d particularly recommend it to families whose children enjoy stories, history and live performances, and who are happy to spend time watching shows rather than going from ride to ride.
If you’re planning a trip to France and deciding between Puy du Fou, Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix, you can also read my comparison of the three theme parks in France.
Have you visited Puy du Fou with your children? I’d love to hear what you thought in the comments below!
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