Puy du Fou, a historical theme park renowned for its immersive experiences and live reenactments, is poised to expand its footprint to the United Kingdom, following resounding success in France and Spain. Originating in western France in 1978, Puy du Fou has steadily ascended to become the second most popular theme park destination in the country, trailing only Disneyland Paris. Last year alone, the park attracted a record-breaking 2.8 million visitors, a testament to its compelling blend of history, entertainment, and spectacle. Building on this momentum, Puy du Fou launched a Spanish park in Toledo in 2019, which swiftly welcomed 1.5 million visitors, further solidifying the brand’s international appeal. Now, a £300 million project is underway to bring the unique Puy du Fou experience to Oxfordshire, with ambitious plans to transport UK visitors back in time through captivating historical performances.
The proposed UK park, envisioned to span 370 acres, will showcase between ten and twenty live shows, each ranging from ten to thirty minutes in duration. These meticulously crafted reenactments will draw inspiration from British history, with a potential focus on periods such as Roman times and World War I. Olivier Strebelle, Puy du Fou’s chief executive, emphasizes the park’s commitment to providing an immersive escape from the modern world, allowing guests to “travel through time” and experience different eras through the lens of meticulously staged performances. The park’s design will integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape, with “beautiful trees, water and plants” planned to evoke the atmosphere of Kew Gardens. The commitment to local resonance is underscored by Strebelle’s statement that the park is intended for “local people,” mirroring the predominantly domestic visitor base of the existing European parks. The intention is to create a destination that deeply connects with the local community and celebrates British heritage.
The Puy du Fou experience is characterized by its innovative blend of technology, human performance, and animal involvement. Each show is carefully crafted to deliver a captivating narrative, incorporating historical accuracy with theatrical flair. Strebelle emphasizes the importance of local historians in shaping the narratives, ensuring the performances authentically reflect the nuances of British history. The park’s commitment to authenticity also extends to the planned themed hotels and historical restaurants, designed to immerse visitors in the chosen historical periods even outside of the show arenas. This dedication to detail and historical accuracy is what distinguishes Puy du Fou from traditional theme parks, offering a unique educational and entertainment experience.
Furthermore, Puy du Fou is not merely replicating its existing models in the UK. The company is also launching a novel train journey experience called Le Grand Tour. Described as the “world’s longest show,” this six-day train expedition will depart from Paris and traverse France, offering a mobile theatrical experience. While the starting price of £7,000 per ticket positions this as a premium offering, it highlights Puy du Fou’s willingness to experiment with new formats and expand the definition of immersive entertainment. This initiative reflects the company’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to delivering unique experiences beyond the confines of a traditional theme park setting.
The existing Puy du Fou parks offer a glimpse into what UK visitors can anticipate. Clive Andrews, writing for The Sun, described his visit to the French park as a journey through meticulously recreated historical villages, where thatched cottages and artisan craftsmen create a living tableau of the past. Landscaped gardens and seemingly inanimate statues that come to life add to the immersive atmosphere. Shows like “Le Bal Des Oiseaux Fantomes” (The Ghost Birds’ Dance), centered on Eleanor of Aquitaine, and “Le Signe du Triomphe,” a Roman spectacle set in a gladiator arena, combine historical narrative with impressive displays of falconry, captivating audiences of all ages. The park’s ability to weave compelling stories with stunning visual spectacles makes it an engaging experience for families and history enthusiasts alike.
The anticipation for Puy du Fou’s arrival in the UK is mounting, as planning applications are slated for submission this summer. The 370-acre site near Bicester is poised to become a hub of historical reenactment and immersive entertainment. The ride-free nature of the park distinguishes it from traditional theme parks, emphasizing the focus on live performances and historical storytelling. With its blend of meticulous historical detail, captivating performances, and innovative experiences like Le Grand Tour, Puy du Fou is set to redefine the theme park landscape in the UK, offering a unique and enriching journey through time. The planned investment in the Oxfordshire site and the ambitious scale of the project signal a long-term commitment to the UK market and a confidence in the appeal of its unique brand of historical entertainment.
