One of the best theme parks in Europe is rated higher than Disneyland, despite having no rollercoasters. Puy du Fou is an amusement park in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. It is the fourth most-visited theme park in France behind the two parks at Disneyland and Asterix.
It doesn’t have any rides but is still named one of the top 10 theme parks in Europe, even outranking Disneyland. It attracts 2.5million visitors every year.
The theme park hosts 20 historical re-enactments ranging from the Roman Empire to the First World War. Shows include gladiator battles in coliseums, Viking rampages with fire effects and knights in jousting duels. They are in French but visitors can get an audio translation.
There are also four themed villages to explore, over 2,000 animals on the site, and many restaurants to enjoy.
Puy du Fou is well known for not having long queues (especially in off-peak season) but it is recommended that those wanting to see everything will have to spend two days at the park.
Reviews on Tripadvisor are glowing. One person said the park is “possibly my favourite place on earth” while another urged people to “just go – don’t question it”.
One happy holidaymaker said: “Puy Du Fou is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. They call it an amusement park, but there are no rides, just ‘experiences’ and ‘spectacles’. We watched in amazement over and over again as each ‘spectacle’ outdid the last.”
One person wrote: “This was one of the best days out and very good value for money. We went with four kids (11, eight, six and two). We got there early with plenty of snacks (eating as we queued) to get a much crammed into our day.
“Managed to get to most the show except one only because we went to see the meme show twice. The shows were absolutely fabulous and everyone enjoyed themselves. I recommend taking some headphones if you want English translations.”
Puy du Fou is on the edge of Les Epesses, an hour’s drive from Nantes airport, where there are direct flights from the UK.
Adult tickets start from £37.76 when booked online, child tickets from £26.61. The amusement park has six themed hotels on site but there are also holiday lets and hotels in the area.
