Sunday 15 July 2018

Puy du Fou Historical Theme Park

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

Before we went to France I had seen some Instagram photos of Puy du Fou historical theme park. So we booked some advance tickets to go for a day. It was an hour and a half drive from our campsite so an early start but it was definitely worth it!

On arrival we had to pass through a bag check and security scanner but it gave us time to check on the day's timetable. We only managed to acquire a Spanish version (and later discovered we could have installed an app!) but it was enough to realise that the Dance of the Phantom Birds was the first thing to go see. It was raining as we crossed the park, typical it was on the furthest point, and joined the huge crowd in the arena. I could understand enough of the French to get the gist of the show, not sure what my son understood! But we could all appreciate being close up to such an amazing variety of birds:


Next up it was the Knights of the Round Table. This was when we first discovered how the sets for the big pieces could actually move so much. Again the words went over my son's head but there was enough action with sword fighting etc for him to enjoy the show:


We then had to queue for a while to get into the Vikings show. It was worth it to be right at the front. This show had a bit of everything from fighting, longships and trained animals:



We could really feel the heat from the flames and loved being so close to the stunt people:


The biggest spectacular we saw was the Sign of Triumph which took place in a replica Roman Stadium:



This only took place once whilst we were there so we had to join a big queue to get in. We sat as near to the front as we could whilst staying dry! The show started with a replica triumphal parade:


Then there was a storyline of a Roman centurion converted to Christianity thanks to love! Of course this got him in trouble so he had to fight gladiators:


This was followed by a chariot race:


The show also included big cats such as a tiger, lions and a hyena, not too sure about the use of such animals for entertainment:



We weren't too impressed by Odyssey of Puy du Fou but this was made up for by the silent movie style show performed by children at the Ballets des Pompiers:




The Musketeers show was indoors in a theatre but still had horse action which was incredible (no photos allowed in there!).  We finished off the day way with the Secrets of the Lance which included Joan of Arc, horse stunts and siege engines:


This show had the most amazing moving sets which have to be seen to be believed! I had an external drive disaster but have put together the bits of video that are on my laptop to give you a taste of our day:


27 comments:

  1. Laura Brittain14 July 2018 at 22:06

    Wow! This is very cool. I haven't heard of this event. Stunning location.

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  2. Rebecca Wilson15 July 2018 at 18:35

    This looks like great fun! I’d never heard of it either!

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  3. Rebecca Wilson15 July 2018 at 18:37

    Wow this looks great! Loved your video!

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  4. Coombe Mill (Fiona)16 July 2018 at 07:06

    I'm sure remember this event from last year. The events do sound fun, I like the idea of the egg throwing, this would appeal to my boys, though I couldn't waste our farm eggs! Well done to your son on the wrestling and to everyone taking part in the heat this year. What a lovely change!

    Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids

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  5. Laura Brittain16 July 2018 at 09:30

    This sounds like a great event full of humour and fun competition. A great tradition to be part of. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  6. Laura Brittain16 July 2018 at 09:33

    Wow this looks like a great place to visit for any history loving kids. Even better for those studying Romans or Vikings! I've never heard of it but will remember it for when J is older.

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  7. Mummy in a TuTu17 July 2018 at 09:50

    Wow this looks like such amazing fun!!

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  8. Sara (@mumturnedmom)18 July 2018 at 15:02

    What a fun day! You really did have good weather, but not ideal for racing! I ran a 5k last week and it was tough going in the heat. Love the wife carrying, that made me chuckle! #countrykids

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  9. Merlinda Little18 July 2018 at 17:53

    Wife carrying looks amazing! You are so lucky to have a chance to attend amazing sporting events. I love seeing them. #countrykids

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  10. Lucy Mackcracken21 July 2018 at 09:00

    my daughter would love the show, she's been doing all about Vikings at school, there certainly looks like there is lots to keep everyone entertained

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  11. Coombe Mill (Fiona)21 July 2018 at 10:54

    Now this is how to learn about history! The reenactment looks amazing and the costumes and acting both educational and entertaining. I must say I'm with you on the big cats, I don't like to see animals in this set up but am more than happy for humans to carryout out impressive acts. That mock up roman fort looks huge, it really must feel like you have stepped back in time to watch this.

    Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids

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  12. Autumn's Mummy21 July 2018 at 15:08

    Wow, the parade looks great! History is always best when it's interactive like this. #Countrykids

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  13. It does look like an amazing place to visit. We have friends going next month and can't wait to hear what they think #CountryKids

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  14. it brings it to life definitely

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  15. hope they enjoy it as much as we did!

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  16. Love things that get people interested in history & can see it in front of you. Agree with you about the use of animals in those kinds of shows though #countrykids

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  17. Merlinda Little22 July 2018 at 18:39

    Wow! They are fighting in water!! The performances here are top notch. So good it looks like you time traveled to a lot of places in the past =) #countrykids

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  18. I keep seeing Puy de Fou online and it sounds incredible, definitely on the must-do list now I've read this; all the shows sound amazing. I guess the silent movie area doesn't have the same action feel about it once you've seen the rest! And I agree about the animals, the only downside by the sound of it. That mock-up colliseum looks imposing too. #CountryKids

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  19. yup it was the one downer about

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  20. its a good one to have on the list!

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  21. Sounds like a wonderful place to visit. So many amazing shows! #countrykids
    Keitha

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