Join other supporters to bring Puy du Fou to Oxfordshire
Puy du Fou is a historical theatrical experience park originating in France (there is now also one in Spain) which provides a series of incredible immersive shows . Often called “theatres in a forest” Puy du Fou now hope to launch a park in the UK and, we, as a group of supporters, want to share information about the park and the benefits for families and the local area.
What is Puy du Fou?
The shows
The shows at Puy du Fou are extraordinary and unlike anything in any other park in the UK. They tell stories from the country’s history using actors, music, lights and unbelievable special effects – think boats rising from lakes and buildings disappearing. Some of these are on extensive indoor staging, some are walk through experiences and others open, seated amphitheaters.
Woodland and gardens
Because Puy du Fou is effectively “theatres in a forest”, the landscaping is stunning. Each “land” has its own styling and architecture and, because they need to ensure that one show (and the modern world!) doesn’t ‘leak’ into another show it is important that each land is protected. They plan on building seven metre high ‘bunds’ (earth embankment) around much of the park and will be planting an additional 20,000 trees which will create an additional 50 acres of forest, as well as retaining the existing woodland already on the site. They will also be creating five miles of new hedgerow, and a 40 acre wildflower meadow increasing the biodiversity of the location.
Benefits to the local commmunity
Puy du Fou will be investing £600m over 10 years, with 700 employed on the site at opening with more as later areas are opened. They anticipate the creation of 2000 indirect jobs in the local area and estimate that for every £1 spent in the park, £3.20 will be spent locally.
In France, Puy du Fou has its own training academy as they have a great demand for specialist skills including engineering, technology, hospitality and artistic. In the UK they will be partnering with local colleges to help train younger people and will offer opportunities to the older community too.
Where will it be and what’s the impact?
The proposed site is to the North West of Bicester, just North of Oxford.
The land is currently in use as a pig farm and isn’t suitable for other agricultural use. Through the planned planting, Puy du Fou are confident that they will be able to increase the biodiversity of the site for park use.
The park will be open from April to October and visitor flows will be outside of peak times due to shows beginning around 10am and finishing after 7pm. Puy du Fou will set the opening and finishing times appropriately and are working with local highways to improve road junctions and increase the use of railways for visitors. Traffic will be routed to avoid villages using signage and amendments to Google directions.
Who are we?
We are a mixture of people mainly from the local area some of whom have visited Puy du Fou in France and Spain and recognise what a unique concept it is. Some people recognise what a tremendous asset this will be to the area from an economic, amenity and employment perspective.
You can also visit the official Puy du Fou UK site to learn more, at: www.puydufouconsultation.co.uk
Our photographs
Like a lot of people in Oxfordshire, we have visited Puy du Fou in France and Spain while on holiday. A few of the photos we took are below, so show you what the attraction looks like through the eyes of visitors.
Follow us on social media:
What you can do to show your support
If you would like to join our growing community of supporters, please follow us on one of our socials linked above, or provide us with your details using the form to the right.