Occupied since Antiquity, this famous Vendée site is being endowed with a first fortified castle in the 12th centuryBuilt by a certain Renaud du Puy du Fou, it was part of the viscounty of Thouars, whose leader sided with the English from the very beginning of the Hundred Years' War. To fight alongside the King of France, Guy II du Puy du Fou broke the ties that bound his lordship. His fortified castle was therefore destroyed by the English armies in 1430. - Today, Its ruins serve as the stage for the Phantom Birds show.Two years later, a new fortress was built. However, instead of choosing the original location, the lord of Puy du Fou had it built near the pond. The third building was constructed during the RenaissanceThe architect in charge of the project was none other than the great Italian Primaticcio, who came to France at the request of Francis I. At Puy du Fou, he designed a residence at the forefront of modernity. Unfortunately, the work remained unfinished; the castle was sold in 1659.
Le January 21, 1794, the fate of the place changedAt that time, the wars between the Vendéans and the Republicans were raging: a An infernal column led by General Boucret burned the building and the surrounding villages..
Le The castle had only been classified as a historical monument for a few years when Philippe de Villiers decided to create a show there in 1977.The Cinéscénie then dramatized the history of the Vendée region, from the Middle Ages to the Second World War, emphasizing the turbulent period of the Revolutionary Wars. Its success was such that... Grand Parc was created in 1989It began with a reconstructed 18th-century village. As the years passed, visitors flocked to the site in ever-increasing numbers. Throughout the park, a series of shows were created, immersing visitors in the heart of French history.
The Cinéscénie Theatre has been a part of the park's history since its inception, the For the past few years, the castle has hosted an immersive show entitled "The Renaissance of the Castle." Inside this long-forgotten building, the paintings speak to us, the mirrors observe us, and the recumbent figures awaken to tell us the epic story of this family from Puy du Fou, whose history we discover, accompanied by those who lived it in the various galleries, armories, and underground passages.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit Discovering the castles and heritage wonders between Loire-Atlantique, Vendée and Anjou which includes Puy du Fou.
