Latest news with #PuyduFou
The Independent
22-07-2025
- The Independent
Is there a luxury train from Paris to French locations?
Q I was told that there is a luxury train going from Paris in September to different places in France. It's first class and the journey is for around six days. Susan Barr A Le Grand Tour, as the venture is known, talks a good game. The plan is for a six-day 'immersion in the French wonders'. Passengers will travel a total of 2,500 miles around France, packing in a host of sites. The experience starts at Paris Gare de l'Est, which I regard as the most elegant of the capital's stations. Day one takes in Reims for lunch (and presumably some champagne), continuing to Beaune in Burgundy, where a private tour of the ancient almshouse awaits. Day two: Avignon, with a rooftop tasting 'of the region's finest wines and produce'. On the same day, the train will reach the southwest city of Carcassonne. For the third day, the first destination is, oddly, Pau: a second-division historical city, though with a decent view of the Pyrenees. In the afternoon, the Bay of Arcachon will improve humours, with a visit to the Dubourdieu shipyards and a boat trip. Maritime appeal continues on day four, with handsome La Rochelle in the morning and a private tour of Chenonceau, the 'Château des Dames' later on. The finale appears to happen on day five. To quote the marketing: 'Le Grand Tour ends with a spectacular journey back in time at Puy du Fou.' This is a historical theme park southeast of Nantes. The sell continues: 'Over the course of a day, history blends with legend to come alive again until nightfall, when the grand spectacle of the night shimmers under the stars.' You might think this an unusual choice of location for the climax (presumably day six is a trundle back to Paris to offload one set of passengers and take on the next lot). But it makes sense when you learn that the trip is promoted by the Puy du Fou enterprise itself. The plan was set out in 2022 and little appears to have happened since. I have checked putative departures up to 2028 and can see none confirmed. So while a first-class trip around France in September sounds like a grand idea, get a first-class Interrail pass instead. Q Our flight from Venice was delayed overnight. Who is responsible for sourcing our accommodation? Ellen Saville A Under air passengers' rights rules, anyone whose flight is delayed overnight is entitled to be provided with a hotel room and meals commensurate with the length of the delay. In addition, the Package Travel Regulations specify: 'Where the organiser is unable to ensure the traveller's return as agreed in the package travel contract because of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, the organiser must bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible of equivalent category.' Both sets of rules point to the same outcome. Often when a flight in connection with a package holiday is delayed by 24 hours, your stay at the hotel will simply be extended by a night. But the airline or holiday company (which, in your case, are basically the same entity) may move you to a different property, such as an airport hotel, if necessary. I think it highly unlikely that you will be left to sort out the problem yourself; but if you are, pay for the extra stay and meals and present the receipts to the company. Q We are heading to North Macedonia and Albania this summer. My wife is worried about the driving. Is it bad? Richard V A Your wife is right to be concerned. I have consulted the Albanian traffic accident statistics for the past decade. They are tragically high. The average death toll on the roads is more than 200 per year. Adjusted for population, that is about 2.5 times the fatality rate in the UK. In terms of road miles, the accident rate is worse still, since Albania is a small country (the size of Wales) and long journeys are commensurately rare. While I haven't studied the North Macedonia statistics, my observation from travelling around is that driving and road standards are equally poor. The reasons: bad driving (fuelled by alcohol in one in 25 accidents, the statistics relate), inadequate policing and some dangerous roads. Rail travel is not a viable option in either country. In these circumstances, it is wise to rely on professional drivers. In both countries, I travel longer distances by bus or minibus, and make shorter journeys by taxi. This works out better than you might imagine. On arrival at Tirana airport, coaches are usually waiting to run into the capital – or, less frequently, to Durres on the coast. Coaches or minibuses run between larger towns and cities – many minibuses run on demand, departing when full. Crossing between North Macedonia and Albania is straightforward. For shorter journeys, you can flag down a taxi (the North Macedonian capital also has Bolt, which is similar to Uber) or take a local bus. If you plan an excursion taking in three or four locations in the day, your hotel will know some reliable drivers who will offer a fair price. I should stress that I am a non-car owner and a poor driver, and therefore always prefer it when someone else is driving. You can enjoy the many spectacular views – and meet interesting locals.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consultation launched on £600m theme park proposal
Theme park company Puy du Fou has launched a public consultation on proposals for a new £600m history-based attraction based in the Oxfordshire countryside. The attraction near Bicester would include four period villages and 13 live shows in which visitors can "immerse themselves in British history". Plans also include three hotels based on different periods of British history, restaurants and a conference centre. Puy du Fou has history-themed parks in Les Epesses in France since 1978 and in Toledo, Spain, since 2021. On the continent, it has showcased historical events such as the Roman Empire and figures like patron saint of France, Joan of Arc. Under the proposals, the new Oxfordshire-based park would open between April and October each year. Natural features such as ponds, lakes, and gardens, and more than 40 acres of wildflower meadows and 20,000 new trees, are also included in the plans. The French company has launched an online consultation on the scheme. Three consultation events will also be held at Weyland Hall in Bicester, Whatley Hall Hotel in Banbury and Bucknell Village Hall on 6, 7 and 8 February. Olivier Strebelle, chief executive of Puy du Fou, said: "I look forward to listening to local people and businesses as we work on finalising our plans for this exciting project." "This would be a £600m investment in the local economy over the next 10 years, and would employ 700 people, plus create as many as 2,000 new jobs at hotels, suppliers and other local businesses, from its first year of opening. Mr Strebelle said the park would also be home to the "first new forest in Oxfordshire for generations". He added that previous consultations had "helped us draw up proposals that will create a world-class destination" that "excites British visitors" while "still being a good neighbour to local people". You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. New £300m 'immersive' theme park planned Puy du Fou consultation
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Puy du Fou launch consultation on history theme park proposal
Theme park company Puy du Fou has launched a public consultation on proposals for a new £600m history-based attraction based in the Oxfordshire attraction near Bicester would include four period villages and 13 live shows in which visitors can "immerse themselves in British history".Plans also include three hotels based on different periods of British history, restaurants and a conference du Fou has history-themed parks in Les Epesses in France since 1978 and in Toledo, Spain, since 2021. On the continent, it has showcased historical events such as the Roman Empire and figures like patron saint of France, Joan of Arc. Under the proposals, the new Oxfordshire-based park would open between April and October each features such as ponds, lakes, and gardens, and more than 40 acres of wildflower meadows and 20,000 new trees, are also included in the French company has launched an online consultation on the consultation events will also be held at Weyland Hall in Bicester, Whatley Hall Hotel in Banbury and Bucknell Village Hall on 6, 7 and 8 February. Olivier Strebelle, chief executive of Puy du Fou, said: "I look forward to listening to local people and businesses as we work on finalising our plans for this exciting project.""This would be a £600m investment in the local economy over the next 10 years, and would employ 700 people, plus create as many as 2,000 new jobs at hotels, suppliers and other local businesses, from its first year of Strebelle said the park would also be home to the "first new forest in Oxfordshire for generations".He added that previous consultations had "helped us draw up proposals that will create a world-class destination" that "excites British visitors" while "still being a good neighbour to local people". You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Puy du Fou launches public consultation on proposals for Oxfordshire theme park
Historical theme park company Puy du Fou has launched a public consultation on proposals for a £600 million destination park near Bicester in Oxfordshire. The attraction is set to include four period villages and 13 live shows in which visitors can 'immerse themselves in British history', and is expected to be open between April and October. Plans also include three hotels themed to different periods of British history, restaurants and a conference centre, as well as natural features such as ponds, lakes, and gardens, and more than 40 acres of wildflower meadows and 20,000 new trees. Puy du Fou has launched a consultation scheme, asking the public to comment on the proposals online at – which contains detailed plans for the park. Three consultation events will also be held in February: – At Weyland Hall, in North Street, Bicester, on February 6 between 12pm and 7pm.– At Whately Hall Hotel, in Horse Fair, Banbury, on February 7 between 12pm and 7pm.– At Bucknell Village Hall, in Middleton Road, Bucknell, on February 8 between 10am and 5pm. Olivier Strebelle, chief executive of Puy du Fou, said: 'After announcing our initial concepts last year, we held consultation events in Bucknell, Bicester and Oxford, and have since met hundreds of local people and organisations. 'This has helped us draw up proposals that will create a world-class destination that excites British visitors with their own history while still being a good neighbour to local people. 'We want to create a setting of beautiful gardens and wildflower meadows, and the first new forest in Oxfordshire for generations, covering 50 acres and with 20,000 new trees being planted. 'This would be a £600 million investment in the local economy over the next 10 years, and would employ 700 people, plus create as many as 2,000 new jobs at hotels, suppliers and other local businesses, from its first year of opening. 'I look forward to listening to local people and businesses as we work on finalising our plans for this exciting project.' Puy du Fou built history-themed destinations in Les Epesses, France, and Toledo, Spain.
The Independent
27-01-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Puy du Fou launches public consultation on proposals for Oxfordshire theme park
Historical theme park company Puy du Fou has launched a public consultation on proposals for a £600 million destination park near Bicester in Oxfordshire. The attraction is set to include four period villages and 13 live shows in which visitors can 'immerse themselves in British history', and is expected to be open between April and October. Plans also include three hotels themed to different periods of British history, restaurants and a conference centre, as well as natural features such as ponds, lakes, and gardens, and more than 40 acres of wildflower meadows and 20,000 new trees. After announcing our initial concepts last year, we held consultation events in Bucknell, Bicester and Oxford, and have since met hundreds of local people and organisations Olivier Strebelle, Puy du Fou Puy du Fou has launched a consultation scheme, asking the public to comment on the proposals online at – which contains detailed plans for the park. Three consultation events will also be held in February: – At Weyland Hall, in North Street, Bicester, on February 6 between 12pm and 7pm.– At Whately Hall Hotel, in Horse Fair, Banbury, on February 7 between 12pm and 7pm.– At Bucknell Village Hall, in Middleton Road, Bucknell, on February 8 between 10am and 5pm. Olivier Strebelle, chief executive of Puy du Fou, said: 'After announcing our initial concepts last year, we held consultation events in Bucknell, Bicester and Oxford, and have since met hundreds of local people and organisations. 'This has helped us draw up proposals that will create a world-class destination that excites British visitors with their own history while still being a good neighbour to local people. 'We want to create a setting of beautiful gardens and wildflower meadows, and the first new forest in Oxfordshire for generations, covering 50 acres and with 20,000 new trees being planted. 'This would be a £600 million investment in the local economy over the next 10 years, and would employ 700 people, plus create as many as 2,000 new jobs at hotels, suppliers and other local businesses, from its first year of opening. 'I look forward to listening to local people and businesses as we work on finalising our plans for this exciting project.' Puy du Fou built history-themed destinations in Les Epesses, France, and Toledo, Spain.
