Unique theme park with no rollercoasters to launch six-day luxury train ride experience across Europe
A NEW six-day luxury rail adventure from the creators behind French theme park Puy du Fou is set to launch next year.
Le Grand Tour will provide passengers with immersive theatrical experiences while on board.
The rail journey was slated to launch in 2023; however, it was postponed because of problems regarding the carriages.
According to the French newspaper The Connexion, each of the custom-built carriages have been decorated in a Belle Epoque style.
A selection of computer-generated images provide insight into what passengers can expect from the decor.
One digital picture shows an opulent dining room with red hardwood chairs, white tablecloths and brass lamps.
Another image shows a bedroom with large windows, which are perfect for gazing out the window, and a huge bed surrounded by a dark blue curtain.
The luxury train will depart from Gare de l’Est Station in Paris, with its route taking passengers to Beaune, Carcassonne and Arcachon.
Slated to launch in the summer, the train will have enough space to accommodate 43 passengers in its 21 cabins and suites.
Clémence Germon, a press officer for Puy du Fou, told The Connexion: “This number guarantees an optimum level of comfort and service for every passenger.
“The idea is to create an intimate and exclusive atmosphere, allowing passengers to enjoy a personalised, made-to-measure experience.”
Ticket prices will start from €8,450 (£7,039) per person, with Ms Germon adding: “We are working on the final details so that we can offer our travellers an unforgettable experience and will announce the opening of bookings at a later date.”
Other information such as departure times and journey times have yet to be revealed.
What is Puy du Fou?
Puy du Fou first opened in 1978 and is the second most popular theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris.
It was also voted the Best Theme Park in Europe as well as the fifth Best Theme Park in the World by TripAdvisor back in 2019.
While the French theme park doesn’t feature any rides, it is known for its jaw-dropping shows.
Park-goers will be able to watch historical re-enactments that are set in the Middle Ages like Viking ship battles.
Puy du Fou in France has received 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor from over 17,000 reviews.
One reviewer wrote: “The whole park is just amazing, with the highlight being the night shows.
“Everything is well done, with creative attractions and caring, attentive service – and an extremely good value for money compared to “traditional” theme parks that usually cost double.”
Another added: “An amazing experience! The spectacular shows illustrate the history of France – both the settings and actors are incredible.”
Puy du Fou opened its second park in Spain in 2019.
Located on the outskirts of Toledo City, this theme park recreates 1,500 years of Spanish history through huge performances.
Puy du Fou is set to open a £300million theme park in the UK in the coming years.
Plans for the huge 400-acre theme park were announced earlier this year.
The plans haven’t been submitted to the council, which means they’re still in an unofficial stage.
A spokesperson from the council told MailOnline: “On Puy Du Fou from our side, we’ve not received an application from them.”
Despite this discovery, a public consultation was held in July with residents voicing their thoughts on the possible attraction near Bicester.
Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world
Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.
Davos to Geneva, Switzerland
“After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
“Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too – as you’ll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” Kara Godfrey
London to Paris by Eurostar
“Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski
Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail
“From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.” – Hope Brotherton
Beijing to Ulaanbatar
“The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I’ve witnessed anywhere.” – Ryan Gray
Here’s a little-known theme park in the UK that as named one of the best in the country.
Meanwhile, these five new rides and rollercoasters are opening in the UK this year.