Puy du Fou, a Vendée amusement park renowned for its historic frescoes, announced its reopening on June 11. Contacted by AFP, the president of the Grand Parc du Puy du Fou, Nicolas de Villiers, claims to have been informed of a decision by Emmanuel Macron to reopen the parks and tourist sites in the green zone on June 2.
"It was the Secretary of State for Tourism Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, himself informed by the President of the Republic", who informed Puy du Fou, he assured, welcoming in passing a "decision which re-establishes fairness between restaurants and leisure sites. "
The President of the Republic decided in Defense Council the reopening of tourist sites and theme parks in the green zone, for June 2 next - date already set for the opening of restaurants. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/ndy8lF5xJp
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"No decision has been made," says Lemoyne
Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne spoke Tuesday during a debate in the Senate of the possibility of a reopening on June 2 of theme parks located in green areas, such as Le Puy du Fou, promising "a definitive answer" next week. Questioned by AFP Thursday, the spokeswoman for the Secretary of State said for her part that to her knowledge "no decision has yet been taken".
"The President of the Republic has decided in the Defense Council to reopen tourist sites and theme parks in the green zone, for June 2 - the date already set for the opening of restaurants," the park said in a statement.
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The park ensures that its teams will be equipped with masks
Puy du Fou (more than 2.3 million visitors in 2019) will open "with health security measures which are validated hand in hand with the State, it is a Puy du Fou adapted to the situation", assured Nicolas de Villiers. Asked about the financial consequences caused by the closure of the site, when it should have reopened in April, the president of the Grand Parc reported "significant losses of several million" euros.
"In view of the imperative logistics preparation time which precedes the opening of the site, Puy du Fou will welcome its visitors on Thursday June 11, and until November 1, 2020", specifies Le Puy du Fou in its press release. Among the sanitary measures put in place, the park plans in particular to reduce the capacity of reception of the various shows "and the barrier distances. The teams will be equipped with masks and an adapted catering will replace the buffet.