Puy du Fou is partnering with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to create a new show about Cherokee history in Sevier County, Tennessee. The project will be Puy du Fou’s first in the US.
The immersive walk-through show is part of a 200-acre property dubbed ‘The 407: Gateway to Adventure’, which is being developed by the tribe’s business subsidiary Kituwah LLC (via Knox News).
Puy du Fou and EBCI have signed a letter of intent to create the attraction, inspired by the Cherokee Indians who served in WWI. It will take visitors on a “patriotic and moving journey”.
Tribal Council has approved $75m for the first phase of ‘The 407: Gateway to Adventure‘, which will include additional world-class attractions.
“We are excited to take the first steps towards developing this world-class attraction that will help support our nation economically while creating a new platform to share dimensions of Cherokee history many have never heard,” said Tribal Council chairman Richard French.
New show about Cherokee history in Tennessee
“This project in Tennessee developed together with the EBCI means a lot for us – it will initiate our presence on the American soil where there are so many great stories to tell,” said Nicolas de Villiers, chairman and artistic director of Puy du Fou.
“As lovers of history and cultural roots, we are proud and honored to partner with the EBCI tribe to achieve this goal.”
OE Experiences, a financial consulting and business management firm that specialises in the experience economy, was the local developer on the project.
Puy du Fou is a historical theme park in Les Epesses, France. Home to spectacular shows and immersive experiences, it features four period villages, six themed hotels and 22 restaurants.
Puy du Fou España launched in Toledo in 2019. Puy du Fou is also opening a new show concept called Saga in Shanghai in 2022, and is developing a new park in China.
Images: Puy du Fou/EBCI
