'French theme park is perfect for history buffs'

Holidaymakers have been advised to visit a French theme park with a twist by one expert this week.

According to the Irish Times, Puy du Fou is a theme park which is based around world history, featuring a full-size Roman amphitheatre which hosts chariot races and gladiator fights.

The newspaper explains that the arena even hosts a contest between lions and Christians, which sees a young maiden tied to a stake by centurions and set upon by real-life lions.

"Spectators are on the edge of their seats by this time, and it looks bad for Team Christianity, whose champion fighter is locked in a cage nearby, forced to watch the impending horror," says the publication.

However, no harm comes to the fair maiden and visitors are left realising they do not have to be propelled at a high speed around a metal track to get thrills in a theme park.

Other attractions include bird shows and a circus.

France is described by the Lonely Planet travel guide as a nation with "gastronomic greatness, artistic endeavour and cultural cachet".