Puy du Fou Added to Pass Culture Program After Political Pressure

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati announces inclusion of the historical park in the youth-focused cultural subsidy amid calls for reform of the program’s governance and budget.

The Puy du Fou, a historical theme park in Vendée, is now eligible for France’s Pass Culture, a program providing €300 for cultural activities to youth aged 15-18.
The decision follows criticism from right-wing and far-right politicians who argued the park was unfairly excluded despite its live historical performances.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced plans to diversify the Pass Culture’s strategic committee amid ongoing scrutiny of the program’s selection criteria.
The Pass Culture has faced criticism for budget overruns, limited reach among disadvantaged youth, and misuse of funds on non-cultural activities like escape rooms.
Budget cuts to the Pass Culture’s collective funding for schools have raised concerns about the program’s sustainability and accessibility for broader cultural initiatives.