Over the course of my career, I have spent more than thirty years in management, leading teams, overseeing large budgets, and working across a wide range of sectors. I thought I had seen most organisational challenges in one form or another. But nothing prepared me for the sheer scale and excellence of Puy du Fou, the historical theme park in the Vendée.
I have visited several times now, and every visit leaves me in awe of how well the park is organised and managed. It is, quite simply, a masterclass in operational delivery.
A Vision of Courage and Creativity
What strikes me most is not just the shows themselves – though they are breathtaking – but the founding vision behind them. The owners had the courage to bring people together and allow them to run wild with their ideas, to push boundaries, and to create experiences that are both magical and wondrous. That trust in creativity, coupled with disciplined execution, is rare in any organisation, and it says everything about the leadership’s vision and courage.
Recruitment for the Extraordinary
As a manager, I have recruited and trained staff for decades. Yet the scale of what Puy du Fou achieves with its people is remarkable. Where do you find someone who can leap from a sixty-foot wall with precision timing? Or appear from underwater with no visible breathing device? Or train horses to gallop with burning sheets on their backs while carrying riders in flames?
Even more astonishing is how they manage over 200 birds of prey – owls, falcons, and eagles – to perform in harmony without reverting to nature and fighting. That requires not just technical skill, but a culture of trust, discipline, and commitment.
The park’s recruitment site is a model in itself: it does not simply advertise jobs, it encourages people to succeed in their applications. It communicates the excitement of being part of something extraordinary, while offering training pathways that give applicants the confidence to perform at the highest level.
Operational Excellence in Every Detail
Beyond the spectacles, what truly impresses me is how seamlessly the everyday operations run. Toilets and food areas are kept spotless. Rubbish is minimised by a simple but effective deposit system for cups and tableware. For a park hosting millions of visitors, this is nothing short of extraordinary.
As someone who has managed teams and services, I know how easily operational detail can undermine even the best strategy. At Puy du Fou, the opposite is true: the care for detail strengthens the entire experience.
A Lesson for All Leaders
Puy du Fou is not just entertainment – it is a case study in management vision, recruitment, training, and delivery. It demonstrates what is possible when leadership empowers creativity while maintaining discipline. It shows how sustainability and efficiency can be woven into operations without compromise.
After thirty years in management, I can honestly say I am truly in awe of what Puy du Fou has achieved. It stands as a powerful reminder that with courage, vision, and the right people, organisations can achieve the seemingly impossible.
✨ At Best Contracts by Design, I draw inspiration from examples like Puy du Fou – where leadership vision meets operational excellence – and translate those lessons into practical approaches for procurement and contract management.
