“It warms the heart”: the president of Puy du Fou reacts to the prize for “best show in the world”

Europe 1 with AFP (comments collected by Alexis de la Fléchère) / Photo credits: LEROY Francis / hemis.fr / hemis.fr / Hemis via AFP 4:32 p.m., March 18, 2024

Puy du Fou, a Vendée leisure park renowned for its historical frescoes, received the prize for “best show in the world” in the United States on the night of Saturday to Sunday for one of its creations, the park announced. .

This "Thea Classic Award", a high distinction in the global entertainment industry, was presented by the jury of the Themed Entertainment Association to a team from the park during a ceremony organized Saturday in Los Angeles, according to a press release.

Puy du Fou rewarded in Los Angeles: “It stands out”, says Pascal Praud

It rewards the show “Le Mime et l’Etoile”, presented for the first time in 2023, which tells the love story of a circus artist and a dancer during the Belle Epoque.

This show “represents an investment of more than 20 million euros”, according to Puy du Fou.

“It warms the heart because it is very symbolic,” reacts Nicolas de Villiers, president of the park, at the microphone of Europe 1. For him, the park “is recognized for its creative audacity. It is also the demonstration that France still has beautiful things to offer the world.

A title of “best park in the world” in 2012

“This award confirms the bold strategy of a 100% French company and demonstrates the universal dimension of Puy du Fou: its model transcends cultures and heritage,” rejoiced Nicolas de Villiers, speaking to AFP.

The Vendée park had already received a “Thea Classic Award” in 2012, this time for the “best park in the world”.

Two years later, it won the prestigious “Applause Award” from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), an association which brings together 4,500 parks around the world.

Puy du Fou surpassed its attendance record in 2023 with 2.6 million visitors during the season.