Bandol Circus

Bandol Circus: Contemporary Circus Under the Var Sun

Bandol Circus is the festival dedicated to contemporary circus arts in the town of Bandol, a renowned seaside resort on the Var coast. Every autumn, it offers festival-goers a complete immersion into the most current and daring forms of circus, turning the entire town—its streets, squares, port, and cultural venues—into an open-air stage.

Contemporary Circus, an Evolving Art Form

Contemporary circus, born in the 1970s-1980s from the fusion of classical circus traditions and the explorations of performing arts, is today one of the most dynamic and inventive artistic forms on the French and international scene. It blends acrobatics, dance, theater, music, and visual arts in creations that go beyond mere displays of physical prowess to offer true poetic, narrative, or conceptual works.

Bandol Circus is part of this tradition of circus renewal, programming companies that explore the boundaries of the discipline and offer original perspectives on the contemporary world. The invited artists come from the French and international scene, bringing with them their unique universes, extraordinary techniques, and their ability to create wonder.

A Festival for the Whole Family

While Bandol Circus certainly appeals to the most discerning performing arts enthusiasts, it is above all a family festival, open to all audiences and all generations. Special attention is given to programming for young audiences, with short and accessible formats suitable for children and the adults accompanying them.

The festive and friendly atmosphere that prevails during the festival days makes Bandol Circus a moment of shared joy and collective celebration. The open-air performances, parades, and street shows create unexpected encounters between artists and the public in the town's spaces.

Bandol, an Ideal Setting for Circus

The town of Bandol, nestled in a bay with turquoise waters and surrounded by vineyards producing one of Provence's most renowned wines, offers the festival an exceptional natural setting. The lively port, shaded squares, gardens, and cultural venues of the town all serve as ideal locations for circus performances, whether intimate shows or grand pyrotechnic displays.

The mild climate of the Var region in October, with its sunny days and still-mild evenings, is conducive to outdoor circus performances. Artists find in Bandol a setting of particular beauty that nourishes their creations and enchants spectators.

The 2025 Edition

The 2025 edition of Bandol Circus took place from October 23 to 26, 2025. For four days, several French and international companies took over the town's spaces to offer an eclectic program blending grand acrobatic shows, delicate contemporary forms, and performances for all audiences. The event brought together an enthusiastic audience from neighboring towns and the entire region to discover circus in its most current forms.

Outlook for 2026

The next edition of Bandol Circus is expected in autumn 2026. The organizers are working on a program that will highlight the diversity and richness of contemporary circus arts. Information to come on the Bandol town website and its communication channels.