Br'Ain de Cirque

Contemporary circus takes up residence at the foot of the Monastery of Brou

Every year in May, the grounds behind the Royal Monastery of Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse are transformed into an immense open-air big top. The Br'Ain de Cirque festival — a play on words combining "brin" (a touch) and the Ain department — invites the public to discover contemporary circus in all its forms: juggling, acrobatics, contortion, tightrope, magic, clowning, object theatre and live music creations. Organised by ETAC (School of Circus Techniques and Arts of Bourg-en-Bresse and the Ain region), this festival has become a must-attend cultural event in the city over the years.

ETAC, driving force of circus in the Ain

Founded in 1994 and accredited by the French Federation of Circus Schools (FFEC) since 1997, ETAC is far more than a simple circus school. Based at the Maison du Cirque, 2 rue Alphonse Dupont in Bourg-en-Bresse, it trains dozens of students of all ages in circus arts each year. Under the direction of Christian Curty, ETAC has developed an ambitious project that extends beyond teaching to forge links between the public and the department's artistic and cultural world.

The Br'Ain de Cirque festival is the showcase of this commitment. It gives the school's students the opportunity to present their creations — no fewer than fourteen amateur shows at each edition — while inviting renowned professional companies to perform in an exceptional heritage setting.

A rich and ambitious programme

Each edition of Br'Ain de Cirque brings together around ten professional companies offering contemporary circus, acrobatics, aerial theatre and live music creations. The programme combines shows for young audiences and performances for all, providing a wonderful gateway to contemporary circus.

The 2025 edition notably welcomed Solau & Cie with "Même pas Malle", an acrobatic tale for young audiences, Compagnie du Menu Fretin with "440 Là!", a participatory musical odyssey, Compagnie Trait d'Esprit with "Petit Concert de Cirque", blending handstands, juggling and acrobatic lifts to a classical music backdrop, and Collectif PourquoiPas with "Les Grandes idées", an energetic show about two eccentric characters trying to save the world.

A festival for the whole family

Beyond the shows, Br'Ain de Cirque offers a wealth of free entertainment: circus introductory workshops, games, free concerts spanning diverse styles (jazz, rock, Balkan music), walkabout acts and processions. The festival is designed as a family-friendly, popular event open to all, in a spirit of sharing and discovery. Children can try their hand at trapeze, juggling or acrobatics under the watchful eye of ETAC instructors.

The exceptional setting of the Royal Monastery of Brou, a jewel of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, adds a unique heritage dimension to the event, making each performance a moment suspended between historical legacy and contemporary creation.