Festival du Cirque du Loiret

Festival du Cirque du Loiret: The Must-See Circus Event in the Department

Since 2011, the Festival du Cirque du Loiret has established itself as a major family event in Gâtinais. Born from the passion of Benjamin Quelin and Claude Brunel for circus arts, this biennial festival brings together the best traditional and contemporary circus acts under one big top, performed by artists from all over Europe.

A Big Top in the Heart of Gâtinais

The festival takes place under the big top of Le Pôle, a structure that can accommodate around 800 spectators, located at rue de la Petite Tombelle in Boynes, a small town of 1,300 inhabitants situated between Pithiviers and Beaune-la-Rolande. This unusual rural setting gives the event an intimate and warm atmosphere that appeals to an ever-growing audience.

A Show for the Whole Family

Each edition features a two-hour grand show bringing together about ten exceptional acts: trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, acrobats, and aerialists take turns on the ring to offer spectators a concentrate of emotions, laughter, and poetry. The show, accessible from the age of 3, is presented in French and is aimed at both children and adults.

International Artists on the Ring

The artistic direction, managed by Claude Brunel with staging by Benjamin Quelin, rigorously selects artists accustomed to major national and international stages. Over the years, the festival has hosted acts awarded at the biggest European circus festivals, making Boynes a recognized circus destination far beyond the Loiret region.

A Commitment to Circus in Rural Areas

Supported by the association Le Spectacle Autrement, created in 2010 to produce and distribute shows at a lower cost, the Festival du Cirque du Loiret champions an ambitious vision: making quality circus accessible in rural areas. The establishment of Le Pôle in Boynes since 2019, with its circus school, artist residencies, and regular programming, testifies to this strong local presence that extends beyond the festival period.

Growing Popular Success

From one edition to the next, the festival has built a loyal and enthusiastic audience. The 7th edition in October 2023 attracted nearly 3,000 spectators over a three-day weekend, confirming the appeal of this unique event. Four performances are offered: Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 3:00 PM, allowing everyone to find a suitable time slot.