International Circus Artists Festival
The international traditional circus competition in Saint-Paul-lès-Dax
About Cirque Saint-Paul
Created in 1999, the International Circus Artists Festival of Saint-Paul-lès-Dax has become an institution of traditional circus in the Southwest. Every year in March, for four days, the best circus artists from around the world gather under a large tent to compete in talent, audacity, and humor. More than 12,000 spectators attend five performances where 13 acts compete to win the Golden, Silver, or Bronze Pinecone, awarded by an international jury of professionals.
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International Circus Artists Festival: The Great Circus Competition of the Landes
Since 1999, Saint-Paul-lès-Dax has hosted the International Circus Artists Festival every March, a high-level competition that brings together the best circus artists from around the world. Under a large tent set up on rue Edmond Rostand, acrobats, trapeze artists, jugglers, tightrope walkers, clowns, and animal trainers perform before an enthusiastic audience and a demanding jury of professionals.
The Pinecone: A Coveted Trophy
The festival is above all a competition. At the end of the performances, an international jury composed of 6 to 8 professionals from the circus world awards three exceptional prizes: the Golden Pinecone, the Silver Pinecone, and the Bronze Pinecone. These awards, inspired by the Landes symbol, are given based on the technical and artistic quality of the acts. Receiving a Pinecone is a recognized honor in the international circus community.
13 Acts for 5 Performances
Each edition features 13 acts selected from the best circus productions worldwide. The shows take place over 5 performances spread across four days, from Thursday to Sunday. The range of disciplines is wide: ground and aerial acrobatics, trapeze, aerial silk, Chinese pole, juggling, balancing, clowning, magic, and animal training.
Popular Success
With over 12,000 spectators each year, the festival is one of the most popular events in the Grand Dax region. The atmosphere under the tent is unique: wonder, laughter, thrills, and ovations follow one another throughout the acts. The festival attracts both families with children and discerning circus enthusiasts, thanks to a program that blends technical prowess, poetry, and humor.
A Family-Friendly and Accessible Festival
On-site catering and a friendly atmosphere make the festival a true moment of sharing. Children are particularly delighted with spectacular and comical acts. Tickets are available online and at the tourist offices of Saint-Paul-lès-Dax and Dax.
Cirque Saint-Paul — edition 2026
The 25th edition of the International Circus Artists Festival will be held from March 12 to 15, 2026, in Saint-Paul-lès-Dax with a new selection of 13 acts competing for the Golden Pinecone.
25th Edition — March 2026
The International Circus Artists Festival will celebrate its 25th edition from March 12 to 15, 2026, in Saint-Paul-lès-Dax. Under the big top, 13 acts by artists from around the world will compete for the Golden Pinecone before an international jury. The program will be announced in early 2026.
Prices Cirque Saint-Paul 2026
Practical information — Cirque Saint-Paul
Practical Information
Location
The tent is set up on rue Edmond Rostand, next to avenue de la Résistance, behind the But store, in Saint-Paul-lès-Dax.
Access
- From Dax: 5 minutes by car, the tent is easily visible
- From Bayonne: approximately 45 minutes via the A64
- From Mont-de-Marsan: approximately 45 minutes via the D824
- From Bordeaux: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via the A63
Free parking near the tent.
Usual Dates
The festival is held every year in March, from Thursday to Sunday (4 days, 5 performances).
Prices
Tickets available online and at the tourist offices of Saint-Paul-lès-Dax and Dax. Prices vary depending on seating categories.
Catering
Catering available on-site during the festival days.
Regulations
Animals are not allowed on the festival site.
Contact
- Instagram: @festivalducirquedesaintpaul
- Facebook: Festival International des Artistes de Cirque de Saint-Paul-lès-Dax
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Cirque Saint-Paul at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Cirque Saint-Paul
Chapiteau du Festival
Rue Edmond Rostand, 40990 Saint-Paul-lès-Dax