Festival International du Cirque des Mureaux

The Festival International du Cirque des Mureaux: The Magic of Circus Under the Big Top

Since 2003, the Festival International du Cirque des Mureaux has been one of the most anticipated events of the Yvelines cultural season. Every year in October, a grand traditional big top is erected at the Parc du Sautour to host three days of exceptional shows bringing together the world's best circus artists.

An Exceptional International Lineup

The strength of the Festival International du Cirque des Mureaux lies in the quality of its programming. Each edition brings together about ten carefully selected acts from the most talented artists on the international circus scene: acrobats, trapeze artists, tightrope walkers, jugglers, illusionists, contortionists, equilibriums, and aerialists from Italy, Tanzania, China, France, and around the world.

The acts follow one another at a breakneck pace under the direction of a master or mistress of ceremonies — Madame Loyal — who links the performances and draws the audience into the magical world of the ring. The diversity of disciplines presented guarantees a complete show accessible to all generations, from the youngest to grandparents.

Five Performances for a Weekend of Magic

The festival offers five performances spread over three days: one evening on Friday, two shows on Saturday (afternoon and late afternoon), and two shows on Sunday (morning and afternoon). This format allows for a large audience and offers slots suitable for families and outings with friends.

A Flagship Event of Les Mureaux's Cultural Life

Organized by the City of Les Mureaux, the festival is part of an ambitious cultural policy that prioritizes access to live performance. Circus, a popular art par excellence, is a vector for social cohesion and intergenerational sharing. The Festival International du Cirque des Mureaux contributes to the cultural influence of the town and attracts spectators from all over the Yvelines department and the Île-de-France region each year.

A Funfair Atmosphere

Around the big top, a funfair atmosphere is set up with food stalls, entertainment for children, and a festive atmosphere that extends the magic of the show. The Parc du Sautour, a vast green space on the banks of the Seine, offers an ideal setting for this enchanted interlude in the heart of autumn.