Le FIP Festival
International Proximity Festival — Circus Arts and In Situ Creations in Rabastens
About Le FIP
Created in 2021 by the association Dans les Parages, the Festival International de Proximité (FIP) is a spring event dedicated to contemporary circus arts in Rabastens and its surroundings. For three days in May, circus companies take over public spaces, the alleys of the old town, the CORA site, and La Fourmilière to offer in situ creations, circus shows, poetic strolls, and musical evenings. The FIP champions an artistic approach of proximity, in harmony with the landscape and the inhabitants of Rabastinois.
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Le FIP: Contemporary Circus in the Heart of Rabastens
The Festival International de Proximité — better known by its acronym FIP — was born in 2021 from the desire of the association Dans les Parages to create a highlight around circus arts in the town of Rabastens and its surroundings. This unique festival has established itself in just a few editions as a must-see event for contemporary circus in the Tarn region.
In Situ Circus Creations
The uniqueness of the FIP lies in its in situ approach: invited companies create shows designed to interact with the spaces they occupy. The alleys of the old town of Rabastens, the CORA site, the spaces of La Fourmilière, public squares, and gardens become ephemeral stages where circus reinvents itself through contact with architecture and the urban landscape.
A Festival of Proximity
The term "proximity" is not just a word in the title: it is at the heart of the FIP's philosophy. The festival focuses on the encounter between artists and residents, between demanding creations and conviviality. Spectators are not mere observers but active participants in a shared artistic adventure. The formats offered — aerial circus, acrobatics, strolls, installations, clowning, performances — are all ways to create connections and transform the perception of public space.
A Growing Festival
Since its creation in 2021, the FIP has seen steady growth, welcoming French and international companies renowned in the world of contemporary circus. The festival also offers open stages, artistic camps, and musical evenings that extend the festival experience long after the final applause. The sixth edition in 2026 confirms the lasting presence of this event in the cultural landscape of the Tarn.
Le FIP — edition 2026
The 6th edition of Le FIP Festival will take place from May 22 to 24, 2026, in Rabastens. The program includes: El Dorado by Nicanor de Elia, La Cercleuse, Underfoot by Keep Company, L'imprévue by Cie Qalis, How Much We Carry by Cirque Immersif, shows for young audiences by Endogène, open stages, and musical evenings.
6th Edition — From May 22 to 24, 2026
The Le FIP Festival returns for its 6th edition from May 22 to 24, 2026, in Rabastens. The program promises three days of contemporary circus, encounters, and festivities in the town's iconic spaces.
The festival will kick off on Friday, May 22, at CORA with captivating performances, including "El Dorado" by Nicanor de Elia and "La Cercleuse", followed by a first musical evening. Saturday, May 23, will feature a succession of shows like "Underfoot" by Keep Company, an open stage, "L'imprévue" by Cie Qalis, and the poetic stroll "How Much We Carry" by Cirque Immersif, with festive events at La Fourmilière.
Sunday, May 24, will be dedicated to relaxation and sharing with a show for young audiences by Endogène at CORA, an artistic camp throughout the day, and a dance closing with DJ ShaHzenxxx.
Programme Le FIP 2026
2026 Program
Friday, May 22
- El Dorado — Nicanor de Elia (CORA)
- La Cercleuse (CORA)
- Musical evening
Saturday, May 23
- Underfoot — Keep Company
- Open stage
- L'imprévue — Cie Qalis
- How Much We Carry — Cirque Immersif (stroll)
- Festive events at La Fourmilière
Sunday, May 24
- Show for young audiences — Endogène (CORA)
- Artistic camp
- Dance closing — DJ ShaHzenxxx
Highlights Le FIP 2026
- 6th edition of the International Proximity Festival
- El Dorado by Nicanor de Elia to open the festival
- How Much We Carry, a poetic stroll by Cirque Immersif
- Show for young audiences by Endogène
- Open stages and artistic camp
- Dance closing with DJ ShaHzenxxx
Prices Le FIP 2026
Practical information — Le FIP
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place in Rabastens (81800), 35 km northwest of Toulouse and 40 km southwest of Albi.
- By car: A68 from Toulouse, Rabastens exit (approx. 35 minutes).
- By train: Rabastens-Couffouleux station, Toulouse-Albi line (approx. 30 minutes from Toulouse).
Festival Venues
- CORA site
- La Fourmilière
- Old town of Rabastens
- Public spaces and alleys
Ticketing
3-day pass: 30 euros (presale) / 40 euros (on-site). 2-day pass: 30 euros. Individual shows: 5 to 15 euros (adults), 3 euros (children 3-12 years). Online ticketing on the official website.
Contact
Association Dans les Parages
Website: festival-le-fip.com
Facebook: Festival le FIP
Instagram: @festivallefip
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Le FIP at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Le FIP
CORA, La Fourmilière et centre ancien de Rabastens
Centre-ville, 81800 Rabastens