Contemporary dance festival in the heart of the Ardèche volcanoes
The Format Choreographic Festival is a contemporary dance festival that takes place every summer in Jaujac, in the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park. For three days, the village vibrates to the rhythm of new choreographic experiences: performances, danced walks, shows, participatory workshops, discussions, exhibitions, and popular balls. Created by the Format association, the festival invites renowned choreographers and emerging companies to take over the squares, streets, and volcanic landscapes of Jaujac to transform the territory into a true dance space.
The Format Choreographic Festival was born from the desire of the Format association to create a dance territory in the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park. Located in Jaujac, a village of character nestled in a spectacular volcanic landscape, the festival has been offering a demanding program of contemporary dance for over ten editions, investing public spaces and the surrounding natural landscapes.
For three days in July, the festival transforms the Place du Champ de Mars in Jaujac and its surroundings into open-air choreographic stages. The program combines performances ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours, choreographic walks in the volcanic landscapes starting from the Maison du Parc, contemporary dance shows, photographic exhibitions, and DJ sets for festive evenings. The formats are multiple and surprising, inviting the public to experience dance in a new way.
Each year, the festival invites recognized choreographers and emerging companies who push the boundaries of contemporary dance. Among the invited artists are names such as David Wampach, Daniel Larrieu, the company SUPERSUEURS, Jeanne Simone, Anlor Gueudret, Laurie Peschier-Pimont, Jeanne Brouaye, Mathilde Monfreux, and Olga Dukhovna. Musician Emmanuel Scarpa and DJ Atour Chamadie bring a sonic dimension to the festival evenings.
The festival is distinguished by its participatory and convivial dimension. Dance workshops open to all allow the public to practice movement with the invited artists. Discussions and meetings with choreographers enrich the festival experience. The traveling bookstore Books on the Move offers a selection of works on dance and movement. Shared tables and the festival bar encourage exchanges between artists, locals, and festival-goers. The nearby Lignon river offers a welcome spot for swimming between shows.
The Format Choreographic Festival #12 is expected in the summer of 2026 in Jaujac, in the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park. The festival will offer a new edition of contemporary dance with performances, choreographic walks, shows, and workshops. Dates and program to be confirmed.
The Format Choreographic Festival returns to Jaujac for its 12th edition in the summer of 2026. The festival will offer a new program of contemporary dance with performances, choreographic walks, shows, participatory workshops, and meetings with artists.
The precise dates and program will be announced in the spring of 2026. Check the festival's official website for the latest information.
By car: Jaujac is located 25 km west of Aubenas, in the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park. From Aubenas, take the D19 towards Jaujac. Free parking is signposted at the entrance to the village.
The festival runs from Friday to Sunday, with shows during the day and in the evening. Welcome desk at the Place du Champ de Mars.
Festival Pass (5 paid shows): €40 full price / €30 reduced price
Individual ticket: €10 full price / €8 reduced price
Free for children under 6. Many events are free access.
Association Format
9 boulevard de Provence, 07200 Aubenas
Phone: 04 26 62 21 35 / 07 811 07 836
Email: [email protected]
Website: format-danse.com
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Place du Champ de Mars et village de Jaujac
Place du Champ de Mars, 07380 Jaujac