Le Festival d'Alba
Contemporary circus in an exceptional ancient and medieval site
About Festival d'Alba
Contemporary circus at the heart of Ardèche heritage
The Festival d'Alba was created in 2009 by La Cascade, a National Circus Center based in Bourg-Saint-Andéol in Ardèche. Under the artistic direction of Alain Reynaud, the festival aims to present contemporary circus in all its diversity: acrobatics, juggling, tightrope walking, trapeze, aerial dance, clowning, as well as hybrid forms combining circus, dance, theater, and music.
Alba-la-Romaine, an incomparable setting
The festival takes place in the exceptional setting of Alba-la-Romaine, a listed Gallo-Roman archaeological site and a perched medieval village. The shows unfold in the cobbled streets of the village, on the remains of the ancient theater, in courtyards and squares, transforming this historic place into an open-air theater. The encounter between circus arts and architectural heritage creates a unique experience for spectators.
Les Préalables: the festival off the beaten track
In the lead-up to the main festival, Les Préalables spreads circus shows across about fifteen towns in the Ardèche Rhône Coiron region. For a week, circus companies take over unusual venues—barns, village squares, farmyards—to connect with local residents. Les Préalables contributes to the dissemination of contemporary circus in rural areas and prepares the public for the festival's highlight.
A committed National Circus Center
La Cascade, which organizes the festival, is one of the National Circus Centers accredited by the Ministry of Culture. Throughout the year, it supports circus creation through artist residencies, co-productions, cultural outreach, and training. The Festival d'Alba is the culmination of this activity, a special time when the public can discover creations supported by La Cascade and other invited companies.
A family and popular event
The Festival d'Alba is known for its accessibility: some shows are free, and the prices for paid shows remain affordable. The atmosphere is friendly and family-oriented, with offerings suitable for all ages. The free street performances, open to everyone, create a festive atmosphere in the medieval alleys of the village. The 2025 edition, the 16th, will take place from July 9 to 14.
Festival d'Alba — edition 2026
The 17th edition of the Festival d'Alba will take place from July 9 to 14, 2026, in Alba-la-Romaine (Ardèche), in the medieval village and on the ancient site. Organized by La Cascade – Pôle National Cirque, this event transforms public spaces into contemporary circus stages: shows under big tops and in the open air, concerts, exhibitions, strolls, circus internships and workshops, as well as archaeological visits to the ancient site.
Prior to the festival, Les Préalables offer 14 shows in 14 communes of the Ardèche Rhône Coiron territory, from June 2 to 7, 2026.
Programme Festival d'Alba 2026
Shows
- Opening Ceremony (July 9) — Collectif TBTF & Alain Reynaud
- Kairos (July 9 to 14) — Cie Kiaï: trampoline and live music
- Quatuor (July 9 to 13) — Cie 126 kilos & Cie Toi d'abord: clown show
- Masacrade (July 11 to 13) — Marcel et ses drôles de femmes: tragicomedy with acrobatics
- Parblex ! (July 9 to 13) — Atelier Lefeuvre & André: slow circus
- Pile Poil (July 10 to 14) — Cie des Plumés: street show
- Nous, la forêt – ou comment se planter (July 10 to 14) — Cie Kif Kif: circus theater
- Claricellino (July 10 to 14) — Les Nouveaux Nez & Cie: musical fantasy for two musicians and a dancer
- Maiador (July 10 to 12) — Cie Delá Praká: circus, dance, and popular culture
- Faune (July 13 and 14) — Cie Libertivore: aerial dance and acrobatic lifts
- Triptyque (July 10 and 11) — Collectif TBTF: circus stroll
- Les Pondarmes (July 13 and 14) — Cie Un de ces 4: musical and burlesque circus
Concerts
- Buck (July 10) — explosive jazz
- Aluminé Guerrero (July 11) — vocals, charango, pinquillo, chaschas, and midi controller
- TBTF Radio (July 12) — DJ set
- Musical Siestas (July 11 to 13)
Also on the program: circus internships and workshops (stilts, trapeze, slackline, parent/child circus), guided tours of the archaeological site, and burlesque conferences. Some shows and workshops are free.
Highlights Festival d'Alba 2026
- 17th edition of the festival
- Préalables from June 2 to 7, 2026 in 14 towns
Prices Festival d'Alba 2026
Practical information — Festival d'Alba
Access
The festival takes place in Alba-la-Romaine (07400), between Montélimar and Aubenas in Ardèche.
- By car: From Montélimar (25 min), N102 towards Aubenas then D107. From Valence (1h), A7 exit Montélimar then N102.
- By train: Montélimar SNCF station then shuttle or carpooling.
- Parking: Free parking on the outskirts of the village.
Prices
- Free shows: street arts and certain performances
- Paid shows: from €5 to €15 depending on the performance
- Booking recommended for indoor shows (limited capacity)
Ticketing
Bookings on lefestivaldalba.org – sales open at the end of May.
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Where does it take place — Festival d'Alba
Village médiéval et site antique d'Alba-la-Romaine
Village médiéval et site archéologique, 07400 Alba-la-Romaine