Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse
International dance festival in Biarritz and the Basque Country
About Le Temps d'Aimer
Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse: The Dance Event in Biarritz
Since 1990, the festival Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse has made Biarritz and the Basque Country a capital of dance every September. Born from the initiative of Biarritz Culture and its president Jakes Abeberry, the festival has, from its early editions, forged a path between heritage and modernity, inviting prestigious international companies such as the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the Kirov Ballet, and William Forsythe's Ballet Frankfurt.
An Exceptional Artistic Direction
Under the artistic direction of Thierry Malandain, director of Malandain Ballet Biarritz (National Choreographic Center), the festival annually presents a program that combines artistic excellence and accessibility. Thierry Malandain, an internationally recognized choreographer, imbues the festival with an ambitious vision that blends the great classics of ballet with the most contemporary creations.
A Rich and Diverse Program
Le Temps d'Aimer offers over 75 performances over ten days, covering all dance styles:
- Classical and Neoclassical Ballet: Major national and international companies present works from the classical repertoire and neoclassical creations.
- Contemporary Dance: The most inventive choreographers on the contemporary scene present their latest creations.
- Traditional Dances: Basque dances and choreographic traditions from around the world are highlighted.
- Performances and Hybrid Forms: Shows that blend dance with other artistic disciplines (music, visual arts, theater).
A Festival That Shines Beyond Biarritz
Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse is not limited to Biarritz. The festival extends to 8 towns and 7 theaters within the Basque Country Agglomeration Community, with performances, conferences, and workshops throughout the region. This territorial dimension makes the festival a unifying event that contributes to the cultural influence of the entire Basque Country.
Workshops, Conferences, and Meetings
Beyond the performances, Le Temps d'Aimer offers a rich program of parallel activities:
- Dance Workshops: Classes and workshops open to all levels allow the public to practice dance with professionals.
- Conferences and Round Tables: Meetings with choreographers and dancers enrich the understanding of the works.
- Biarritz Dance Academy: Intensive courses for professional and advanced amateur dancers.
- Solidarity Pricing: The festival offers solidarity pricing to promote access to culture for all audiences.
A Living Heritage of Dance
With over 35 editions, Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse has become a living heritage of the French choreographic scene. The festival has hosted the biggest names in world dance and has helped make Biarritz a reference city for dance in France and internationally.
Le Temps d'Aimer — edition 2026
36th edition of the Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse festival, from September 10 to 20, 2026 in Biarritz and throughout the Basque Country. Eleven days of classical, neoclassical, contemporary, urban, and traditional dance, with 19 invited companies. This edition is the last under the artistic direction of Thierry Malandain, who will hand over to Basque choreographer Martin Harriague on January 1, 2027. Opening with Benjamin Millepied creating Summerland; the program also features Lucia Lacarra, Rachid Ouramdane, Compagnie Hervé Koubi, the Ballet de l'Opéra National de Bordeaux, and the Malandain Ballet Biarritz.
A 36th edition marked by Thierry Malandain's departure
From September 10 to 20, 2026, Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse celebrates its 36th edition in Biarritz and the Basque Country. This is the last edition directed by Thierry Malandain, artistic director since 1998 and director of the Malandain Ballet Biarritz (National Choreographic Center), who will hand over his directorship to Basque choreographer Martin Harriague on January 1, 2027. The edition brings together 19 companies in a program that blends ballet, contemporary dance, urban dance, and Basque creations, with numerous outdoor performances with free access (41 free events announced).
Highlights of the 2026 program
- Summerland — Benjamin Millepied & November Ultra: opening creation of the festival.
- Lost Letters — Lucia Lacarra Ballet, with international Basque star Lucia Lacarra and Matthew Goldwin.
- Prométhée and Awen - The Sacred Veil — Ballet de l'Opéra du Grand Avignon, choreographies by Martin Harriague.
- L'Oiseau de feu / Boléro / Minuit et demi, ou le Cœur mystérieux — CCN Malandain Ballet Biarritz.
- Sol Invictus — Compagnie Hervé Koubi.
- Joy — Ballet de l'Opéra National de Bordeaux, closing on September 20.
The Basque scene in the spotlight
Nine companies from the Northern Basque Country (Iparralde) and Southern Basque Country (Hegoalde) are programmed: Lasala, La Cavale, Haatik Dantza & Jone San Martin, Bilaka Kolektiboa, Led Silhouette, Oihan Indart, Mizel Théret / Cie Traversée, Collectif Ibawa and the Tremplin Corps & Graphique. The festival takes place in 18 municipalities across the territory, from Biarritz to Mauléon, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Saint-Palais, Louhossoa, Pau, and Errenteria.
Programme Le Temps d'Aimer 2026
Thursday, September 10, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Summerland · Benjamin Millepied & November Ultra (opening creation) · Biarritz
Friday, September 11, 2026
- 7:00 PM — Awen - The Sacred Veil · Ballet de l'Opéra du Grand Avignon · Errenteria
- 7:00 PM — Halley · Led Silhouette · Biarritz
- 8:00 PM — Gaua · Collectif Ibawa · Saint-Palais
- 9:00 PM — Summerland · Benjamin Millepied & November Ultra · Biarritz
Saturday, September 12, 2026
- 7:00 PM — Hegoak · Mizel Théret / Cie Traversée · Biarritz
- 9:00 PM — Contre-Nature · Rachid Ouramdane · Anglet
- 9:30 PM — La Battle à Skorp · Compagnie Skorpeidon · Biarritz
Sunday, September 13, 2026
- 6:00 PM — Alai Familian · Lasala · Louhossoa
- 7:00 PM — Gaua · Collectif Ibawa · Biarritz
- 9:00 PM — Prométhée · Ballet de l'Opéra du Grand Avignon · Biarritz
Monday, September 14, 2026
- 7:00 PM — Outre-Rage · Cie La Mangrove · Biarritz
- 9:00 PM — Fugaces · Aina Alegre / CCN Grenoble · Bayonne
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- 6:00 PM — Tremplin Corps & Graphique · Biarritz
- 7:00 PM — OTS · Haatik Dantza & Jone San Martin · Biarritz
- 8:00 PM — Prométhée · Ballet de l'Opéra du Grand Avignon · Pau
- 9:00 PM — L'Oiseau de feu / Boléro / Minuit et demi, ou le Cœur mystérieux · CCN Malandain Ballet Biarritz · Biarritz
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
- 6:00 PM — Parmi les vaches · La Côte Folle · Biarritz
- 7:00 PM — Martzelina · Oihan Indart · Biarritz
- 8:00 PM — Prométhée · Ballet de l'Opéra du Grand Avignon · Pau
- 9:00 PM — L'Oiseau de feu / Boléro / Minuit et demi, ou le Cœur mystérieux · CCN Malandain Ballet Biarritz · Biarritz
Thursday, September 17, 2026
- 8:00 PM — Bezperan · Bilaka Kolektiboa · Mauléon
- 9:00 PM — Lost Letters · Lucia Lacarra Ballet · Biarritz
Friday, September 18, 2026
- 7:00 PM — What songs may do · Rendez-Vous dance · Biarritz
- 9:00 PM — Sol Invictus · Compagnie Hervé Koubi · Biarritz
Saturday, September 19, 2026
- 6:00 PM — Des bleuets dans les yeux · Compagnie Myriam Naisy · Biarritz
- 8:00 PM — Bezperan · Bilaka Kolektiboa · Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- 9:00 PM — Awen - The Sacred Veil · Ballet de l'Opéra du Grand Avignon · Biarritz
Sunday, September 20, 2026
- 6:00 PM — TADAM ! · La Cavale · Biarritz
- 7:30 PM — Ad Libitum · Compagnie SLB · Biarritz
- 9:00 PM — Joy · Ballet de l'Opéra National de Bordeaux (closing) · Biarritz
The festival also offers free outdoor shows (including Dirau by Bilaka Kolektiboa on September 12-13), daily public rehearsals at 12:30 PM, as well as "À vous de danser" workshops and meetings. Full program and schedules on the official website.
Highlights Le Temps d'Aimer 2026
- Last edition directed by Thierry Malandain before handing over to Martin Harriague (2027)
- Opening creation Summerland by Benjamin Millepied
- 19 companies in 18 municipalities of the Basque Country, over 40 free events
- Lucia Lacarra, Rachid Ouramdane, Hervé Koubi, Ballet de l'Opéra National de Bordeaux
Prices Le Temps d'Aimer 2026
Practical information — Le Temps d'Aimer
Access
The festival takes place mainly in Biarritz, with performances in several towns in the Basque Country.
- By car: A63 motorway, exit Biarritz. City center parking.
- By train: Biarritz station or Bayonne station, then bus or shuttle.
- By bus: Txik Txak network. Carpooling encouraged by the festival.
Venues
Several theaters and performance venues in Biarritz and the Basque Country. Main venue: Gare du Midi, 23 avenue du Maréchal Foch, 64200 Biarritz.
Schedules
Daytime and evening performances. Times vary depending on the program.
Prices
Paid tickets depending on the shows, from approximately €5 to €35. Solidarity pricing available. Festival passes and subscriptions offered.
Ticketing
Tickets on sale on the festival website and at partner points of sale.
Contact
Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse
Website: www.letempsdaimer.com
Accessibility
Most venues are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Contact the organizers for specific needs.
Accommodation nearby
Biarritz and its surrounding area offer numerous accommodation options. Booking is recommended in September.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Le Temps d'Aimer
Gare du Midi et divers lieux
23 avenue du Maréchal Foch, 64200 Biarritz