Les Multipistes

Contemporary Circus in the Spotlight

Every December, the Hippodrome de Douai transforms into a temple of contemporary circus for the Les Multipistes festival. Organized by TANDEM Scène nationale Douai-Arras, this event has become a major rendezvous for the circus scene in the Hauts-de-France region, offering a demanding yet accessible program that pushes the boundaries of traditional circus.

A Multidisciplinary Program

True to its name, Les Multipistes explores the multiple paths of contemporary circus by crossing artistic disciplines. The programmed shows are not limited to circus arts: they integrate theater, dance, cinema, and music, creating hybrid forms that renew the spectator's view of stage arts.

Innovative Circus Companies

The festival hosts some of the most creative circus companies on the French and international scene. These artists offer spectacular forms ranging from intimate solos to large collective shows, including in-situ performances and experimental creations. Acrobats, jugglers, tightrope walkers, contemporary clowns, and aerialists follow one another to offer a complete panorama of current circus creation.

Workshops and Meetings

Beyond the performances, Les Multipistes offers circus practice workshops open to the public. These participatory moments allow spectators to discover circus arts, experiment with balance, juggling, or acrobatic lifts under the guidance of professionals. Meetings with artists complete the program, offering insights into the creative processes.

The Hippodrome, an Iconic Venue

The Hippodrome de Douai, located at Place du Barlet, is a historic performance venue designated as a Scène nationale since 1992. Its remarkable architecture and quality stage equipment make it an ideal setting for circus arts. The main hall, with its generous volume, allows for aerial acts and large-scale shows.

TANDEM, a Two-Headed National Stage

The festival is supported by TANDEM, a structure that brings together the national stages of Douai and Arras. This dual territorial presence allows the festival to radiate throughout the mining basin and the Artois region, with shows sometimes programmed in both cities. TANDEM is distinguished by its commitment to contemporary circus, making Les Multipistes one of its flagship events.

A Festival for All Audiences

Les Multipistes is aimed at all audiences, from novices to seasoned enthusiasts. The program mixes family-friendly shows accessible from a young age and more daring proposals for spectators seeking innovative forms. This diversity is the richness of the festival and contributes to broadening the audience for contemporary circus.