Les Nuits de la Citadelle

Les Nuits de la Citadelle: The Oldest Festival in Provence

The history of Les Nuits de la Citadelle dates back to 1928, when artist and poet Marcel Provence chose Sisteron for his "IIIe Saison d'art alpin" (3rd Alpine Art Season). In collaboration with Antoine Balpétré, a major figure in French Theatre, he presented Corneille's Le Cid on the citadel's ramparts. A green theatre was set up in the natural tiers formed by the bastions on the north face, with the imposing rampart of the Counts of Provence as its backdrop.

Prestigious Origins

From 1928 to 1939, two annual performances attracted an enthusiastic audience: Britannicus, Phèdre, plays by Molière, and opera performances. In 1930, Albert Lambert, a star of the Comédie-Française, triumphed in Œdipe Roi before a standing ovation. The Second World War interrupted the performances, and the citadel became a place of internment. The festival was reborn in 1956 with Le Pays du sourire, marking the beginning of the official numbering of editions.

The ATM Association and Cultural Renaissance

In 1960, the ATM (Arts, Théâtre, Monuments) association was founded to organize the festival and contribute to the restoration of the citadel, which had been damaged during the bombings of 1944. Since then, ATM has been responsible for the artistic programming and management of the citadel's cultural events with passion and high standards.

An Exceptional Setting for Live Performance

The Théâtre de la Citadelle, a 1,200-seat open-air theatre, offers remarkable acoustics and a breathtaking view of the Durance valley and the Baume mountain. Performances also take place in the Cloître Saint-Dominique, an intimate setting in the heart of the old town, and at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Pommiers, a jewel of Provençal Romanesque art, for sacred music concerts.

An Excellent Multidisciplinary Program

Every summer, Les Nuits de la Citadelle offers an eclectic program combining theatre, classical and contemporary music, opera, dance, jazz, and circus. The festival invites internationally renowned artists: symphony orchestras, virtuoso soloists, prestigious dance companies, theatre troupes, and circus artists. Evenings begin at 9:30 PM and continue under the stars of Haute-Provence, in a unique atmosphere where historical heritage and artistic creation meet.

A Festival Rooted in its Territory

Sisteron, nicknamed the "Pearl of Haute-Provence," is a gateway city between Dauphiné and Provence, guarding the Durance pass. The citadel, a listed Historic Monument, overlooks the town from its rock and is one of the finest examples of defensive architecture in Provence. The festival contributes to the cultural and tourist influence of the entire Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.