Les Nuits de la Citadelle
Seventy years of live performance under the stars of Haute-Provence
About Nuits de la Citadelle
Created in 1956, Les Nuits de la Citadelle in Sisteron are the oldest festival in Provence. Every summer, the open-air theatre backed by the ramparts of the medieval citadel hosts evenings of theatre, classical music, dance, opera, and circus in a magnificent setting. Organized by the ATM association (Arts, Theatre, Monuments), this multidisciplinary festival has seen the greatest names in French and international performance, from the Comédie-Française to the ballets of the Paris Opera, as well as world-renowned soloists.
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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.
Nuits de la Citadelle — edition 2026
The 71st edition of Les Nuits de la Citadelle will take place from mid-July to mid-August 2026 in the medieval citadel of Sisteron. The oldest festival in Provence will continue its tradition of artistic excellence with a program combining theatre, classical music, dance, opera, jazz, and circus.
71st Edition - Summer 2026
Les Nuits de la Citadelle returns for its 71st edition in the summer of 2026. True to its multidisciplinary mission, the festival will offer an excellent program combining theatre, classical and contemporary music, dance, opera, jazz, and circus in the exceptional setting of the Sisteron citadel.
Performances will take place at the Théâtre de la Citadelle, a 1,200-seat open-air theatre backed by the medieval ramparts, as well as in the Cloître Saint-Dominique, an intimate venue in the heart of the old town. The full program will be announced in the spring of 2026 on the festival's official website.
Following the resounding success of the 70th anniversary edition in 2025, the festival confirms its status as a must-see cultural event of the summer in Provence and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
Programme Nuits de la Citadelle 2026
2026 Program
The official program for the 71st edition will be announced in the spring of 2026. As every year, the festival will offer approximately seven major events spread between the Théâtre de la Citadelle and the Cloître Saint-Dominique, featuring theatre, classical music, dance, opera, jazz, and circus performances.
Highlights Nuits de la Citadelle 2026
To Note for 2026
- 71st Edition of the oldest festival in Provence
- Dates: Mid-July to mid-August 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed)
- Venues: Théâtre de la Citadelle and Cloître Saint-Dominique
- Full program to be announced in spring 2026
- Tickets available at nuitsdelacitadelle.fr
Prices Nuits de la Citadelle 2026
Practical information — Nuits de la Citadelle
Access and Transport
By car: Sisteron is located on the A51 motorway (Marseille – Gap), exit Sisteron Nord or Sisteron Sud. From Marseille, it takes about 1.5 hours, from Grenoble about 2 hours, from Aix-en-Provence about 1 hour 15 minutes.
By train: Sisteron station is served by TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur on the Marseille – Briançon line. Shuttles may be organized from the station to the citadel on performance evenings.
Access to the Citadel: The citadel is accessible on foot from the town center via a rising pedestrian path (about 10 minutes). Entry to the theatre is through the north gate of the citadel. Wear comfortable shoes.
Prices
Théâtre de la Citadelle:
- Golden Circle: €48 to €55
- 1st series: €38 to €45
- 2nd series: €28 to €30
Cloître Saint-Dominique:
- Golden Circle: €80
- 1st series: €60
- 2nd series: €45
- 3rd series: €28 to €30
Reduced rates: -25% for under 20s, students under 25, and job seekers (upon presentation of proof). -10% for groups of 10 or more.
Season tickets: -10% for 4 shows, -20% for 5 shows.
Booking
Ticket office opens in May. Book online on the official website (booking fee: +€1 per ticket), by phone at 04 92 61 06 00 (Monday-Friday 9 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-6 PM), by mail to ATM, 1 allée de Verdun, 04200 Sisteron, or on-site during the same hours.
Practical Tips
- Performances usually start at 9:30 PM. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start.
- The citadel is an open-air site: bring a warm layer for evenings at altitude.
- Seat cushions can be useful on the stone tiers.
- Accommodation in Sisteron and the surrounding area fills up quickly in summer: book in advance.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Nuits de la Citadelle at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Nuits de la Citadelle
Citadelle de Sisteron - Théâtre de verdure
1 allée de Verdun, 04200 Sisteron