Les Nuits de l'Enclave des Papes
Festival of theater, circus, and dance in the Enclave des Papes
About Nuits de l'Enclave
Les Nuits de l'Enclave des Papes: Live Performance at the Heart of a Unique Territory
The Enclave des Papes is a fascinating geographical and historical curiosity: a territory of four communes in Vaucluse — Valréas, Visan, Richerenches, and Grillon — entirely enclosed within the Drôme department. This unique situation dates back to the 14th century when the Popes of Avignon acquired these lands to expand their Provençal possessions. Today, the Enclave des Papes is also a vibrant cultural territory, and the Nuits de l'Enclave is its most brilliant manifestation.
The festival is driven by the Centre Dramatique des Villages du Haut Vaucluse (CDDV), a company and cultural resource center that has worked for many years to develop theatrical practice in this rural area. This associative structure has successfully built an event that extends far beyond its geographical borders, attracting a large and loyal audience each summer.
A Traveling Festival Across Four Communes
The most striking feature of the Nuits de l'Enclave is its traveling nature: performances are spread across the four communes of the Enclave, inviting the public to explore this small territory, discovering its villages, its landscapes of lavender and truffle oaks, and of course, its shows.
- Valréas (84600): The administrative center of the Enclave, with its 14th-century Château de la Simiane and its theater — the main performance venues for the festival. The town hosts the majority of the major productions.
- Visan: A wine-growing village dominated by its medieval castle, hosting open-air performances in its heritage sites.
- Richerenches: Famous for its 12th-century Templar commandery and as the French capital of black truffles, it provides an ideal setting for medieval or intimate performances in its cobbled streets.
- Grillon: A charming and authentic Provençal village, conducive to local performances and artist encounters.
This traveling organization strengthens the bond between the festival and the territory, giving each commune the pride of hosting artists and audiences from all over the region.
Theater, Circus, Dance: An Eclectic and Popular Program
The programming of the Nuits de l'Enclave happily blends several live performance disciplines:
- Theater: Contemporary plays, adaptations of classics, original creations by the CDDV. The resident company often presents a major new work that forms the backbone of the program.
- Contemporary Circus: Invited companies offer shows under the big top or in open spaces, blending acrobatics, movement arts, and storytelling. In 2025, Cirque de la Guirlande with its show Arcanae played to sold-out houses.
- Dance: Regional and national companies take over outdoor spaces or indoor venues for performances ranging from contemporary dance to more popular forms.
- Street Arts: Parades, street shows, and surprise performances animate the villages throughout the festival.
The program is designed to be accessible to all audiences, from families with children to enthusiasts of more demanding artistic forms. Outreach activities — visits, workshops, artist meetings — complement the offerings and reinforce the festival's local roots.
A Human-Scale and Welcoming Festival
With over 2,300 spectators per edition and a friendly festive atmosphere, the Nuits de l'Enclave has found its ideal size: large enough to offer an ambitious program, yet small enough to maintain proximity between artists, volunteers, and the public. Evenings often extend around a drink, in the true Provençal festive spirit. The festival relies on a solid team of volunteers who are involved year-round alongside the permanent staff of the CDDV.
Nuits de l'Enclave — edition 2026
For its 60th edition, the Les Nuits de l'Enclave des Papes festival will be held from July 17 to 26, 2026, in Valréas and the communes of the Enclave (Visan, Richerenches, Grillon). This anniversary edition takes singing as its common thread: it runs through the shows, blends with the disciplines, and brings together artists and audiences around theatre, dance, circus, puppetry, and music.
60th Edition — Les Nuits de l'Enclave, July 17 to 26, 2026
For its 60th anniversary, the Les Nuits de l'Enclave des Papes festival will take over the squares and heritage sites of Valréas, Visan, Richerenches, and Grillon from July 17 to 26, 2026. Organized by the Centre Dramatique des Villages du Haut Vaucluse (CDDV), this anniversary edition makes singing its common thread: it runs through the shows, blends with the disciplines, and brings together artists and audiences.
Theatre, dance, circus, puppetry, and music unite to make the Enclave des Papes resonate. The opening night, on July 17, is 100% free and combines circus and music as part of the Concerts Tôt, in partnership with La Valse des As. Around the shows, numerous events extend the experience: meetings, workshops, mediations, and exhibitions.
Programme Nuits de l'Enclave 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026 — Opening Night (free)
- 6 PM — Immobiles, Cie Les Hommes De Mains · Circus · Valréas (Le Village) · Free
- 6 PM — Tchalé, Les Concerts Tôt · Music · Valréas (Le Village) · Free
Saturday, July 18
- 7 PM — Les Misérables, Compagnie l'Accord des On · Theatre · Valréas (Espace JB Niel)
- 9:30 PM — Bal à facettes, Compagnie des Gentils · Music · Valréas (Le Village) · Free
Sunday, July 19
- 7:30 PM — Mizu, Cie Furinkaï & Théâtre de l'Entrouvert · Dance / Puppetry · Grillon (Plan d'eau du Lez)
Monday, July 20
- 11 AM — Chronique(s) — Saison 1, Compagnie en Carton · Theatre · Valréas (Cour St Jean le Baptiste) · also on July 21, 23 and 24 (6 € per episode or 18 € for the season)
- 9:30 PM — Tu connais la Chanson ?, Collectif Animale & Productions Entropiques · Musical · Valréas (Espace JB Niel)
Tuesday, July 21
- 9:30 PM — Chroniques de l'Enclave & Chansons de Voiture, Macompagnie · Theatre / Singing · Richerenches (Place de l'Église)
Wednesday, July 22
- 7 PM — L'invention du théâtre public, Centre Dramatique Des Villages · Amateur Theatre Reading · Valréas / Visan · Free (also on July 23 and 24)
- 9:30 PM — Dissonances Jeanne d'Arc, Cie du Dire Dire · Theatre · Valréas (Espace JB Niel)
Thursday, July 23
- 9:30 PM — De Père En Piste, Théâtre Alexandru Liger · Theatre · Visan (Place Humbert II)
Friday, July 24
- 9:30 PM — Génération Mitterrand, Cie Animaux en Paradis · Theatre · Valréas (Espace JB Niel)
Saturday, July 25
- 9:30 PM — Giono — Paysages, visages, Cie Le Temps de Dire · Theatre · Grillon (Place Emile Colongin)
Sunday, July 26 — Closing
- 7:30 PM — La dame blanche, Cie Deraïdenz · Puppetry · Valréas (Place Cardinal Maury) · Free
- 9:30 PM — Le contre-chant des sirènes, Compagnie des Gentils · Musical Cabaret · Valréas (Espace JB Niel)
Highlights Nuits de l'Enclave 2026
- 60th anniversary edition, with singing as its common thread
- Itinerant festival in the four communes of the Enclave des Papes: Valréas, Visan, Richerenches, Grillon
- 100% free opening night (circus and music) on July 17, in partnership with La Valse des As
- Several free shows throughout the festival (Bal à facettes, La dame blanche, L'invention du théâtre public)
Prices Nuits de l'Enclave 2026
Practical information — Nuits de l'Enclave
Practical Information
Access to the Enclave des Papes
By Car: Valréas is accessible from Orange (30 km) via the D976, from Nyons (25 km) via the D538, or from Montélimar (45 km). The Enclave des Papes is not served by train. The car remains the preferred mode of transport.
Carpooling: Carpooling options are available from Avignon and Orange to facilitate access to the festival. Inquire with the organization.
Ticketing and Prices
Prices vary depending on the shows. Major productions are ticketed, while some street performances and events are free.
- Major Productions (Big Top, Indoor Venue): approximately 12-20 EUR per show
- Reduced Rates: for children, students, job seekers
- Street Performances and Activities: free admission
Bookings on the official website or by calling 04 90 28 12 51.
Accommodation
Bed and breakfasts, gîtes, and hotels are available in and around the communes of the Enclave. During high season (July), advance booking is recommended. Municipal campsite in Valréas.
Contact
Centre Dramatique des Villages du Haut Vaucluse (CDDV)
Valréas (84600)
Tel: +33 4 90 28 12 51
Email: [email protected]
Website: nuits-enclave.com
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Where does it take place — Nuits de l'Enclave
Château de la Simiane et lieux extérieurs des 4 communes de l'Enclave
Château de la Simiane, 84600 Valréas