Les Tentaculaires

One of the oldest street festivals in France

Created in 1978 under the name "La Rue est à Amiens", the Amiens street arts festival is one of the oldest in France. Renamed Les Tentaculaires, it is now led by the Cirque Jules Verne, a National Circus Center based in Amiens. In over forty years of existence, the festival has established itself as a major cultural event in the Picardy capital, offering a weekend of free performances in the city center's public spaces every summer.

The streets of Amiens transformed into open-air stages

For three days, Les Tentaculaires take over Amiens' emblematic locations: Place Gambetta, rue des Trois Cailloux, the Parc de l'Évêché, the areas around Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the banks of the Somme River become stages for artists. Public space is transformed: monumental visual installations stand alongside intimate street performances, musical parades mingle with acrobatic feats, creating an artistic journey through the city.

Circus, dance, theater, and fairground arts

The programming of Les Tentaculaires reflects the diversity of contemporary street arts. Around twenty companies, from all over France and sometimes Europe, present performances of contemporary circus, dance, street theater, music, and fairground arts. The festival showcases contemporary creation and innovative artistic forms, while also offering shows accessible to all audiences, from the youngest to the oldest. Participatory projects invite the people of Amiens to become active participants in the festival.

A free festival led by Cirque Jules Verne

Les Tentaculaires is organized by the Cirque Jules Verne, an Amiens cultural institution recognized as a National Circus Center. This ministerial label attests to the artistic excellence of the project led by this organization, which works year-round on creation, dissemination, and training in contemporary circus. The festival offers free access to all its performances, a strong commitment to making art accessible to everyone. With over 30,000 spectators over three days, Les Tentaculaires confirms its place in the hearts of Amiens residents and visitors year after year.