Rêves de Cirque Festival
Touring circus and street arts festival in the Ain
About Rêves de Cirque
Rêves de Cirque: When Circus and Street Arts Take Over the Villages of the Ain
Since 2013, the Rêves de Cirque festival has transformed the Dombes and Val de Saône area into a vast open-air stage every year. Born from the initiative of the La Passerelle community centre in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, this touring cultural event has become one of the unmissable summer gatherings in the Ain department.
A Community-Driven Cultural Project
Rêves de Cirque is not a festival like any other. It is driven by a collective of local residents who actively participate in the artistic programming and the organisation of shows in their own towns. This participative approach lies at the heart of the project: using culture as a catalyst for social connection, encounter and discovery. Six other community centres in the Ain department also collaborate on this collective adventure, broadening the festival's reach well beyond Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne.
An Eclectic and Family-Friendly Programme
Over three weeks, from early to late June, shows take over village squares, parks, market halls and gardens in more than twenty towns. The programme joyfully mixes performing arts disciplines: contemporary circus, acrobatics, tightrope walking, aerial acts, clown numbers, puppetry, juggling, one-man shows and pyrotechnic performances. Companies, selected for the quality and accessibility of their creations, offer shows suitable for all ages, from the very young to the very old.
The magnificent Parc du Clos Janin in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and the town's medieval market hall serve as the festival's flagship venues, but each participating town provides a unique setting that enriches the audience experience.
A Free Festival Open to All
True to its philosophy of cultural accessibility, Rêves de Cirque is entirely free. All shows are open-access and outdoors, enabling as many people as possible to enjoy this artistic summer interlude. The festival attracts more than 6,000 spectators each year, a testament to its local roots and the popular enthusiasm it inspires.
Strong Local Roots
By taking over rural towns in the Ain, Rêves de Cirque contributes to the cultural life of areas far from major urban centres. The festival thus plays a role in local vitality and the tourist appeal of the Dombes and Val de Saône, while creating moments of conviviality and sharing between residents, artists and visitors.
Rêves de Cirque — edition 2026
The 14th edition of the Rêves de Cirque festival will take place from June 5 to July 15, 2026, in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne and about fifteen communes in the Dombes region. Over six weeks of free street art shows (circus, acrobatics, puppets, juggling, mime, music, equestrian theatre) with free access, including a big weekend in Châtillon at Clos Janin on June 20 and 21, and two summer storytelling evenings on July 8 and 15.
14th edition - From June 5 to July 15, 2026
The Rêves de Cirque festival returns for its 14th edition from June 5 to July 15, 2026, in the territory of the Communauté de communes de la Dombes. Organized by the Centre social La Passerelle in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, the festival is entirely free (free access) thanks to its public partners (Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Département de l'Ain, Communauté de communes de la Dombes, Ville de Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, CAF de l'Ain) and private partners.
A tour of the troupes in the villages of the Dombes
From June 5 to June 19, 2026, the invited companies will tour the communes of the Dombes: Saint-André-de-Corcy, Versailleux, Saint-André-le-Bouchoux, Châtenay, Sulignat, Saint-Nizier-le-Désert, Montceaux, Sandrans, Neuville-les-Dames, Condeissiat, Chalamont, Saint-Paul-de-Varax, Baneins. Each performance is preceded by free activities (wooden games, frescoes, toy library, media library, inflatable structure, pony rides in Sandrans).
The big Châtillon weekend at Clos Janin (June 20-21)
On June 20 and 21, 2026, Clos Janin in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne hosts the festival's big celebration with eleven shows: acrobatics, trampoline, brass band, puppets, theatre, magic, fire show, acrobatic ladders. On-site catering (homemade meals), eco-festival refreshment stand (returnable cups, plastic elimination, local producers). Payment in cash and by card.
Summer Tales (July 8 and 15)
The festival continues with two storytelling evenings at Clos Janin: on July 8 at 8 PM with Cie Bachi Bouzouk Production (Le Chapoto, small object circus) and on July 15 at 8 PM with Cie Ananssé (Contes d'Ernest, a bouquet of tales for all audiences).
An eco-festival approach
The festival affirms an eco-responsible approach: plastic elimination, returnable cups, selective sorting, reusable signage, sourcing from local producers (beer from Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne, apple juice from La Marande, homemade churros), commitment from companies in the AURA region and sharing of shows with other regional festivals. The festival invites the public to come on foot or by carpooling.
Support artists and the festival
At the end of each performance, a red hat circulates among the audience to support the artists. Crowdfunding is also open on the festival's website to help sustain this free event.
Programme Rêves de Cirque 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026 — Saint-André-de-Corcy (next to the multi-purpose hall)
- 5 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6 PM — Cie Wise Fools, Hot and cold (acrobatics, 40 min, all audiences) — A trio that blends heavy metal and house music, Finnish melancholy and South African energy
Saturday, June 6, 2026 — Versailleux (town center parking)
- 5 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6 PM — Cie Tout Par Terre, Aux P'tits rognons (silent burlesque, 55 min, all audiences) — Two chef-waiters and a catastrophic restaurant
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 — Saint-André-le-Bouchoux (schoolyard)
- 5 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6 PM — Cie Vibration Visuelle, Vivi (musical juggling, 50 min, from 3 years old) — Didgeridoo, kalimba, balafon, beat box, juggling and magic
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 — Châtenay (schoolyard)
- 5:30 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6:30 PM — Cie Enricco Mazza, From a suitcase (mime, 55 min, all audiences) — Unique mime solo, absurd comic sketches
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — Sulignat (Place du Marronnier)
- 5 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6 PM — Cie Enricco Mazza, From a suitcase (mime, 55 min, all audiences)
Friday, June 12, 2026 — Saint-Nizier-le-Désert (La Nizière leisure base)
- 6 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 7 PM — Cie Nenni Ma Foi, Patatra (musical acrobatics, 45 min, from 3 years old) — Acrobatic lifts, live music and family stage games
Friday, June 12, 2026 — Montceaux (leisure area)
- 5 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6 PM — Cie Forain Fourtous, Roue de la fortune (acrobatics and improvisation, 50 min, all audiences) — Fakir-style circus performances and wheel of fortune
Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Sandrans (Les cavaliers d'Epona)
- From 3 PM — Activities: wooden games, straw bale throwing, pony rides, inflatable structure, equestrian demonstrations
- 6 PM — Association L'Art au Galop (equestrian show, 60 min, all audiences) — Ten horses, hand work, Cossack and jockey vaulting with Romane Olivier, Apolline Forey, Jérôme Sefer and Théo Miler
- 7:30 PM — Equestrian club meal (reservation required with Les cavaliers d'Epona)
Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Neuville-les-Dames (Place du Chapitre)
- 5 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6 PM — Cie Nenni Ma Foi, Patatra (musical acrobatics, 45 min, from 3 years old)
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 — Condeissiat (near the multi-purpose hall)
- 5 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6 PM — Cie Ahuma Production, Banan'o'Rama (interactive clown, 50 min, all audiences) — Mr Banana, physical comedy and circus arts
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — Chalamont (schoolyard)
- From 4 PM — Activities: games with the Chalamont toy library, media library, relaxation area and food truck
- 7:30 PM — Cie Ahuma Production, Banan'o'Rama (interactive clown, 50 min, all audiences)
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — Saint-Paul-de-Varax (market square)
- 5 PM — Activities: wooden games, fresco
- 6 PM — Cie Lam, Dancing Spirit (burlesque, 45 min, all audiences) — Johnny and Jenny, circus prowess and a love story inspired by Dirty Dancing
Friday, June 19, 2026 — Baneins (boules court near the lake)
- 6 PM — Cie des Fourmis dans la Lanterne, 5 Minutes avec toi (puppet, 40 min, all audiences) — Child-height puppet, mirror of modern realities
- After the show — Afterwork evening by the Amicale de la classe en 3
Saturday, June 20, 2026 — Châtillon weekend — Clos Janin, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne
- 4 PM — Cie de la Praka, Maïador (poetic acrobatics, 50 min, all audiences) — Acrobatics, Chinese pole, dance and Brazilian music
- 5:30 PM — Cie Rocking Chair, L'art d'accommoder les restes (puppet and live music, 50 min, all audiences) — Two old Sicilian singers
- 6:30 PM — Hoppla, Fanfare de rue (live music, 60 min, all audiences) — Sousaphone, mobile drums, saxophones and trumpet
- 8:30 PM — Collectif Asso Téléplomb, Les Désaccordé·es (acrobatic music, 60 min, all audiences)
- 10:15 PM — Cie Les Echalas, Roulmaboule (fire show, 45 min, all audiences) — Inspired by Miyazaki and The Nightmare Before Christmas
Sunday, June 21, 2026 — Châtillon weekend — Clos Janin, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne
- 10:30 AM — Cie Planeta Trampolí, Back 2 Classics (acrobatics and trampoline, 40 min, all audiences) — Classical circus, dance, music and Turntablism
- 11:30 AM — Cie Zinzoline, Hors contrôle (humour, magic, juggling, 60 min, all audiences) — Thierry Nadalini, interactive show
- 2 PM — Cie La Voie Ferrée, L'Imprévu sidéré (acrobatic ladders duo, 50 min, all audiences) — 4 ladders, two men, a waltz in balance
- 3 PM — Cie Zinzoline, children's show and activities (juggling ball making, etc.)
- 3 PM — Cie Les Humains Gauches, Kabinet (crazy psychoanalysis, 1h30, 12 years and +)
- 5 PM — Cie Easy to Digest, Timbrement Vôtre (burlesque acrobatics, 45 min, all audiences) — Circus in a post office, freely inspired by Robert Filliou
Summer Tales — Clos Janin, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne
- Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 8 PM — Cie Bachi Bouzouk Production, Le Chapoto (small object circus, 25 min, all audiences)
- Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 8 PM — Cie Ananssé, Contes d'Ernest (bouquet of tales, 50 min, all audiences) — Journey across continents with Ernest and Robbas
Highlights Rêves de Cirque 2026
- Completely free festival with open access, in 14 communes of the Dombes
- 14th edition, from June 5 to July 15, 2026 (six weeks of shows)
- Big Châtillon weekend at Clos Janin on June 20 and 21 with eleven shows (acrobatics, trampoline, brass band, puppets, fire)
- Troupes touring 13 villages of the Dombes from June 5 to 19
- Two Summer Tales evenings on July 8 and 15
- Eco-festival approach (returnable cups, local producers, soft mobility)
- Guest companies: Wise Fools, Tout Par Terre, Vibration Visuelle, Enricco Mazza, Nenni Ma Foi, Forain Fourtous, L'Art au Galop, Ahuma Production, Lam, Des Fourmis dans la Lanterne, De la Praka, Rocking Chair, Hoppla, Téléplomb, Les Echalas, Planeta Trampolí, Zinzoline, La Voie Ferrée, Les Humains Gauches, Easy to Digest, Bachi Bouzouk Production, Ananssé
Prices Rêves de Cirque 2026
Practical information — Rêves de Cirque
Practical Information
Dates and Venues
The festival takes place each year during the month of June, over a period of approximately three weeks. Shows are held in more than twenty towns in the Ain, with highlights in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, notably at the Parc du Clos Janin and under the medieval market hall.
Admission
Free and open access for all shows. No reservation required.
Getting There
By car: Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne is located about 30 km north of Lyon, accessible via the A6 (Villefranche-sur-Saône exit) then the D936. Free parking is available in the town centre.
By public transport: The nearest station is Villefranche-sur-Saône. Bus services on the Aléo network serve Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne.
Contact
Centre social La Passerelle
Rue des Peupliers, 01400 Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne
Phone: 04 74 55 30 90
Website: www.revesdecirque.fr
Tips
- Shows are outdoors: dress for the weather.
- Some shows are suitable for ages 6 and up.
- The full programme is available on the festival website and distributed in participating towns.
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Where does it take place — Rêves de Cirque
Parc du Clos Janin et communes de l'Ain
Rue des Peupliers, 01400 Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, 01400 Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne