Vaison Danses
International Dance Festival at the Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine
About Vaison Danses
Since 1996, Vaison Danses has invited the world's greatest choreographic companies to the Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine every summer. This international dance festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, is a must-attend event for lovers of ballet, contemporary dance, and international choreographic creation. In the exceptional setting of an ancient Roman theatre, dance dialogues with the millennia-old stones of one of the best-preserved Gallo-Roman sites in France.
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Vaison Danses: Thirty Years of International Dance in an Ancient Theatre
Founded in 1996, Vaison Danses has become over three decades one of the most anticipated choreographic events of the summer season in France. Set in the exceptional surroundings of the Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine, an archaeological site of remarkable richness in the heart of the Vaucluse, this international dance festival offers a high-level program each summer, bringing together the most renowned companies on the global choreographic scene.
The founding idea of Vaison Danses is simple and brilliant: to create a dialogue between live dance and ancient heritage. On the stage of the Roman theatre, whose tiers could accommodate over 6,000 spectators in Roman times, dance—whether contemporary, classical, or popular—finds a particular resonance, amplified by the majesty of the stones and the Provençal July sky.
Rooted in an Exceptional Heritage Site
The Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France. Dating from the 1st century AD, it was rediscovered and excavated in the 20th century. Its limestone tiers, orchestra, and stage ruins form a setting of austere and powerful beauty. Vaison-la-Romaine itself is an exceptional town, with its medieval quarter perched on its rocky spur, its Roman ruins, its archaeological museums, and its famous Provençal market.
This heritage dimension is at the heart of Vaison Danses' identity. The festival is integrated into the cultural fabric of the town and the region, helping to attract a large audience each summer who come as much for the dance as for the beauty of the place.
A Premier Choreographic Program
Over the years, Vaison Danses has hosted the most important companies and choreographers on the international stage:
- Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, directed by Jean-Christophe Maillot, one of the most innovative classical companies in the world
- Le Malandain Ballet Biarritz and its emblematic director Thierry Malandain
- Le Ballet de l'Opéra de Lyon, a benchmark for French contemporary dance
- International contemporary dance companies from Israel, the United Kingdom, North Africa, and elsewhere
This diversity of aesthetics and geographical origins reflects the festival's international ambition: to offer a living and plural map of contemporary world dance.
A Human-Scale and Friendly Festival
While the program is of international caliber, Vaison Danses retains the spirit of a human-scale festival, rooted in its Provençal territory. Performances take place in the open-air Roman theatre, but also in other spaces in the town, creating an atmosphere of cultural celebration that takes over all of Vaison-la-Romaine for the two weeks of the festival.
The festival fosters encounters between artists and the public, with discussions, workshops, and informal moments that allow spectators to better understand the works and choreographic approaches. This proximity is one of the most appreciated qualities of Vaison Danses.
A Major Cultural and Tourist Impact
Each edition of Vaison Danses attracts thousands of spectators from the Vaucluse, all of Provence, and far beyond. The festival significantly contributes to the summer tourist appeal of Vaison-la-Romaine and to the local economic life. It is supported by the City of Vaison-la-Romaine, the Department of Vaucluse, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, and the Ministry of Culture.
Vaison Danses — edition 2026
The 30th edition of Vaison Danses will be held from July 10th to 25th, 2026, at the Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine, for an exceptional anniversary. On the program: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo with 'Core Meu' (July 10th), Shechter II with the world premiere 'IN THE BRAIN' (July 15th), Ballet de l'Opéra de Lyon with 'Mycelium' (July 18th), Abou Lagraa / Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis with 'Carmen' (July 22nd), and Malandain Ballet Biarritz with 'Juste une dernière danse' (July 25th). Ticketing opens on March 30th, 2026.
30th Edition — Thirty Years of Choreographic Passion
The 2026 edition of Vaison Danses is a year to be marked with a white stone: the 30th anniversary of the festival founded in 1996. From July 10th to 25th, 2026, the Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine will host five exceptional choreographic evenings, with a program that celebrates both the festival's history and its resolute openness to international contemporary creation.
Detailed Program for the 30th Anniversary
- July 10th — Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo: 'Core Meu'
The prestigious Monegasque princely company, directed by Jean-Christophe Maillot, opens the jubilee with Core Meu. This title in Sardinian language ('my heart') heralds a performance imbued with lyricism and emotion, nourished by an aesthetic at the crossroads of classical and contemporary. - July 15th — Shechter II: 'IN THE BRAIN'
World premiere by the company directed by British choreographer Hofesh Shechter. IN THE BRAIN will be presented in its world premiere at Vaison Danses, an honor that testifies to the festival's international reach. - July 18th — Ballet de l'Opéra de Lyon: 'Mycelium'
The resident company of one of France's most inventive opera houses presents Mycelium, a choreographic piece inspired by mycelial networks and their analogies with human connections. - July 22nd — Abou Lagraa / Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis: 'Carmen'
Franco-Algerian choreographer Abou Lagraa signs a fiery Carmen, carried by the Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis. A powerful intercultural encounter that places the Mediterranean at the heart of the jubilee's programming. - July 25th — Malandain Ballet Biarritz: 'Juste une dernière danse'
The closing evening will be a moment charged with emotion: Thierry Malandain, a towering figure in French dance, presents with his Ballet Biarritz his very latest creation before his retirement. This 'Just one last dance' promises to be one of the most anticipated choreographic events of the 2026 season.
Ticketing
Ticket sales for this anniversary edition will open on March 30th, 2026, on the festival's website and by phone. Given the exceptional quality of the 30th-anniversary program, early booking is strongly advised.
Programme Vaison Danses 2026
30th Anniversary Program
- July 10th: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo — Core Meu
- July 15th: Shechter II — IN THE BRAIN (world premiere)
- July 18th: Ballet de l'Opéra de Lyon — Mycelium
- July 22nd: Abou Lagraa / Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis — Carmen
- July 25th: Malandain Ballet Biarritz — Thierry Malandain's latest creation
Highlights Vaison Danses 2026
Key Moments of the 30th Anniversary
- World Premiere: Shechter II — IN THE BRAIN (July 15th)
- Historic Closing Night: Malandain Ballet Biarritz — Thierry Malandain's final creation
- Mediterranean Opening: Abou Lagraa and the Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis
- Ticketing: Opens March 30th, 2026
Prices Vaison Danses 2026
Practical information — Vaison Danses
Practical Information
Address
Théâtre Antique de Vaison-la-Romaine
Avenue du Théâtre Antique, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Access
By car: Vaison-la-Romaine is 45 km from Avignon and 30 km from Orange. Accessible from the A7 via the D975 or D977. Parking near the archaeological site.
By bus: Regional bus lines from Avignon and Orange (Zou! network of the PACA Region).
Ticketing
Reservations by phone at 06 49 42 02 88 or by email at [email protected]. Tickets are available from the end of March for the following edition.
Prices
- Performance prices: from 20 to 45 EUR depending on the performance
- Reduced prices: for young people under 26, students, and job seekers
Contact
Vaison Danses
Place du Chanoine Sautel, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Tel: 06 49 42 02 88
Email: [email protected]
Website: vaison-danses.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Vaison Danses at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Vaison Danses
Théâtre Antique de Vaison-la-Romaine
Avenue du Théâtre Antique, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine