Just ten minutes from our gîtes, Bourg-Saint-Andéol is home to a cultural treasure many holidaymakers overlook: circus in Bourg-Saint-Andéol has its very own home here, La Cascade, one of France’s rare National Circus Arts Centres. After ten years welcoming families at Mas Saint Antoine, we’ve noticed one thing: those who step through La Cascade’s doors leave delighted. Here is our complete guide to enjoying its shows and workshops during your stay in southern Ardèche.
What is La Cascade and why is it a unique place?
La Cascade is not a circus school in the usual sense — there’s no year-round enrolment for weekly trapeze lessons. It is a National Circus Arts Centre, a far rarer and more ambitious status. Established in Bourg-Saint-Andéol since 2008 in a heritage building (a former private school now owned by the Ardèche Department), it is one of twelve National Circus Arts Centres across France, and the only one of its kind in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
In practice, La Cascade fulfils four complementary missions: it creates (hosting companies in residence to imagine tomorrow’s shows), it presents (programming performances accessible to all), it transmits (through workshops and courses for amateurs and professionals alike) and it offers a training space for artists. The venue is led by Alain Reynaud, an artistic director who is himself a clown and stage director, and run by a team of around ten permanent staff.
For a holidaymaker, the key point is simple: this is contemporary circus — poetic, demanding, blending acrobatics, juggling, aerial dance, object theatre and clowning — far removed from traditional animal circuses. And it can be enjoyed indoors as much as outdoors, in the villages and public squares of the region.
How do you reach La Cascade from Mas Saint Antoine?
La Cascade is located at 9, Avenue Marc Pradelle, in the heart of Bourg-Saint-Andéol (07700). It is one of the closest cultural outings to our gîtes.
| From | Distance / time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mas Saint Antoine | ~10 min by car | Bourg-Saint-Andéol centre |
| Avignon TGV | ~1 hr | Most convenient high-speed station |
| Montélimar | ~30 min | Nearest regional train station |
| Lyon | ~1 hr 50 | Via the A7 motorway |
| Marseille | ~2 hr | Via the A7 motorway |
One subtlety to note: while La Cascade has its headquarters and theatre in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, its major summer festival takes place in Alba-la-Romaine, a listed village about 35 minutes’ drive from the Mas. More on this below. Parking in Bourg-Saint-Andéol is easy in the centre, and for the decentralised open-air shows, organisers usually arrange shuttle and car-sharing options.
Which shows and events can you see in 2026?
La Cascade’s programme follows the rhythm of the seasons. Three major events shape the year — and, good news, they fall at periods perfectly suited to combining holidays with culture.
Jours de Cirque: the free spring festival
Every first weekend of May, Jours de Cirque takes over Bourg-Saint-Andéol and surrounding villages. In 2026 it ran on 2 and 3 May. The idea: two days of entirely free contemporary circus shows that pop up in public squares, school courtyards and markets. It’s the perfect way to discover this art form without booking or spending, as a family and in a relaxed atmosphere.
Les Préalables: circus from village to village
From 2 to 7 June 2026, Les Préalables du Festival d’Alba turns the Ardèche Rhône Coiron area into a playground for artists. Once again, the shows are free. The concept is nicely summed up by the organisers: type “circus” into your GPS and you’ll roam the whole region — by bike, by shuttle or with the family. Some dates even include historical visits, such as the Himalayan footbridge at Rochemaure or the village of Saint-Vincent-de-Barrès.
The Festival d’Alba: the great July rendezvous
This is the highlight of the season. From 9 to 14 July 2026, La Cascade hosts the 17th edition of the Festival d’Alba-la-Romaine. For six days, circus takes over an exceptional heritage setting: the antique theatre, La Roche, the Carbunica and the streets of the listed village all host shows and concerts. The marriage of ancient stone and the aerial daring of contemporary circus creates an atmosphere few festivals can offer.
Comparing the three events: which one to choose?
| Criterion | Jours de Cirque | Les Préalables | Festival d’Alba |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 dates | 2-3 May | 2-7 June | 9-14 July |
| Location | Bourg-Saint-Andéol & area | Ardèche Rhône Coiron villages | Alba-la-Romaine |
| Price | Free | Free | Ticketed (packages from €12-30) |
| Format | Open-air, public squares | Touring, village to village | Programmed shows, antique setting |
| Best for | Spontaneous family discovery | Off-the-beaten-track culture | Memorable evening performances |
Bernard’s tip: if you stay with us in June, Les Préalables is a still-confidential gem, perfect for a family or group day out. In July, book your Festival d’Alba tickets early — capacity is limited.
Can you try circus as a family during your holiday?
Yes — and it’s one of the reasons we often recommend La Cascade to our guests with children. Beyond the shows, the centre offers introductory courses and workshops open to amateurs, led by professional artists. Trapeze, juggling, balance, aerial work: a fun, original and memorable activity to fit into an Ardèche holiday.
During the summer, two periods are especially interesting for families on holiday.
July workshops and courses in Bourg-Saint-Andéol. From 20 to 24 July 2026, La Cascade runs parent-child circus workshops (from 18 months) and circus workshops for ages 4-6 and 7-12, plus an aerial course for over-10s and adults. From 27 to 31 July, a “Circus and Visual Arts” course is offered for ages 6-8 and 9-12, with the option of bringing a picnic to eat on site. Bookings are made online via HelloAsso.
Festival d’Alba circus workshops. From 10 to 14 July 2026, during the festival, introductory workshops take place in Alba-la-Romaine: parent-child circus (18 months-3 years, then 4-5 years), circus for ages 5-7 and 8-12, mini flying trapeze (8-13 years then adults), and even a freestyle football workshop. A five-day mini flying trapeze course is also offered for ages 8-13, priced at €85. Online bookings for these workshops open on 27 May 2026.
| Activity | Audience | 2026 dates | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent-child circus workshop | From 18 months | 20-24 July / 10-14 July | Bourg-Saint-Andéol / Alba |
| Children’s circus workshop | Ages 4-12 | July | Bourg-Saint-Andéol / Alba |
| Aerial course | Over 10s & adults | 20-23 July | Bourg-Saint-Andéol |
| Circus and Visual Arts course | Ages 6-12 | 27-31 July | Bourg-Saint-Andéol |
| Mini flying trapeze course | Ages 8-13 | 10-14 July (€85) | Alba-la-Romaine |
Sportswear and a water bottle are recommended for all workshops. As places are limited, it’s best to register as soon as bookings open.
What budget should you plan? 2026 prices
A pleasant surprise: much of La Cascade’s programme is free. Here is a summary guide, always to be confirmed on the official website when booking.
| Activity | Indicative 2026 price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jours de Cirque | Free | No booking required |
| Les Préalables | Free | Touring shows |
| Festival d’Alba — day package | €20 adult / €12 child | 2 shows the same day |
| Festival d’Alba — evening package | €30 full / €23 reduced | Depending on programme |
| Festival d’Alba — under 3s | Free | Child rate for under-16s |
| Mini flying trapeze course (5 days) | €85 | Ages 8-13, Festival d’Alba |
For the Festival d’Alba, reduced rates are available on proof (large families, under-26s, jobseekers, groups of 10 adults or more). Accepted payments include ANCV holiday vouchers and, for ages 17-20, the Pass’Culture. The box office opens on site in mid-June and by phone from 15 June 2026.
What mistakes should you avoid to enjoy circus in Bourg-Saint-Andéol?
- Confusing La Cascade with the Festival d’Alba. The headquarters and theatre are in Bourg-Saint-Andéol (10 min from the Mas), but the big summer festival takes place in Alba-la-Romaine (~35 min). Check the location of each event before setting off.
- Booking too late for the Festival d’Alba. Capacity is limited and some shows sell out. Book online as soon as the box office opens rather than calling, as phone lines quickly become saturated.
- Forgetting to sign children up for workshops. Circus workshops are in high demand in July. Bookings for the Festival d’Alba workshops open on 27 May 2026 — note the date.
- Underestimating the weather for open-air shows. In case of bad weather, performances may be delayed or cancelled. Bring a hat for the sun and something warm for the evening.
- Missing spring and autumn. Many think circus is a summer thing. Yet Jours de Cirque (May) and Les Préalables (June) are free and far less crowded than the Festival d’Alba.
When to visit? Which season to choose?
Spring
This is our favourite period for circus. Jours de Cirque in early May and Les Préalables in early June offer free, open-air shows in gentle light and with reasonable crowds. Ideal for a first family discovery.
Summer
July means the Festival d’Alba and its workshops. The atmosphere is festive and the antique setting magnificent, but it’s also peak tourist season: book your tickets and accommodation early.
The shoulder season
This is the period regulars recommend for discovering the area wisely. La Cascade continues its creation and training activity in autumn, with creation stages open to the public. In September and October, southern Ardèche takes on a different light, ideal for photography and walks, and the Mas then has far more availability. For an off-season group weekend, it’s exactly the window we recommend.
Winter
Winter is quieter for public programming, but creative work continues behind the scenes. It’s a season to favour for a cosy fireside stay, saving the festivals for a future visit.
If you’re organising a corporate retreat or an extended-family weekend, the estate can be privatised for 20 to 38 people — perfect for combining a cultural outing such as Les Préalables with collective moments at the Mas.
How can you combine La Cascade with other sites?
Circus in Bourg-Saint-Andéol fits easily into a wider holiday programme. Here are two tried-and-tested itineraries.
Family culture itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Morning: explore Bourg-Saint-Andéol, its heritage and streets. Afternoon: children’s circus workshop at La Cascade. Evening: back to the Mas for a swim in the large 13×6 m saltwater pool.
Day 2 — Morning: drive to Alba-la-Romaine, visit the listed village and its antique site. Afternoon and evening: Festival d’Alba shows in the antique theatre setting.
Discovery weekend itinerary — 3 days
Day 1: arrival at the Mas, relaxation and settling in. Day 2: Les Préalables, following the circus from village to village across Ardèche Rhône Coiron. Day 3: a trip to the Pont d’Arc and the Ardèche Gorges, or the Chauvet 2 cave for a deep dive into heritage.
Circus also pairs beautifully with a nature day: a morning canoeing in the Gorges, then an open-air show in the evening, and the day is perfect.
Why stay at Mas Saint Antoine to discover circus in Bourg-Saint-Andéol?
- ✅ Just 10 minutes from La Cascade — one of the closest cultural outings to our gîtes.
- ✅ 6 independent accommodations on a 2-hectare estate, for families and large groups alike.
- ✅ A large 13×6 m saltwater pool and a secure setting, perfect after a day of shows.
- ✅ Air-conditioned gîtes for comfortable summer evenings.
- ✅ Rated 4.9/5 from 130 verified reviews and selected by Petit Futé 2026.
- ✅ Privatisation available for 20 to 38 people — ideal for an extended-family weekend or a retreat combined with a cultural outing.
To plan your cultural stay in southern Ardèche, explore our accommodations and their availability on our rooms and gîtes page.
In conclusion
- La Cascade, in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, is a National Circus Arts Centre — a rare and high-quality venue.
- Three major events shape the year: Jours de Cirque (May), Les Préalables (June) and the Festival d’Alba (July).
- Much of the programme is free, and workshops let children try circus arts.
- Spring and the shoulder season are the most pleasant periods to enjoy it calmly.
- Just 10 minutes from Mas Saint Antoine, circus fits perfectly into a stay blending culture, heritage and nature.
Contemporary circus has something precious about it: it brings young and old together around the same emotion, in places that step out of the ordinary. That’s exactly the spirit we love at the Mas — a stay where you share, where you marvel, and where each day leaves a lasting memory. Come and experience the magic of Ardèche circus with us.
Plan your cultural stay in Ardèche
To book one of our 6 gîtes or privatise the estate, contact us on +33 6 68 11 48 71 or visit massaintantoine.fr.
Frequently asked questions
Is La Cascade a circus school?
Not in the sense of a school offering year-round weekly classes. La Cascade is a National Circus Arts Centre: a place for creation, presentation and transmission. It does, however, regularly organise introductory courses and workshops open to amateurs, children and adults, led by professional artists.
Where exactly is La Cascade?
La Cascade is located at 9, Avenue Marc Pradelle, 07700 Bourg-Saint-Andéol, in southern Ardèche. That’s where its headquarters and theatre are. Its major summer festival, the Festival d’Alba, takes place in the village of Alba-la-Romaine, about 35 minutes’ drive away.
Are the circus shows free?
Much of the programme is free: this is the case for Jours de Cirque in May and Les Préalables in June, two open-air festivals. The Festival d’Alba, in July, is ticketed: day packages start around €12 for children and €20 for adults in 2026.
When is the Festival d’Alba in 2026?
The 17th edition of the Festival d’Alba runs from 9 to 14 July 2026 in Alba-la-Romaine. Over six days, contemporary circus takes over the antique theatre, La Roche, the Carbunica and the listed village streets. The box office opens on site in mid-June and by phone from 15 June 2026.
Can children join a circus workshop during the holidays?
Yes. La Cascade offers circus workshops and courses in July in Bourg-Saint-Andéol (20-31 July 2026 for ages 18 months to 12) and during the Festival d’Alba in Alba-la-Romaine (10-14 July). Bookings are made online; festival workshop bookings open on 27 May 2026.
What age are the circus workshops for?
Parent-child workshops welcome toddlers from 18 months. Other workshops target ages 4-6, 5-7, 7-12 and 8-13. The aerial course is open to over-10s and adults. There’s a format for almost every family member.
What is the best season to discover circus in Bourg-Saint-Andéol?
Spring is ideal: Jours de Cirque in early May and Les Préalables in early June offer free, open-air shows with moderate crowds. The shoulder season, in September-October, remains pleasant for the area and is when Mas Saint Antoine has the most availability, particularly for groups.
How far is La Cascade from Mas Saint Antoine?
La Cascade is about 10 minutes by car from Mas Saint Antoine, right in the centre of Bourg-Saint-Andéol. It is one of our most accessible cultural outings. The Festival d’Alba, in Alba-la-Romaine, is about 35 minutes’ drive away.
Is contemporary circus suitable for young children?
Yes, the programme is designed for an intergenerational audience. Many shows are family-friendly, and open-air festivals like Jours de Cirque are particularly suited to children. For the Festival d’Alba, recommended ages are indicated for each show and should be respected.
How do you book and pay for tickets?
For the Festival d’Alba, the box office is accessible online, by phone from 15 June 2026, and on site in Bourg-Saint-Andéol then Alba-la-Romaine. Accepted payments include card, cash, cheques, ANCV holiday vouchers, Pass’Région and, for ages 17-20, the Pass’Culture.
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Je recommande
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Merci Hélène et Bernard pour votre accueil chaleureux!
Merci également au traiteur So’ brunch de nous avoir livré à domicile pour régaler nos papilles tout le week-end!
Une expérience réussie! 🥳
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Une très chouette adresse : j’y retournerai avec grand plaisir ! Pourquoi pas les 35 ans !
Bernard et sa femme sont adorables, humains, serviable et très à l'écoute.
C'est un gîte familial, tranquille et agréable.
Et il n'y a pas de moustiques ! 😅
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour.
Si nous revenons en Ardèche ça sera ici, merci encore pour tout 🙏
Un accueil très chaleureux d’Hélène et Bernard qui nous ont indiqué plusieurs sites à visiter. On n’oublie pas Djingo, le super copain de notre chienne.
Gîte de l’olivier pour notre séjour très propre et très bien équipé , pensez juste au tire bouchon ^^ seule petit bémol pour la personne dormant dans le salon la VMC peut être bruyante pour une personne ayant le sommeil léger sinon rien à redire nous reviendrons si nous passons dans le coin ! Merci pour votre accueil
Patricia et stéphane
Rien à redire! Il nous tarde de revenir.
Notre chien aussi a apprécié le séjour, il a pu navigué à son aise sur le domaine.
Les propriétaires sont très sympathiques et arrangeants.
Nous avons beaucoup aimé notre semaine au Mas et nous recommandons vivement cette adresse.
Je recommande fortement
Logements/cuisines et extérieurs très bien équipés et adaptés aux enfants!
Merci pour l’accueil :-)
Des propriétaires des plus accueillants, toujours à l'écoute de nos remarques et de notre bien être.
Beaucoup d'activités à faire autour du Mas saint antoine
on pense déjà à notre prochain séjour au Mas, c'est un lieu à connaître et à découvrir sans attendre, vous passerez un séjour plus que reposant
merci encore aux propriétaires du Mas Saint Antoine , lieu incontournable
La piscine est juste splendide dans un écrin de verdure.
Quant aux propriétaires ils sont adorables et prêt à vous aider et vous conseiller. Superbe semaine
Nous conseillons le lieu car idéalement situé pour circuler et visiter cette belle région.
Très belle piscine avec pergolas pour éviter les coups de soleil.
Les propriétaires sont à l'écoute,
disponibles et de très bons conseils pour découvrir la région.
Maxime et Laetitia
Les propriétaires sont prévenant
Piscine gîte WiFi dans les chalets
Vue splendide
Nous avons pu partager de très bons moments avec les hôtes, qui sont de très bons conseils sur ce qu'il y a à faire et à découvrir aux alentours.
Le cadre et le logement sont magnifiques, un vrai havre de paix où il fait bon de se retrouver entre amis ou en famille
Le Mas Saint Antoine est idéalement placé pour profiter de toutes les activités touristiques et sportives
La piscine avec vue est sécurisée et splendide, la réalité est conforme aux photos, tout est très bien équipé et choisi avec goût
Merci à nos hôtes pour l'accueil, nous reviendrons avec plaisir !
Très vaste et parfaitement équipé.
Accueil cordial .
Gite à recommander.
Un grand merci aux hôtes qui nous ont très bien reçu. Le cadre du mas saint Antoine est idéal pour des retrouvailles familiales, sécurisé et très bien équipé.
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Toute la famille, des petits aux grands garderons un super souvenir de cet endroit. Nous gardons précieusement l’adresse.
Merci beaucoup et à bientôt !
Julie et toute sa famille :)
Les parties de pétanques et de ping-pong a l'ombre des arbres auraient pu durer jusqu'au lendemain si les enfants qui se sont éclatés ne vennaient pas nous interrompre😁.
Nous n'avons pas pu profiter de la piscine car la température ne le permettait pas, mais je ne doute pas que ce doit être un délice en été.
Un seul regret: ne pas avoir été initié par Bernard à la recherche de truffes dans sa truffière privée...😆
Nous reviendrons, c'est certain, et nous vous recommanderons vivement et sincèrement!
Longue vie au Mas St-Antoine et merci Elena et Bernard d'offrir un lieu magique.
Je recommande
I recommend this well located and quiet place.
Logement impeccable, décoré avec goût, et fonctionnel.
Notre petite famille à pu profiter d’un séjour agréable , et dépaysant.
La piscine avec vu imprenable était un très apprécié.
Petit plus: notre chien a pu profiter du voyage également…
Merci à vous.
Romain Juliette et les enfants.
,
Les propriétaires sont extrêmement sympathiques, a l'écoute et très serviables, nous y reviendrons a coup sûr
Une piscine au top du top ,les propriétaires sont très accueillants et sympathique
Nous y reviendrons avec plaisir
Perfect welcome in joy and good humor, beautiful place and the chalets are good. The swimming pool is superb and equipped. The tenants informed us well about the surroundings. This place is magnificent !!!
Nous avons pu profiter de la piscine mais aussi des alentours. Nous regrettons de n’être pas restés davantage pour profiter encore de la région.
