The history and importance of theatre in Avignon

Avignon has a theatrical tradition that dates back several centuries, but everything changed in 1947. That year, Jean Vilar created the Avignon Festival in the Cour d'honneur of the Palais des Papes. A simple idea: to democratize theater and make it accessible to all.

What began as a "week of drama" quickly became a major event. From the outset, the festival blended lesser-known classics with contemporary works. In 1951, the production of "The Prince of Homburg" starring Gérard Philipe marked a turning point for the decentralization of French theater.

Today, Avignon stands as a major cultural center for the performing arts. The festival spans over 30 venues throughout the city and attracts artists, companies, and audiences from all over the world every summer. The creation of the Off Festival in 1966 further strengthened this dynamic.

This place thus becomes a unique artistic laboratory where theatre, dance, street arts and experimental creations come together. This vibrant atmosphere makes Avignon much more than just a tourist destination: it has become the world's meeting place for contemporary theatre.

The main performance venues in Avignon

Avignon has several iconic venues that host shows throughout the year.

The main courtyard of the Palais des Papes remains the most prestigious site. This 1800 m² open-air space can accommodate up to 2000 spectators and benefits from exceptional natural acoustics thanks to its high Gothic walls.

For traditional theaters, Le Capitole (also known as Pandora) is a veteran. Founded in the 1930s, it is one of the oldest theaters in the city. The Opéra Grand Avignon, on the other hand, is located in the heart of Avignon, near the Palais des Papes. It also has a second venue, L'Autre Scène, located in Vedène.

The new addition is CONFLUENCE SPECTACLES. Opening on February 15, 2024, this modern venue can accommodate between 1,049 and 1,650 spectators depending on its configuration. A real bonus: it's easily accessible by bus and train from the heart of Avignon, with 450 free parking spaces.

These venues complement each other perfectly. They offer a diversity of settings and capacities that allows Avignon to host all types of shows, from intimate creations to large productions.

The Avignon Festival: an unmissable event

Every July, Avignon transforms into the world capital of theatre. The Avignon Festival attracts several hundred thousand spectators from all over the world.

The festival offers a rich and varied program: classical and contemporary theatre, dance, music, street arts. French and international companies perform in some thirty venues, from the majestic Cour d'honneur of the Palais des Papes to the chapels and cloisters of the city.

Since 2023, Tiago Rodrigues has directed the festival with a decidedly international approach. Each year highlights a different language, further enriching the diversity of the works presented.

The festival generates significant economic benefits for the region. With a budget of approximately 13 million euros, it supports numerous sectors: hotels, restaurants, and local employment. This unique event combines historical heritage and contemporary creation, confirming Avignon's status as a leading theatrical center.

The Avignon Off Festival: the alternative scene

The Avignon Off Festival represents the free and creative side of Avignon theatre. Created in 1966, this parallel event to the official festival transforms the entire city into an open stage.

Every July, around 1,300 companies take over more than 140 venues in Avignon and the surrounding area. Cellars, schoolyards, chapels, cafés: everything becomes a theatre. This alternative program offers nearly 1,600 shows covering all disciplines of live performance.

The Off Festival focuses on experimentation and gives emerging companies a chance. It features bold creations, participatory theatre, and unexpected performances. Artists explore contemporary themes with complete freedom.

For the public, it's an opportunity to discover artistic gems at low prices. The shows often take place in intimate settings, creating a unique connection between artists and spectators.

In 2025, the festival will take place from July 5th to 26th. With over 2.6 million tickets sold, the Off confirms its status as a major artistic laboratory and springboard for the talents of tomorrow.