Circus Schools in France
The Guide to Circus Schools in France
From prestigious national schools awarding the State Diploma to 111 amateur schools spread across all regions, here is a comprehensive overview of circus arts education in France. Find the school, training program, or internship that matches your ambitions.
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Higher Education (DNSP-AC)
Only three institutions in France are authorized by the Ministry of Culture to award the prestigious National Higher Professional Diploma for Circus Artists, which confers the degree of a bachelor's degree.
National Center for Circus Arts (CNAC)
A leading institution founded in 1985. Synergy between technical excellence and artistic research. It houses the "Historical Circus" and awards the State Diploma for circus teachers.
Ésacto'Lido
A higher education center stemming from the historic "Lido". Pedagogy focused on experimentation and the development of a unique identity. Collaboration with the University of Toulouse II.
Fratellini Academy
Unique model of an Apprenticeship Training Centre (CFA). Students prepare for the diploma under the status of paid apprentices. Accredited for the teaching diploma.
Preparatory & Certification Training Centers
This intermediate level includes establishments approved to prepare for the entrance exams of the major national schools, or to award the professional title of Circus and Movement Artist (ACM).
CRAC of Lomme (Lille)
Renowned for its Preparatory Class with exceptional success rates (>60%) and its ACM training. Also organizes the TIAC pedagogical training.
CADC Balthazar (Montpellier)
Graduated program (ACM professional cycle springboard). Emphasizes health monitoring and integration through its PEPS incubator. Also awards the TIAC Initiator certification.
Arc en Cirque (Chambéry)
A leading institution in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region for technical development. ACM certified preparatory and professional courses.
Piste d'Azur (La Roquette)
A major regional center in the South-East (PACA), specializing in preparatory training and certification for circus and movement artists.
ENACR (Rosny-sous-Bois)
An essential step for young talents from the Île-de-France region. Intensive preparation for the entrance exams of the three national graduate schools.
Jules Verne Circus (Amiens)
Integrated into a National Circus Centre, it offers a two-year preparatory course focused on technique and dramaturgical approach.
ENCC (Châtellerault)
Unique structure offering CPES training as well as the Baccalaureate with Circus Arts specialization in partnership with Branly High School.
Amateur Practice Schools (Leisure & Training Courses)
The foundation of education in France. These leisure facilities guarantee qualified supervision (BPJEPS, DE) for all audiences, from early childhood.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Cie Tronchedecirque
ChanazAerial Fabric Lyon South
VernaisonArtissimo
Saint Romain Le PuyCircus School
Clermont-FerrandCirqu'en Bulle
MontluçonBurgundy-Franche-Comté
Gus Circus
Saint-VallierClowns of Chiffogne
Colombier-FontaineCroc'en Cirque
Colombier-FontaineBrittany
Corsica
Grand Est
Hauts-de-France
Île-de-France
The Flight of Brunoy
BrunoyNormandy
New Aquitaine
Occitanie
Circ'Adour
Ju-BellocCirc'Art
Rouffiac-TolosanToutentoi
GorniesVol'Tige
MontespanAS Beziers Gym
BéziersSeeds of Artists
CarcassonneOverseas
Circus Workshop
Remire-Montjoly (French Guiana)Pays de la Loire
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
The National Circus Centers (PNC)
Dedicated to creation, the 14 French cabin crew members also support amateur practice through internships, workshops and continuing education.
- La Cascade Bourg-Saint-Andéol (AURA) - 04 75 54 40 46
- The Magic Square Lannion (Brittany) - 02 96 37 19 20
- Le Palc Châlons-en-Champagne (Grand Est) - 03 26 65 90 06
- Jules Verne Circus Amiens (Hauts-de-France) - 03 60 01 02 40
- Le Prato Lille (Hauts-de-France) - 03 20 52 71 24
- Firmin Gémier Theatre, Châtenay-Malabry (IDF) - 01 41 87 20 84
- La Brèche Cherbourg (Normandy) - 02 33 88 43 73
- Elbeuf Circus-Theatre, Elbeuf (Normandy) - 02 32 13 10 49
- Agora Boulazac (Nouv-Aquitaine) - 05 53 35 59 65
- Le Sirque Nexon (Nouv-Aquitaine) - 05 55 58 34 71
- The Alès Glassworks, Alès (Occitanie) - 04 66 86 45 02
- CIRCa Auch (Occitanie) - 05 62 61 65 00
- Archaos Marseille (PACA) - 04 91 55 61 64
Specialized Programs & Adapted Circus
Adapted & Social Circus
Schools specializing in the use of circus arts as a therapeutic and inclusion tool.
- AFCA (Aire-sur-l'Adour)
- Jean Sarrailh Clinic
- Turbul' (Nîmes)
Circus Option High Schools
Programs allowing for a path of excellence from secondary school onwards.
- Édouard Branly High School (Châtellerault)
- Pierre Bayen High School (Châlons)
- Jean Monnet High School (Montpellier)
University Centers
These universities collaborate with higher education institutions for theoretical instruction.
- University of Toulouse II
- University of Strasbourg
- University of Lyon 2
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