Aurillac, a small rural village, has since 1986 been putting on an annual show that has become one of the major street theatre festivals -- not only in France, but in Europe, and in fact, internationally. And this year the festival takes place from 22 to 25 August 2007.
Michel Crespin, and then Jean-Marie Songy and their teams, have created something that is sustainable and enduring -- due to the wonderful concept of the marriage between quality artists from a large diverse source of independent companies, and the entire public sector as audience. All forms of theatre are included. Every taste is catered for. It is real. It is visible to everyone who lives and works and visits in Aurillac. It can be a domestic scene being played out in the kitchen of a home, watched through the open back door, or it can be a love drama glimpsed through the garage door at the back of a house. It can be an operetta sung in the playground of a school, or an immobile figure asleep over the edge of a skip at the rubbish tip. One can never be sure that what you are witnessing is real life or a scene from a theatre production. And that is what makes it such a fascinating experience!
During the 4 days of the festival. Aurillac opens its streets, squares, parks, homes and hearts to around 100,000 spectators from all over the world -- more than tripling its normal population.
In 2004 the "Parapluie" -- an International Center for Creative Art, Research and Development of Street Theatre -- studios, work places, rehearsal rooms, -- everything that is necessary for developing theatre, as well as accommodation for visiting artists, was donated to the village.
How do you get to Aurillac?
By Road:
From the Autoroute A75, take the StFlour or Massiac turnoff and follow the National 122 and 120.
By train:
SNCF - Special tariffs for the festival: Site: Http://www.voyages-sncf.fr or telephone: 36 35
By Plane:
Air LINAIR flies from Paris to Aurillac in 1 hour 20 minute flight.
Special fares on 22, 24 and 26 August : €59 one way with a booking fee of €5. Telephone Air LINEAR: +33 (0)1 45 12 17 28; Site: http://www.airliner.com
By coach:
NEW EAST arranges return trips from and to all the major French cities to Auriallac. Information: httop://www.neweastfestival.com
Where to stay?
The Office de Tourisme will give you information of available B&B's, gites to rent, hotels and camping sites: http://www.iaurillac.com or telephone: +33(0)4 71 48 46 58
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Chateau Lalinde : The perfect venue for your event
