Summer Fun in Avignon at the OFF Festival

This article by Lucie Pierron was originally published on the French Quarter Magazine.

Avignon’s OFF Festival

The unofficial festival, known as the “OFF,” takes place all over the city and in the surrounding villages in July annually.

The streets of Avignon during the festival are in full swing. One cannot take two steps in any direction in the city without discovering a show in one of the many places of Avignon, as the shows adhere to a precise schedule, every day of the week, non-stop. The Avignon Festival has defined its slogan of “World’s Largest Theater.” Indeed, every day there are in 2,400 shows taking place in the framework of this event. This creative madness does not help the visitors to make a choice between the many opportunities offered to them. Two means are available to help you decide: consult the complete brochure, which is 400 pages, and somewhat dense.

In five days in Avignon, I had the opportunity to see 11 performances in 8 different locations. The performances I saw belonged to different genres. This great diversity in the themes can satisfy the widest possible audience where everyone can find his niche.

But the Great Force of Avignon is also to provide a real platform, a springboard for embarking theatre companies and do not yet have the necessary reputation to play in the major Parisian theatres. Many shows that were in Avignon will be on display in Parisian theatres beginning in September for the luckiest, or for most, beginning in January.

Avignon Festival Information

Avignon OFF Festival (website)
July 6-29, 2019

The OFF festival in Avignon has all kinds of performing arts; theatre, book readings (classic and modern texts), circus acts, dance, music, and street performances. There is something for everyone. The full program is available online in mid-June, and the subscription cards go on sale at the same time for up to 30% off on shows.

The original Festival d’Avignon (IN Festival) is also a series of theatrical performances that run every July since Jean Vilar created the event in 1947. This festival has an annual budget of roughly 12 million euros, and you must buy tickets in advance for performances that are staged in beautiful, historical venues in the city, including the Cloister of the Carmelites, the Carrière de Boulbon, and the Court of the Palais des Papes. The dates for 2019 are July 6 -24th.

To read the original article please follow this link.

Image Credits: Photos courtesy of Festival d’Avignon

Where to Stay in Avignon:

Booking.com