Le Cirque Bidon 2026: Small wonders in France

When we did our first “Bulli” trip in 2014 (a rented T3 with the Buckel, back then), we spent one day slowly meandering through the lush Loire countryside south of Bourges. As it grew late, we passed through a tiny village, found a nice parking spot in the center, and decided to spend the night there (Département Indre). But before we closed the curtains, Alma (two years old at the time) said excitedly: “Look, there are lots of colored lights over there!” So instead of turning in early, we got out – and stumbled upon one of the most extraordinary, unexpected, and enduring experiences of our lives: the Cirque Bidon. Over the years, whenever possible, we tried to visit them once a year, either in France or in Italy (for example as a special act at the Tutti Matti per Colorno festival – see also our post from 2023).

So twelve years later, this was once again the destination of our France trip. This time the tour ran a bit further south, as this quite unusual circus travels from village to village (by horse and traktor power) from spring to fall, and we caught it in Saint Léonard de Noblat, a tiny, chouette, marzipan-loving village east of Limoges.

Did it still have the charm and magic of those first encounters after so many years? Absolutely! And while some acts have been replaced by new ones, the unique spirit lives on through François Bidon, and we hope his health will allow him to continue for many more years — creating an exceptional experience for ordinary people, and showing what art can do in times like these. Merci!