Cirque Olympique de Franconi

circus

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June 24, 2026

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The Cirque Olympique de Franconi was founded by Antonio Franconi, an impresario considered the father of the French circus. Franconi, who had a background as a lion trainer and showman, became associated with Philip Astley's Amphitheatre in Paris. In 1793, he took over the lease and renamed it the Amphithéâtre Franconi, focusing on expanding his spectacles, particularly with trick riding.12

Franconi later built the Cirque Olympique de Franconi, eventually transferring its management to his sons, Henri and Laurent. The Franconi family is credited with standardizing the circus ring diameter to approximately 42 feet (13 meters).12

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Antonio Franconi
He subsequently built the Cirque Olympique de Franconi, management of which he transferred, in 1805, to his sons Henri and Laurent, who likewise gained reputations as notable circus men. His youngest son, Victor, established the first open-air hippodrome in Paris, where he developed a flamboyant circus that especially influenced…
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He subsequently built the Cirque Olympique de Franconi, management of which he transferred, in 1805, to his sons Henri and Laurent, who likewise gained reputations as notable circus men. His youngest son, Victor, established the first open-air hippodrome in Paris, where he developed a flamboyant circus that especially influenced…
Read More