TOULON, France—Shen Yun’s artists, passionate about the classical arts, brought its mission to present a 5,000-year-old culture that had almost been lost, to France. On the evening of Saturday, April 5, the New York-based company classical Chinese dance company performed at Toulon’s Zénith for a penultimate show before continuing its world tour.

“I’m delighted to have attended,” said Michel Resbeut, a retired doctor and president of the Var Cancer League. “To tell you the truth, it was my daughter who gave my wife and I this show, and we’re delighted.”

This former oncologist and radiotherapist remarked that there was “a real aesthetic search through the costumes, through the colors, through the movements of the scarves.”

Indeed, the costumes and colors used in Shen Yun are based on traditional style and aesthetics. Legend has it that traditional Chinese clothing draws its inspiration from the heavens, with color combinations that audience members even describe as beyond imagination.

“Still in terms of form, the special effects are remarkable, remarkable because there’s a perfect integration with reality while having magnificent landscapes behind it,” Mr. Resbeut said. “Then there’s the background, so the background through the long Chinese history that was recalled at the beginning with this eternal China and its spiritual concerns.”

For Mr. Resbeut, this link with “eternal Chinese spirituality” is “quite obvious” and important. “Not only in China, I don’t think it’s linked to any one country or civilization, and I believe that spirituality responds to the human need for transcendence, whether you’re Chinese or from Toulon.

Seeing Shen Yun, Mr. Resbeut found that “it demonstrates the need for transcendence in human beings in general. And when you’re French, it’s very interesting to see that in a far-off, different, and often little-known country, you end up having the same fundamental questions.”

The man who knows a little about China, having taught in Sichuan, was nonetheless a little surprised by one aspect of the representation, in certain scenes. “A very direct approach to relations with contemporary China, an extremely interesting, complex country, where it’s understandable that there are particular aspects,” he said.

Shen Yun programs span millennia, and also touch on the current, ongoing religious persecution people face under the Chinese communist regime.

Mr. Resbeut sensed throughout the program a certain benevolence and beauty, even in those few scenes depicting modern China. “There’s absolutely no aggression, no demands,” he said. “Even scenes of conflict are magnified, idealized, softened. Absolutely.”

Software designer Pascal Cesari also received Shen Yun as a gift. “I’m very happy to have come to this show. It’s a Christmas present and it was just wonderful,” he said after the performance on Saturday evening, April 5. “I come from Corsica, we came on purpose, we took the boat to come and see the show.”

“It’s a wonderful trip that lets you discover China, cultures, and things you'd never imagine,” he added enthusiastically. “You’re transported by a certain joy. It’s very pleasant.”

As director of technology at Viaposte, a 2,500-strong subsidiary of La Poste group, he couldn’t help but notice the technical aspect, a scenography patented by Shen Yun. “The show really takes us away into a magicscape with this screen in the background, bringing to life the magic and celestial side of the characters, if you will. A wonderful experience.”

“You absolutely have to come and see it,” Mr. Cesari said. ”The level of the dancers, the rigor of learning Chinese dance, it’s something extraordinary. And when you see all these people working as one on stage, it’s wonderful.”

“Hats off to all the artists, all the dancers, the directors, the lighting. Honestly, hats off to them,” he said. ”Bravo!”

During the same Shen Yun performance at the Zénith in Toulon, another spectator was pleasantly surprised by what he discovered.

“It’s really extraordinary, I didn’t expect this,” said Cédric Medarian, maritime expert and manager of Provence cargo surveys. “Magnificent. The dancers? extraordinary. Incredible flexibility.”

He felt “great energy” and a “sense of freedom” during the show. “You want to feel freer, actually.”

Shen Yun means “the beauty of divine dancing beings.” This connection with spirituality was something Mr. Medarian said he appreciated. “Indeed, it’s a connection you can feel, absolutely.”

The maritime expert also felt kindness and goodness emanating from the artists, which he said inspires him.

“We want to be better in this world,” he said. “These are values and feelings that we’ve lost a little bit, and it’s something excellent to be able to rediscover them.”

For Mr. Medarian, Shen Yun is positive for our modern world. “It’s something that will bring a lot of happiness, a lot of freedom to people and for that, I thank the artists.”

“I feel calmed and relaxed, and I can’t wait to see the second part,” he said.