Stay up to date with the best thing to do, breaking local news, hidden gems, and exclusive recommendations in your city.
Paris is rediscovering classical music: these legendary venues will shine brightly for the return of the Candlelight concerts
From the National Institute for the Young Blind to the impressive Maison de l’Océan, the capital’s most sublime venues are once again hosting Candlelight concerts in Paris in 2026. See all venues here.
As the new year dawns, the City of Light is set to shine brighter than ever with the return of the Candlelight concerts. Imagine rediscovering spaces rarely associated with classical music—such as the Eiffel Tower or the Art Deco elegance of La Maison de la Mutualité —in a completely new light. In these legendary venues, the magic begins the moment the candles are lit to celebrate pop and classical music.
That’s precisely one of the best reasons to go: to enjoy a fresh and daring lineup that transforms Paris’s heritage into an absolutely enchanting musical setting.
Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, the National Institute for the Blind combines neoclassical architecture with a pioneering history, just a stone’s throw from Les Invalides and the legendary Luxembourg Gardens. Founded in 1785, it pioneered the first model of schooling and education tailored to the visually impaired. Right in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, the building is a designated historic monument, and its concert hall—with exceptional acoustics (since hearing is a key sense at this school)—hosts numerous musical events. Less than a minute from the Vaneau metro station (Line 10) and bus routes 28, 70, 82, and 89, it offers direct access to Paris’s best cultural attractions.
The Eiffel Tower, the slender icon of the 7th arrondissement, rises above the Champ de Mars and offers unique panoramic views of Paris, bathed in golden light at dusk. The Candlelight concerts at the Eiffel Tower combine 19th-century architecture, remarkable acoustics, and a vibrant music scene, just a stone’s throw from the Seine and the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. Nearby are the Port de la Bourdonnais and the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, perfect for extending your live music experience in Paris.
Nestled in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Maison de l’Océan captivates with its Italian Renaissance architecture and its commitment to the environment, offering a magnificent setting for Candlelight concerts and live music in the 5th arrondissement. Just a short walk from the Panthéon, the Jardin du Luxembourg, and the Sorbonne, this historic venue invites you to lose yourself in music and is easily accessible via the Luxembourg RER station (Line B), the Monge metro station (Line 7), or buses 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, and 89.
Nestled in the heart of the 20th arrondissement, this former cooperative building offers a vibrant artistic setting to enjoy live music in Ménilmontant. The Candlelight concerts at La Bellevilloise bathe this iconic cultural space in an intimate and warm glow. Located just a few steps from the famous Père-Lachaise Cemetery and easily accessible from the Gambetta metro station, the venue perfectly combines Parisian heritage with unforgettable musical experiences.
La Bellevilloise is located at 19–21 Rue Boyer.
Candlelight Babies : des airs classiques pour stimuler l'esprit des bébés
A true Art Deco masterpiece located in the vibrant Bonne-Nouvelle neighborhood, this legendary venue promises a fully immersive experience during Candlelight shows at the Grand Rex. The audience enjoys exceptional acoustics amid a magnificent setting enhanced by thousands of twinkling candles. Served by the Bonne Nouvelle metro station and located just a few steps from the Chocolate Museum, this prestigious venue is an ideal choice for enjoying music on the Grands Boulevards and experiencing an unforgettable cultural evening in the heart of the capital.
The Grand Rex is located at 1 Boulevard Poissonnière.
Candlelight : Soirée spéciale Saint-Valentin au Grand Rex
Located in the heart of Île de Monsieur on the banks of the Seine, this modern and welcomingvenue is just a short walk from the Musée de Sèvres T2 station and very close to the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. The Candlelight concerts at the Parc Nautique Départemental invite you to discover unique evenings in a luminous and intimate atmosphere. Booking a live music session in the Sèvres neighborhood allows you to combine a lush natural setting with exceptional musical moments.
The Parc Nautique Départemental is located at 4 Rue de Saint-Cloud, Sèvres.
Other Places to Listen to Classical Music in Paris
The Philharmonie de Paris: Opened in 2015, the Philharmonie de Paris is an architectural masterpiece designed by Jean Nouvel, renowned for its immersive acoustics and modular design. Its main hall, the Pierre Boulez Hall, seats up to 2,400 spectators, placing the audience all around the orchestra for a fully immersive experience. Its meticulous acoustics, grand symphonic organ, and modern ambiance make it the temple of symphonic music in Paris.
The Opéra Garnier: A Second Empire landmark in the heart of the city, this opera house captivates visitors with its grand marble staircase, gilded details, ceiling painted by Chagall, and sumptuous atmosphere. The 1,979-seat Italian-style auditorium offers remarkable acoustics and an ideal setting for ballets, operas, and recitals. A legendary venue, it is a true emblem of France’s musical heritage.
Salle Gaveau: Located in the 8th arrondissement, Salle Gaveau (1,020 seats) is the premier venue for major piano recitals, chamber music, and soloist concerts. Founded in 1907, it captivates audiences with its warm acoustics, intimate atmosphere, and a program that showcases both emerging talents and established masters.
The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées: An iconic Art Deco venue, it hosts a rich classical program (operas, oratorios, symphonic concerts, and recitals) in an elegant setting. Its reinforced concrete construction and monumental frescoes lend modernity and prestige to its renowned acoustics.
The Maison de la Radio et de la Musique: The Radio France Auditorium offers an immersive “arena-style” experience where the audience is never more than 17 meters from the stage. The proximity to the musicians, the excellent acoustics, and the grand organ make this venue a premier venue for the Orchestre national de France and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.
The Candlelight Concerts are set to take the capital by storm once again, with venues —each more incredible than the last— bathed in a sea of candles and classical music. This magical formula has made these concerts a favorite among all audiences and a worldwide success.
Put on your finest evening attire—or your most comfortable sweatpants—and let yourself be swept away by a magical hour of music.
Credits: Châteauform Group