The lights dim, the curtains rise and the magic happens. Paris, the city of love and art, is home to some of the world’s most prestigious theaters. Iconic places that have given birth to legends, performances that have captivated generations, and stories that have left their mark on the collective imagination. From intimate halls to majestic opera houses, every Parisian theater has a unique soul and a fascinating story to tell. Let’s (re)discover our favourite theatres!
Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord
A theater with a storied past ! Built at the end of the 19th century, the theater has oscillated between openings and closures, abandoned and reopened over the years and by different directors. It was finally saved from destruction in 1969 by Peter Brook and Micheline Rozan. Since then, the hall has been listed as a historic monument and hosts numerous concerts ! Its charm : a rather raw style that hints at its periods of glory and abandonment.
Le théâtre des Bouffes du Nord – 37 bis boulevard de la Chapelle, 75010
The Mogador theater
Also built in 1913, the Théâtre Mogador boasts a huge auditorium (1,600 seats on three floors!) with a Broadway feel. Ballets, operettas and musicals follow one another before hosting concerts and even award ceremonies !
Mogador theater – 25 rue Mogador, 75009
Théâtre du Châtelet
Dating from the 19th century, it’s certainly one of the most majestic theaters in Paris. Today, the Théâtre du Châtelet hosts operas, musicals, classical concerts, jazz, recitals, dance and the César Awards ceremony ! Although it’s currently under renovation, the theater remains active : it’s organizing Kadamati on the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville tomorrow, for example !
Le théâtre du Châtelet – 1 Place du Châtelet, 75001
Le Point Virgule
It’s not necessarily a stunning theater, but it’s not devoid of charm either! We chose it for its humorous program, which brings a little levity to our lives ! We can’t always go to ultra-intellectual exhibitions or see historical pieces either, can we !
Le Point Virgule – 7 rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 France
Le Ranelagh
Definitely one of the most beautiful rooms in Paris, with its carved oak panelling and painted coffered ceiling. Its history goes back a long way, but we’ll skip ahead to 1931, when the cinema was transformed and enlarged to become an art-house cinema open to the public. The theater then diversified with the different directions. Today, Catherine Develay opens a new page with a mainly theatrical and musical program, making the most of the hall’s acoustics.
Le Ranelagh – 5 rue des Vignes, 75016
Athénée Louis Jouvet theater
Listed as a historic monument, the Athénée boasts superb Italianate architecture that could almost distract you from the show! The latter, in fact, oscillates between spoken and musical theater. It can be a bit special, but it’s worth a look !
Théâtre Athénée Louis Jouvet – 7 rue Boudreau, 75009 France
La Comédie Française
The oldest theater in Paris : it was built in 1680, during the reign of Louis XIV !! Since everything that comes from the Sun King is grandiose, well, it’s grandiose ! An Italian-style theater, with imposing chandeliers and classic red velvet armchairs. There’s something for everyone : classical works in the Salle Richelieu and more contemporary works in the Théâtre du Vieux Colombier.
La comédie Française – 21 rue du Vieux-Colombier, 75006 France