The Most Beautiful Theaters in Paris

Paris, capital of culture and art, is full of iconic theaters. From music to theater to spectacular shows, these places are gems where history and entertainment intertwine. Here are the 10 most essential Parisian theaters, each with its own unique atmosphere and anecdotes.

1. L'Olympia

The Olympia, founded in 1888 by Joseph Oller (also creator of the Moulin Rouge), is the oldest theater in Paris still active. Transformed into a cinema in the 1920s, it regained its vocation as a concert hall in 1954 thanks to Bruno Coquadrux. With its illuminated red letters, it has become a symbol of Parisian culture.

Anecdotes:

• Edith Piaf gave a series of historic concerts there in 1955 that marked her career.
• The place is famous for its “standing pit”, offering a unique proximity to the artists.

2. The Bouffes-du-Nord Theater

The Bouffes-du-Nord Theater is a real hidden gem. Created in 1876, this theater was abandoned for a long time before being restored by Peter Brook in 1974. The raw and patinated appearance of the room, deliberately preserved, contributes to its unique charm.

Anecdotes:

• Peter Brook's philosophy was to create a space where the audience and artists felt connected, resulting in the absence of flamboyant decor.
• The room has been used as a filming location for several films, including La Môme, recounting the life of Edith Piaf.

3. The Trianon in Paris

The Trianon, nestled at the foot of the Montmartre hill, is a room that exudes the charm of the Belle Époque. Renovated several times, it maintains an elegant theatrical style with its golden balconies and ornate ceilings.

Anecdotes:

• Maurice Chevalier made his debut there in the 1910s.
• The hall also hosts weddings, making it a place for performances and celebrations.

4. La Cigale

Built in 1887, La Cigale is a mythical place where past and modernity meet. This is where legendary artists such as David Bowie, Prince and Iggy Pop gave memorable performances. Its art deco architecture also makes it an iconic room in the Parisian landscape.

Anecdotes:

• The first name of the hall was “Boulevard des Capucines”, before becoming La Cigale in reference to Charles Lecocq's comic opera.
• La Cigale hosted iconic clubbing evenings in the 2000s, in addition to its concerts.

5. Les Folies Bergère

Opened in 1869, the Folies Bergère embody Parisian elegance. This temple of entertainment has seen cabaret shows, musicals and international artists parade by. The sumptuous interior is one of the finest examples of Parisian theatrical architecture.

Anecdotes:

• Joséphine Baker caused a scandal there in 1926 with her famous “banana necklace” dance.
• The room inspired the movie Cabaret with Liza Minnelli.

6. The Bataclan

The Bataclan, founded in 1864, is a symbol of resilience and cultural diversity. In its beginnings, the hall was dedicated to operettas and comedy. After numerous changes of owners and styles, it is now a room dedicated mainly to live music.

Anecdotes:

• Its Chinese architecture inspired its name, derived from “Ba-ta-clan”, an operetta from Offenbach.
• David Bowie chose this hall for an intimate concert in 1999, marking his big comeback.

7. Le Théâtre du Châtelet

The Théâtre du Châtelet is one of the largest and most prestigious halls in Paris. Built in 1862 under Napoleon III, it was initially designed to host monumental shows, operas and plays. Recently renovated, it continues to attract internationally renowned programming.

Anecdotes:

• The world premiere of The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky took place here in 1913, causing a memorable scandal.
• The theater was a hotspot for the African American music scene in the 1920s, hosting artists like Sidney Bechet.

8. The Paris Casino

The Casino de Paris is a must for fans of music and humor. Located in the 9th arrondissement, it has been a major entertainment venue since it opened in 1730 (yes, in a different form!). After several transformations, it became a Mecca for music-hall performances.

Anecdotes:

• Mistinguett, an icon of French music hall, gave some of his most famous performances there.
• The Casino de Paris has served as the setting for numerous films, including French Cancan by Jean Renoir.

9. The Grand Rex

The Grand Rex, with its 2,700 seats, is the largest movie theater in Europe. But this place is much more than a simple cinema: it hosts concerts, shows and immersive events such as the “Féérie des Eaux”, a magical aquatic show before the screenings.

Anecdotes:

• The Grand Rex has a secret room called “Les Etoiles du Rex”, dedicated to discovering the backstage of the cinema.
• During World War II, the Grand Rex was requisitioned by the German Army, but it remained a symbol of cultural resistance.

10. The Zenith of Paris

The Paris Zenith, inaugurated in 1984, is an example of modernity and versatility. Located in the Parc de la Villette, it hosts large-scale concerts with a capacity of 6,000 seats.

Anecdotes:

• The first Enfoirés tour took place at the Zenith.
• The exceptional acoustics of the room make it a popular place for international artists, from rockers to DJs.

Bonus: Other rooms to discover

• The Studio 104 of Radio France : Ideal for classical or jazz concerts in an intimate setting.
• The Odéon Theater : Perfect for fans of theater and literature.
• The Philharmonie de Paris : An architectural masterpiece, it is the essential place for classical music.

So, which Parisian theater is your favorite? Whether you are passionate about music, theater or musicals, Paris is a real open stage where each room tells its own story. One thing is certain: these places will continue to be the dream of generations of spectators.

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