Théâtre de la Ville

The basics

While anyone can walk by the Théâtre de la Ville and admire its historic exterior, the best way to experience it is to attend a performance. The theater offers a mix of classical, modern, and contemporary productions, so be sure to check its program in advance to see what’s on—you’ll find everything from plays to cutting-edge ballet. The theater also hosts cultural festivals, for example Nowruz celebrations.

Things to know before you go

• If you plan on spending a few weeks in Paris (or longer), consider purchasing a special savings card that allows you to see four shows for a discounted rate.

• Students and young adults under the age of 30 are eligible for discounts, especially if you plan to see multiple performances.

• The theater is adapted to visitors with mobility restrictions and those using wheelchairs. Each performance has reserved spacing available, so be sure to book in advance.

• While performances are in French, smart glasses are available with English subtitles.

• The theater has an on-site bar serving drinks and light tapas-style meals, as well as desserts.

How to get there

The Théâtre de la Ville has two locations. Théâtre de la Ville Les Abbesses is on Rue des Abbesses in the Montmartre district: take metro Line 12 to either Abbesses or Pigalle. Théâtre de la Ville - Sarah Bernhardt is on Place du Châtelet in the city center, where plenty of metro lines (1, 4, 7, 11, and 14), buses, and RER trains (A, B, and D) stop.

When to get there

Paris’ theater season tends to follow a school calendar year, running from September to June. There may be special festivals during the summer season, including outdoor performances, but the city’s theater scene slows down as the city heats up. Avoid visiting in August, when Parisians take their annual holiday and many businesses and restaurants shut for the month, although you’ll find minimal traffic and crowds then.

Other iconic Parisian performance venues

For musical concerts, nothing beats Le Bataclan in the Bastille district within Paris’ artsy 11th arrondissement; the colorful auditorium hosts big-name French and international performers. For more traditional experiences, head to Palais Garnier, home of the Opéra National de Paris, to admire its sumptuous interior during a guided tour or catch a ballet or opera performance. La Cigale in Montmartre has a rich history and now hosts mostly indie acts.