Paris Digest
Paris city guide since 1997
Paris concert venues are plenty. There are many concerts everyday. Six venues are exceptional. Théatre des Champs-Elysées, Philharmonie de Paris, Salle Gaveau and Opéra Garnier are superb classical music concert halls with top programs. The Accor Arena and Le Zénith venues have world class pop music concerts of all kinds. We have selected the best venues for classical, jazz and pop music concerts. Many concerts, specially in churches, are free or very cheap. Check their programmes and book your tickets on Ticketmaster and Officiel des spectacles web sites. Paris nightlife. Trip to Paris.
The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Parisian concert halls. Built in 1913 and a manifesto of modern architecture, it has been designed by first class artists: architects Henry Van de Velde and Auguste Perret, sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, painter Maurice Denis, René Lalique for crystals. It was the first Parisian theater to be entirely built of reinforced concrete. The building is classified as a historic monument since 1957. This jewel of the Art Nouveau his famous for the big scandal that happened upon the premiere of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring in 1913.
For over 100 years, the theatre has hosted high level operas, ballets, concerts and recitals. It specializes in classical music with the best piano concerts in town. Locate Theatre des Champs-Elysees on Paris map.
The Philharmonie de Paris brings together Philharmonie 1, the spectacular new concert hall designed by Jean Nouvel, a Pritzker price winner, and the older Cité de la Musique now called Philharmonie 2, designed by Pritzker price winner Christian de Portzamparc. This unique combination brings the best classical music concerts to the eastern side of the city. Philharmonie 1 is spectacularly covered with 340,000 metal birds and dominates the Périphérique ring road. It benefited from the best acousticians in the world, New Zealander Harold Marshall and Japanese Yasuhisa Toyota. The artistic pillars of Philharmonie 1 are the Orchestre de Paris and Ensemble Intercontemporain resident orchestras, the Paris Chamber Orchestra, the Ile-de-France National Orchestra, Les Arts Florissants. Locate Philharmonie on Paris map. Information on Philharmonie de Paris and Cité de la Musique.
A masterpiece of theater architecture of the 19th century, the Opéra Garnier, built by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875, is the thirteenth opera house in the city since the foundation of this institution by Louis XIV in 1669. The creation of the Opéra Garnier was part of the great project of town planning of Baron Haussman, initiated by Emperor Napoléon III in 1858. A private access was designed to parry the attacks against Napoléon III. The seating replicated the social hierarchy of the time: the rotunda of the subscribers, the lounges, the lodges, the balconies. In 1964, painter Marc Chagall painted a ceiling of colors and light on the 220 m² of the Hall. Attending a ballet by the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris in this 19th century masterpiece is the most memorable experience. More information on Opéra Garnier. Locate Garnier on Paris map.
Built in 1906-1907, with particular care for acoustics, 1000 seat Salle Gaveau was immediately a prestigious hall of Paris. Its main destination has always been the piano and chamber music, but orchestras are often heard there.
This intimate classical music concert venue is a hidden treasure. It combines acccessibility at the foot of the Mironesnil metro station, a small size, an intimate atmosphere, excellent programming and moderate prices. We are regulars. Locate Salle Gaveau on Paris map.
The Accor Arena, formerly called Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, is a versatile arena along the Seine River. Located in the 12th arrondissement, Accor Arena has an original pyramid shape and is completely covered by lawns. Covering 55,000 m2, the arena can accommodate from 8,000 to 20,000. It was the subject of major renovations in 2014 and 2015. Since its inauguration in 1984, it has been the scene of numerous sports events and concerts of the greatest international artists. Located between the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Parc de Bercy, it is well served by the metro station Bercy lines 6 and 14, and the Gare de Lyon which is about 500 meters walk. More on Accor Arena. Locate Accor Arena on Paris map.
Located in Parc de la Villette close to the Philharmonie, Le Zénith is one of the largest Parisian concert halls. Le Zénith was designed in 1984 to provide France with a concert hall that could accommodate in excellent conditions rock concerts, songs, popular music. The concert hall is protected by a silver clothing stretched over a metal frame that forms the walls and roof. The capacity of the concert hall varies from 2000 to 6200 places thanks to sliding curtains. Each year, more than 170 events are organized. Since 1984, more than 2,000 artists have attracted over 18 million spectators at Le Zénith. Pop, rock, rap, reggae, world music, electro, singers and bands from all countries performed live in Le Zénith on the occasion of a new album or show. Locate Le Zénith on Paris map. More information on Le Zénith Paris.
Paris La Défense Arena |
Pop. Modern multi-use domed stadium staging pop and rock music concerts. Locate Paris La Défense Arena on the map. La Defense Arena facts. Web site. |
La Cigale |
Pop. Inaugurated in 1887 in the heart of Pigalle district, the cabaret hosted the biggest stars of the music hall of the time: Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier, Arletty. Today, the most avant-garde artists are welcomed there, as are more established French artists. La Cigale is listed as a historic monument. Locate La Cigale on the map. Web site. |
Elysée-Montmartre |
Pop. The Elysée-Montmartre hosts pop concerts (1,380 standing places) and has become in a few years one of the haunts of Parisian nights. The facade on the boulevard de Rochechouart and its return to the rue de Steinkerque, as well as the decoration of the dance hall are registered as historical monuments. Locate Elysée-Montmarre on the map. Web site. |
Duc des Lombards |
Jazz club in trendy rue des Lombards near Centre Pompidou. Locate Duc des Lombards on Paris map. Web site (French only). Book hotel near Notre Dame, close to Duc des Lombards. |
Sunset Sunside |
Another Jazz club in rue des Lombards. Two performing rooms: Sunset and Sunside. Excellent programm since 1993. Vaulted cellar for perfect acoustics. Locate venue on Paris map. Web site. Book hotel near Notre Dame, close to Sunset Sunside. |
Maison de la radio |
Classical. Good acoustics and intimate architecture for this very active classical music venue. Affordable. Locate Maison de la Radio on Paris map. Pictures. Web site. |
Théatre du Chatelet |
Classical. Lovely venue near Notre-Dame. Dance, shows, concerts. Locate Théatre du Chatelet on Paris map. Web site. Book hotel near Notre-Dame. |
Opéra Bastille |
Classical. World class and expensive operas in Bastille Opera House on eastern side of Paris. More on Opéra Bastille. Locate Bastille on Paris map. Book hotel near Opéra Bastille. |
Opéra Comique |
Classical. 19th century venue. Out of the beaten track programme of operas and concerts. For the happy fews. Locate Opéra Comique on Paris map. Web site. |
Versailles Opera |
Classical. A rare combination of a visit to Versailles Palace and concert. Versailles Palace stages concerts in 18th century Royal Opera and Hall of Mirrors. Web site. Book long in advance. |
Paris churches |
Classical. Many concerts are performed in Paris churches. Mix music and Paris sightseeing. Tickets are often cheap if not free. See AMP concerts, France Orgue. |
