- August 27, 2017
- Parisian theatre
- Nellie Dougherty, Angela Spidahl, Christophe Durastanti
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Blog last updated on 16 December 2025.
The finest performances in Paris for 2026 and 2027: A curated selection for every palate.
Read on for our carefully curated list of the top 10 shows playing in Paris that you simply cannot miss! From theatre and ballet to comedy, opera, and cabaret…discover the very best that Paris has to offer for your 2026 visit.
1. Carmen at Opéra Bastille
From 7 February to 19 March 2026
In French with English surtitles
In this mesmerising opera, a troupe of talented singers and dancers will transport you to the heart of Spain, with its bewitching gypsies, spirited cigar makers, cunning smugglers, and flamboyant bullfighters.
Arrested after a fight, our hero Carmen — a fiery-tempered gypsy — seduces Brigadier Don José, who is engaged to the gentle Micaëla, and promises him her love if he helps her escape. Chaos ensues when she does not uphold her end of the promise in this enthralling opera.
For those seeking to elevate their evening with a touch of luxury, we invite you to discover our premium seating options and exclusive AROP tickets.
These tickets include:
- A seat in Category Optima (the best available)
- A glass of champagne
- A show program
- Access to a private lounge (Salon Liebermann at Palais Garnier or Salon Berlioz at Opéra Bastille). These spaces are reserved for donors and special guests, offering an exclusive moment before the performance and during intermission.
2. Lion King, the Musical at Théâtre Mogador
All year round - 2026-2027
In French with English surtitles
An ode to the Disney classic once more storms the stage of the Théâtre Mogador this 2026…marvel as the king of the Serengeti and all of his colourful friends are recreated by talented dancers, incredible puppetry, and superb costume design!
13 years after its first successful run, Simba and his cheerful pals Pumbaa and Timon, the scheming Scar, and the wise Rafiki do justice to the classic Disney tunes we all know and love with a spectacular French-language twist!
If you’re not a French-speaker, have no fear - English surtitles are projected for your viewing pleasure so that you won’t miss a beat! Stunning visuals and a set that transports audiences to the heart of the Savannah will have you falling in love with this classic tale all over again. Why not bring the whole family along?
3. Ionesco Package: The Bald Soprano and The Lesson
All year round - 2026-2027
In French with English surtitles
Ionesco’s The Bald Soprano and The Lesson are absurd, darkly funny, and thought-provoking masterpieces of avant-garde theatre.
The Bald Soprano starts as a polite evening gathering that spirals into chaotic, nonsensical hilarity, while The Lesson transforms a simple tutoring session into a chilling exploration of power and control. Together, these plays showcase Ionesco’s brilliance in turning the mundane into the surreal. Witness these iconic works in one unforgettable evening at Théâtre de la Huchette. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience two landmark plays in the heart of Paris.
Immerse yourself in the world of Ionesco through a variety of unique lenses: enjoy a single performance, indulge in a double-bill evening, or step onto the stage yourself in a theatre workshop before taking your seat as a spectator.
Discover the world of Ionesco for yourself through these curated experiences:
- Choose the Ionesco package to see both shows in one evening! (The Bald Soprano and The Lesson)
- Participate in a theatre workshop
- See one of the two pieces alone : either The Bald Soprano, or The Lesson
4. Rudolf Nureyev's La Bayadère at the Opéra Bastille
From 17 June to 12 July 2026
No dialogue
If it’s dance you’re after, this magnificent ballet showcasing the best of Rudolf Nureyev’s mastery is perfect for you! Intense theatricality and technical complexity interweave on Nureyev’s stage in this hypnotically elegant ballet, made all the more poignant accompanied by the brilliant score of Ludwig Minkus and the opulent costumes of Franca Squarciapino.
Watch the dancers of the Paris Opera express with expert precision the thwarted passions, betrayed vows and eternal love of La Bayadère in a truly unmissable spectacle for dance enthusiasts.
For those seeking to elevate their evening with a touch of luxury, we invite you to discover our premium seating options and exclusive AROP tickets.
These tickets include:
- A seat in Category Optima (the best available)
- A glass of champagne
- A show program
- Access to a private lounge (Salon Liebermann at Palais Garnier or Salon Berlioz at Opéra Bastille). These spaces are reserved for donors and special guests, offering an exclusive moment before the performance and during intermission.
5. Totally Crazy at Crazy Horse
All year round - 2026-2027
No dialogue
The fabulous girls of the Crazy Horse Paris will continue to dominate the stage for another dazzling season of breathtaking costumes, spectacular visuals and, of course, titillating performances from Paris’ most talented bombshells…
Celebrating its 75th year of dropping jaws in 2026, Crazy Horse Paris is a staple of Parisian nightlife and is sure to keep pulses galloping for a long time to come !
With premium options available to make your experience even crazier, Totally Crazy is guaranteed to dazzle!
Make your night even more memorable and select from these premium options as you book your performance:
- Champagne + Show
- Dinner + Champagne + Show
- Crazy Horse Exclusive Backstage Tour + Champagne + Show
6. Corneille’s The Cid with the Comédie-Française
From 27 March to 17 May 2026
In French with surtitles in English, French, and French Sign Language
A true masterpiece of classical theatre, The Cid captivates through its profound exploration of honour, passion, and duty. Every line carries the weight of moral consequence and the intimacy of the soul's dilemmas.
Denis Podalydès’ direction promises a modern and nuanced interpretation of this iconic text. With elegant set designs, refined lighting, and precise performances, this production unveils the full emotional depth of Corneille’s legendary characters.
Thanks to the “panthea.live” system provided by our sister company Panthea, smart glasses for surtitling are available for The Cid! While the performance is in French, it is entirely accessible to non-French speakers and hearing-impaired audience members as the smart glasses allow viewers to experience the show with surtitles in English, French, and French Sign Language (LSF). This highly innovative technology is available exclusively by Panthea and Theatre in Paris.
7. How to Become a Parisian in One Hour
All year round - 2026-2027
In English
How To Become Parisian in One Hour is the best French lesson on offer! Paris’ very own hilarious comic, Olivier Giraud, teaches you how to become a true Parisian: for better or worse!
First order of business? Leave the striped shirts, berets, and baguettes behind and start working on your scowl! You’ll find out how the French navigate everyday situations, from riding the metro (wipe that smile off your face and don’t give up your seat for anyone) to ordering at a restaurant (be as rude as the waiter!).
Giraud's witty, scathing show will leave tourists and locals alike howling with laughter, as he mocks the city he loves - don’t miss out on the laughter in 2026!
8. Seine River Jazz Dinner Concerts at Le Son de la Terre
All year round - 2026-2027
No dialogue
Le Son de la Terre is a vibrant riverboat moored at the foot of Notre-Dame. A truly singular and breathtaking setting, this barge is entirely dedicated to the soulful rhythms of jazz and world music. With an eclectic programme featuring gifted artists, it is an exquisite haven for seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers alike.
Indulge in the vessel’s bistro-style restaurant during the performance, where seasonal dishes and global flavours meet a crisp glass of champagne—all of which is included in your concert ticket.
To savour a fine meal while listening to superb jazz sets, all against the illuminated backdrop of Notre-Dame, is a quintessentially Parisian experience beyond compare.
9. The Young Girls of Rochefort at Théâtre du Lido
Until 3 May 2026
In French with English surtitles
Through the romantic escapades of Delphine and Solange, twin sisters dreaming of love and stardom, the audience will be swept away into a world that is tender, funny and unapologetically upbeat. It’s impossible not to hum along to the legendary “We are two twin sisters, born under the sign of Gemini”, one of the show’s most iconic songs that has enchanted generations.
On stage, stunning choreography, dazzling costumes and pastel-toned sets pay tribute to the 60s spirit of the original film, while injecting it with fresh energy. be sure not to miss it this year!
10. Sainte-Chapelle Concert Series
All year round - 2026-2027
No dialogue
Enjoy a magnificent night of classical music at the opulent Sainte-Chapelle, one of the finest marvels of Gothic architecture in all of France!
With its awe-inspiring vaulted ceilings and stained-glass panelling, the Sainte-Chapelle is the perfect place to enjoy the masterpieces of classical composers playing every evening at 6 p.m. from March this 2024 in Paris.
The Sainte-Chapelle Concert Series is also an amazing opportunity to discover one of the most visited monuments in Paris in a totally unique way - when away from the hustle and bustle of the daytime tourists, the Paris’s Holy Chapel can truly be appreciated in a new light, as the gentle caress of twilight illuminates this sacred space with delicate sincerity.
For an even more unforgettable Parisian experience, our premium options include a glass of champagne or wine and tapas to go complement the show! If there’s one experience you can’t miss out on during your Parisian trip, the Sainte-Chapelle takes first place. Don’t pass up on these astonishing once-in-a-lifetime concerts!
It’s up to you to choose!
No matter what you choose to see this 2026, you’re sure to make some fantastic theatrical memories! Be sure to check out our website for more ideas to plan your visit to Paris!
Looking for similar blog articles?
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- Top 6 Theatrical Experiences in Paris
- 8 Famous Monuments in Paris for Classical Concerts
- Top Musicals Playing in Paris Now
- Where to Find Cabaret in Paris
- Top Ballets and Dance Shows to See in Paris
- Top Operas to See in Paris
- Best Shows and Experiences for Groups in Paris
- Paris on a budget: Curtains up, Costs down
A Gift They’ll Never Forget!
Everyone has that loved one who is impossible to buy presents for, so why not give them a day to remember instead? With our gift card, they can choose to see one of our amazing shows, concerts, cabarets and more! And you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ve given them the best present of all — an extra-special memory to last a lifetime.
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