Treasure Hunt: Discovering the Theatres of Paris

  • October 23, 2025
  • All things Paris
  • Angela Spidahl, Christophe Durastanti

Between history, art, and entertainment: a theatrical treasure hunt

Follow the clues, explore the neighbourhoods, and discover Paris like never before.

Welcome to this treasure hunt that will take you to discover the most beautiful Parisian theatres! Follow the clues, explore the neighbourhoods, and dive into the history of live performance.

See our list of theatres in Paris!

Mystery Theatre 1

Clue: This neoclassical theatre has seen Molière and Marivaux grace its stage. It is located near a famous garden where philosophers loved to stroll.

Mission: Find the statue of a playwright nearby and write down his name.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 2

Clue: Near the Palais-Royal, this venerable institution is the temple of Molière.

Mission: Take a photo of the façade and find the nickname given to its actors.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 3

Clue: Inspired by London music halls, it makes musicals shine.

Mission: Find a poster of the current show and note its title.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 4

Clue: This theatre hosted the premiere of The Rite of Spring, which caused a real scandal with boos, fights, and shouting in the audience.

Mission: Find the name of the river that flows nearby.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 5

Clue: The architect was not invited to the opening.

Mission: Give the names of the composers whose busts decorate the façade.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 6

Clue: Since 1957, two plays by Eugène Ionesco have been performed continuously here. It holds the world record for theatrical longevity!

Mission: Find the names of these two plays.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 7

Clue: This Parisian theatre hosted several legendary Ballets Russes creations, including Petrushka in 1911. It is located on a large square, facing its “twin,” the Théâtre de la Ville.

Mission: Find the name of the square where this theatre stands.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 8

Clue: Nestled in the 16th arrondissement, this theatre is set in a former 19th-century mansion. Its large hall is decorated with listed woodwork, giving it a unique charm.

Mission: Find the name of the Parisian park located not far from this theatre.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 9

Clue: Inaugurated in 2015 and designed by architect Jean Nouvel, this modern hall with exceptional acoustics is located in Parc de la Villette, in northeast Paris.

Mission: Find the name of the nearby “porte” (gate or entrance zone) that gave its name to a nearby metro station.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Chapel 10

Clue: A masterpiece of radiant Gothic, this chapel was built in the 13th century by Saint Louis to house relics of the Passion of Christ such as the Crown of Thorns. It is especially famous for its immense stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in magical light.

Mission:Find the name of the “palais” (palace) in which this chapel stands.

Click here for the chapel's name!

Mystery Theatre 11

Clue: This Parisian cabaret, founded in 1951, is famous for its very chic shows blending dance, light, and sensuality, presented in a very intimate hall.

Mission:Find the name of the famous avenue where it is located.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Theatre 12

Clue: This historic cabaret in the Latin Quarter, founded in 1802 and rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, is famous for its colourful revues mixing dance, music, and flamboyant costumes.

Mission: Find the name of the leading lady in the show L’Oiseau Paradis.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Mystery Church 13

Clue: Located in the 6th arrondissement, this church is one of the oldest in Paris, dating back to the 6th century. It has stood through the centuries and is known for its Romanesque architecture and famous bell towers.

Mission: Find the name of the famous café located nearby.

Click here for the church's name!

Mystery Church 14

Clue: Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, this church is famous for its imposing façade, its two unfinished towers, and its monumental organ. It also houses the famous astronomical gnomon used to determine the equinox.

Mission: Find the name of one writer who mentioned this place in one of his works.

Click here for the church's name!

Église mystère 15

Indice : Situé sur l’Île Saint-Louis dans le 4ᵉ arrondissement, ce lieu sacré baroque du XVIIᵉ siècle est connu pour son dôme élégant et son intérieur raffiné, lui conférant un charme discret mais remarquable au cœur de Paris.

Mission : Notez un des éléments architecturaux typiques de l’église.

Click here for the church's name!

Théâtre mystère 16

Indice : Situé dans le 20ᵉ arrondissement de Paris, ce théâtre à l’architecture très moderne, est dédié aux œuvres contemporaines et à la création dramatique. Il fait partie des théâtres nationaux de Paris et est réputé pour ses productions innovantes et audacieuses.

Mission : Trouvez le nom de la rue où se situe le théâtre ainsi que le nom de son directeur, un metteur en scène célèbre.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Théâtre mystère 17

Indice : Situé dans le 8ᵉ arrondissement, ce théâtre est spécialisé dans les créations contemporaines et la comédie moderne. Il est connu pour sa programmation innovante et ses débats avec les artistes après les spectacles.

Mission : Trouvez le nom de l’avenue emblématique où il se trouve.

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Théâtre mystère 18

Indice : Situé dans le 15ᵉ arrondissement, ce théâtre moderne est réputé pour ses créations et ses spectacles pluridisciplinaires. Il rend hommage à Silvia Monfort, grande actrice française engagée dans le théâtre populaire.

Mission : Complétez la phrase suivante : C'est l'un des rares théâtres de Paris qui possède une agréable _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Cela vous donnera un indice sur son architecture.
Indice… vous pouvez vous installer avant ou après le spectacle dans cet endroit (ou ce lieu).

Click here for the theatre’s name!

Congrats! You Completed the Paris Theatre Scavenger Hunt!

Bravo! You’ve explored some of Paris’s most iconic theatres, cabarets, and historic churches, uncovering fascinating stories, hidden gems, and architectural wonders along the way. From Molière’s stage to modern creations, you’ve travelled through centuries of art and culture. Take a moment to celebrate your discoveries and maybe even plan your next adventure through the City of Light!

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.

Offer the gift of culture!

There’s More Where That Came From...

Whether you're a theatre aficionado or a first-timer, the Theatre in Paris newsletter has got what you need! At least once a month, receive a hand-crafted email for your browsing pleasure, listing the best exclusive updates, deals, programmes, and all things theatre.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok by clicking the following link to see our Link in Bio page: Click here!