Carmen

Carmen at Opéra Bastille in Paris - Opéra de Paris - Theatre in Paris - Tickets - Ⓒ Guergana Damianova
Opéra Bastille

From 07/02 to 19/03/2026

French surtitled in English
Carmen at Opéra Bastille in Paris - Opéra de Paris - Theatre in Paris - Tickets - Ⓒ Guergana Damianova
Carmen

Choose your date From €223 / person

Location

Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats

Duration

3 hours

With intermission


Details

Opera

Viewer discretion is advised for sensitive content

In French with English and French surtitles


Highlights: Carmen

She lives in Seville. She’s a cigar maker who doesn’t hesitate to fight with her fellow workers. She is loved by a handsome, brooding brigadier. She hears “Avec la garde montante” and boldly sings “L’Amour est un oiseau rebelle”. She is proud, very proud… Perhaps you can guess who “she” is? It is, of course, Carmen - Georges Bizet’s dazzling heroine!

 

An opera in four acts with a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella by Prosper Mérimée, Carmen returns to the Opéra Bastille.

 

For the occasion, an exceptional cast. French mezzo-soprano Stéphanie d'Oustrac and Russian mezzo Victoria Karkacheva will alternate in the role of the seductive and rebellious Carmen, a woman who turns heads and stirs jealousy.
Tenors Russell Thomas and Jean‑François Borras will take turns portraying the passionate Don José, a soldier broken by love and willing to do anything for his beloved Carmen.
Bass-baritone Erwin Schrott will lend his sumptuous voice to the toreador Escamillo, Don José’s rival and the object of all his envy.

 

Around them, 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.

 

Under the expert baton of Keri-Lynn Wilson, the Orchestra of the Paris National Opera will bring Bizet’s vibrant score to life, with its fiery arias, driving rhythms, and unforgettable melodies.

 

Don’t miss this performance, though be aware that some scenes may not be suitable for younger audiences. The production is staged by the passionate Calixto Bieito!

At the Opéra Bastille, lyrical tragedies come one after another, but none are ever quite the same — and emotion is always guaranteed.

 

 

See details for our premium option below!

Story: Carmen

A quick reminder for those who are not familiar with Bizet’s Carmen.

 

We are in Spain… in Seville, to be precise! Arrested after a fight, 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. Don José lets Carmen go and is imprisoned in her place.

 

Upon his release, he finds Carmen in a tavern where she dances the Séguidille (“Près des remparts de Séville”), promising a life of passion and freedom. Despite Micaëla’s heartfelt warning in “Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante”, Don José abandons everything for Carmen. But love soon gives way to obsession. Jealous and possessive, he tries to hold on to Carmen, who, true to herself, slips away.

 

She then falls under the spell of Escamillo, the famous toreador, who makes a dramatic entrance to the iconic “Toreador Song”. Independent as ever, Carmen chooses Escamillo and rejects Don José, who descends into madness.

 

The tragedy reaches its peak during the bullfight, as Escamillo is cheered in the arena. Outside, Don José begs Carmen to return to him. She refuses. In a fit of anguish, he stabs her.

 

From the famous Habanera (“L’amour est un oiseau rebelle”) to the harrowing final scene, Bizet’s Carmen is a blazing opera where love and freedom clash through legendary music.

Premium Option and Experience at Opéra Bastille

Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, choose the following offer at the time of booking:
 

  • Champagne + Programme + Exclusive Access to Salon Berlioz + Show
  • Indulge in the premium opera experience! Elevate your evening with our exclusive package, available even after standard ticket sales have closed. With this premium option, relish a glass of champagne, receive a show programme, and enjoy privileged access to the Opéra Bastille's Salon Berlioz — an intimate space reserved for our premium guests.
  • Please note, this special package is exclusively offered through the Theatre in Paris box office, thanks to our official partnership with the Friends of Paris Opera Association. Don't miss the chance to make your opera night truly exceptional.

Reviews

Modern and uncluttered
"Calixto Bieito's modern, uncluttered staging highlights the brutality of human relationships while respecting the timeless essence of Bizet's work." (Translated from French)
Le Monde
A sultry Carmen
"A sultry Carmen at the Opéra de Paris." (Translated from French)
Carmen
Militant
"At Opéra Bastille, Calixto Bieito's violent and militant Carmen." (Translated from French)
Télérama
Modern and uncluttered
"Calixto Bieito's modern, uncluttered staging highlights the brutality of human relationships while respecting the timeless essence of Bizet's work." (Translated from French)
Le Monde
A sultry Carmen
"A sultry Carmen at the Opéra de Paris." (Translated from French)
Sceneweb
Militant
"At Opéra Bastille, Calixto Bieito's violent and militant Carmen." (Translated from French)
Télérama

Opéra Bastille

Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris

History and Fun Facts about the Opéra Bastille

 

Designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the building was commissioned by French President François Mitterrand and inaugurated in 1989. For years, many had lamented the lack of a modern venue in Paris capable of welcoming modern concerts and performances with different acoustic approaches, and the flexibility that a modulable venue lends. A movement started in the 1960s called for a larger new venue in Paris that would appeal to the masses, a modern compliment to the elaborate Palais Garnier. Just over 100 years after the inauguration of the Palais Garnier, the demands finally won over the newly-elected President Mitterrand, who supported the project as the headliner among many modern works launched during his term. Selecting the popular Bastille neighbourhood for its ease of accessibility from Paris and the surrounding areas, the old Bastille Train Station was destroyed to make way for the construction of the new venue. The building was completed just in time for the bicentenary of the French Revolution.  

 

The venue has undergone many changes in direction resulting from varying political affiliations, and has undergone major renovations since its construction to repair and to soundproof the entire structure. Unlike other auditorium designs, each and every seat at the Opéra Bastille guarantees an unrestricted view of the stage. With its white glass ceiling, crisp gray compliments, and black seating adorned with rich oak, the venue is an ode to modernity and simplistic design. From the exterior, made of blue granite from Brittany and blocks of glass, light is reflected from every corner of this angular venue.

 

Fast facts
Capacity: 2,745
Handicap Accessible: Yes – in order to guarantee access to specific locations, we ask that you make your reservation at least 15 days before the performance.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

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FAQ

How do I get to Opéra Bastille in the 12th arrondissement of Paris?

The Opéra Bastille is accessible by:
Metro: Line 1 (station Bastille), line 5 (station Bastille), line 8 (station Bastille)
RER: Line A (station Gare de Lyon)
Address: 120 rue de Lyon, 75012 Paris
In case of difficulty, our hotline can be reached during our business hours. Please see the footer of this page for our contact details.

What do I do when I get to Opéra Bastille?

We invite you to arrive 45 minutes before the beginning of Carmen, and present your voucher at the front desk. Opéra Bastille’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
The concert hall’s doors close 15 minutes after the start of the performance and reopen at intermission if the performance includes one.
If you arrive within 15 minutes after the start of the performance, you will not be allowed to enter the opera house and will be directed to an area with a television where you can watch the first part of the show. You will be able to return to your seats during the intermission if the performance includes one.

How long does the opera, Carmen, last?

The opera Carmen at Opéra Bastille lasts approximately 3 hours, with intermission.

Is Carmen for an international audience or French speakers?

Both! The Opéra Bastille has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for many years. The opera, Carmen, is sung in its original French version. Surtitles are provided in both French and English so that international audiences can appreciate this opera in this incredible Parisian venue.

Why is the show recommended for informed audiences?

Certain scenes of a violent and/or sexually explicit nature may offend the sensibilities of uninformed audiences.

Where will I be seated, and will I see the surtitles* properly?

At Opéra Bastille, each category provides a comfortable view of the surtitles. The surtitles are projected above and on the sides of the stage. Our Premium tickets offer the best view of the stage and surtitles.
*Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. That’s because in French “sur” means “above”.

Is there a dress code at Opéra Bastille?

There is no specific dress code at Opéra Bastille, but proper attire is appreciated. Feel free to dress to impress and reflect the fabulous contemporary architecture at Opéra Bastille!

Can I choose my seat when booking?

When purchasing tickets, choose your preferred category and you will be allocated the best available seats in that category! Our Premium tickets offer the best view of the stage and surtitles.
Please note that tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session, in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.

 

At the Paris Opera, the seats are assigned in odd numbers or even numbers. Therefore, if your tickets are consecutive odd numbers or even numbers (For example: 1, 3, 5,...), they will be adjacent.

 

You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.

What is included with my premium ticket at Opéra Bastille?

The Premium tickets are our most exclusive package and include seating in category Optima, the best category in the house, a programme of the show, a glass of champagne, and exclusive access to the magnificent Salon Berlioz.

 

Your programme: At the Opéra Bastille, you may pick your programme in the main shop as well as at the programme stands located at the main entrance, on the 2nd and 4th floors.
Your glass of champagne: You can choose to enjoy your glass of champagne before the performance or during intermission. Champagne will be available at public bars or in the exclusive Salon Berlioz. The Salon is located on the 1st floor, at the right of the entrance to the Opéra Bastille. It is accessible by elevator or by stairs.

I bought premium tickets for Carmen and I haven’t received them yet. Is this normal?

Yes, it’s completely normal! As the premium tickets for Carmen include exclusive add-ons, your order will first be created as a pre-booking so the Paris Opera can assign your seats and prepare your exclusive package.
You may see a pre-charge on your card but you can rest assured that we will not charge your card until the booking is validated by the Paris Opera. After the tickets are confirmed, you will receive your tickets by email.
Given the large number of requests the Paris Opera has to manage, this process usually takes two business days but can take up to six days maximum. After six days if your order has not been validated, it will be cancelled, the pre-charge will disappear, and you will not be charged.

Do the listed prices include all costs?

Yes. The amount indicated on our website is the final price: no additional fees will be added during your purchase.
Please note: the price paid on our site includes all applicable fees and taxes and may differ from the face value of the ticket.

Is Theatre in Paris an official reseller?

Yes. Theatre in Paris is an official partner of the Opéra national de Paris and offers tickets for all shows of the season, at both Opéra Bastille and Palais Garnier, with multilingual customer service, including English and French, and a variety of offers: tickets only or premium packages. And sometimes, we even have tickets available when the show is sold out everywhere else!