Royal Opera of Versailles
4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 750 seats
Molière and Lully's The Bourgeois Gentleman
Location
Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
With intermission
Details
Comedy ballet
Recommended for all ages
In French
Highlights: Molière and Lully's The Bourgeois Gentleman
Denis Podalydès signs the staging of the comedy-ballet by Molière and Lully, created for Louis XIV in 1670. This new production has been a real success throughout France since its creation in 2012 and will be staged again at the Opéra Royal de Versailles for five incredible performances! The show celebrates the arts of dance, song and theater and takes up the codes of comedy-ballet in a contemporary style. The scenography by Eric Ruf and the brilliant costumes by Christian Lacroix are beautiful and underline charming look of the 17th century Baroque style.
To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose from a selection of unique add-ons upon booking, such as a glass of champagne and an exclusive programme. See below for more details.
Story: Molière and Lully's The Bourgeois Gentleman
Monsieur Jourdain is a wealthy bourgeois whose obsession is to belong to the nobility. To achieve this, he gets private lessons in dance, music, philosophy and fencing. Jourdain refuses to give his daughter in marriage to young Cléonte because Cléonte is not a gentleman. Cléonte pretends to be the son of the Grand Turk and invents a tricky ploy to obtain the consent of the bourgeois.
Come and rediscover Molière and Lully's comedy-ballet, a festival of laugh and complicity, in the company of 20 actors, singers and dancers on the sumptuous stage of the Royal Opera of Versailles.
Premium Options & Experiences
Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose one of the following upgraded offers at the time of booking:
Champagne + Programme + Show
This offer includes a glass of champagne and a printed programme, as well as exclusive access to the best two seating categories.
Covid-19 Information
Specific measures and obligations may apply to this show. Before making your reservation, please check the updated information on our Covid-19 page: https://www.theatreinparis.com/en/page/covid-19
Reviews
Royal Opera of Versailles
4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles
The Royal Opera of Versailles
Categorized as one of the largest performance halls in Europe during its inauguration in 1770 requested by Louis XV, it is presently still admired as one of the grand luxurious stages in Paris due to its lavishing décor composed of early-century design. The ceiling above the room comprises an exquisite form of art, something similar to what you would see in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
Opéra Royal was no ordinary room, it was prestigious among wealthy individuals who fancied theater. Hosting 1,500 people, only a specific number of guests were invited to view the best shows in Paris at the esteemed Versailles palace. Later the room was also used as a ballroom and a banquet hall.
After the revolution the Opéra Royal room was left whole but stripped of its 18th-century embellishment. Altering its original appearance, the room is renovated for official shows such as the opening of the Versailles museum in 1837. Renovated and inaugurated once again in 1957 after the Second World War by orders of architect André Japy, the room undertook a whole new look. In 2009 Opéra Royal opened its doors to spectators from all over the world and began to display an array of enlightened shows such as contemporary dance, ballet recitals, opera, and classical music concerts. Presently it offers more than 100 performances per season in its golden room occupied with ostentatious chandeliers, surrounded by red velvet seating.
Fast facts:
Capacity: 750
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
FAQ
How do I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?
You may access the Royal Opera of Versailles by RER C at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, by using lines N and U of the Transilien at Versailles Chantiers station and also by line L at Versailles Rive Droite station.
The Opera is also accessible by bus line 171.
The Royal Opera is located on the grounds of the Castle. Access is via Door B (on the right in the Cour d'honneur, near the Royal Chapel).
For more information, please see the map above.
In case of any difficulty, you may contact our customer service from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
What should I do when I arrive at Royal Opera of Versailles?
We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the show. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.
Is there a dress code?
There is no specific dress code, however, proper clothing is required. For the gala evenings, we suggest men to wear a suit and ladies to wear a dress.
How long does the show last ?
Molière and Lully's The Bourgeois Gentleman last 3 hours and 30 minutes including an interval.
Can I take pictures during the performance?
In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during the performance. However, you can take photos of the Royal Opéra of Versailles before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous evening at the theatre!
Is it mandatory to tip the usher?
Each spectator is greeted in the hall by an usher who will lead them to the seat. According to custom at the Opéra Royal of Versailles, ushers may request a tip which you may grant if you wish. It is by no means mandatory.