Offenbach's La Vie parisienne - Royal Opera of Versailles

Location

Royal Opera of Versailles
4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 750 seats

Duration

3 h 20 min

With intermission

Details

Opera

For all audiences

In French with French and English surtitles

Highlights: La Vie parisienne at Royal Opera of Versailles

La Vie parisienne is arguably one of the most representative works of Offenbach’s genius in the genre of opéra-bouffe. Composed in 1866 to a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, Offenbach here abandons the mythological or historical backdrops of his earlier works to paint the contemporary world of his time — Second Empire Paris, its pleasures, its currents and its social contrasts. This bold move offers a light yet incisive social satire that captures the spirit of the age — technological progress, cultural novelties and urban habits — while remaining musically refined.

The production presented at Versailles uses the original 1866 version, restored after meticulous research (Palazzetto Bru Zane), before later alterations imposed by the vocal limitations of the period. Christian Lacroix directs the staging for the first time at the opera and also designs the sets and costumes. His concept is playful and highly visual: a “carousel / Eiffel-like” structure, elements evoking department stores and cabarets, and costumes that blend historical reference with contemporary flair, giving the production a spectacular visual impact. The choreography by Glysleïn Lefever adds a festive dimension to the movement and stagecraft.

On the vocal side, the cast brings together accomplished French singers: Florie Valiquette (Gabrielle), David Tricou (Raoul de Gardefeu), the charismatic Marc Mauillon as Bobinet, Marie Perbost (the Baroness of Gondremarck), Marine Chagnon (Métella), Marc Scoffoni, and others. Each contributes crisp diction, comic timing and a light vocal approach essential to an oeuvre where spoken dialogue, sung numbers, rhythmic vivacity and satire must remain perfectly balanced.

In short, La Vie parisienne at Versailles presents a revival of the composer’s original masterpiece, elevated by a visually sumptuous production, demanding musical direction and a staging full of wit, fantasy and colour — a rare opportunity to rediscover Offenbach at his best, where comedy, satire and musical virtuosity meet.

Cast and Crew
- Music: Jacques Offenbach
- Musical direction: Victor Jacob
- Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera of Versailles
- Choreography: Glysleïn Lefever
- Stage direction: Christian Lacroix
- Costumes: Christian Lacroix
- Cast: Florie Valiquette (Gabrielle), David Tricou (Raoul de Gardefeu), Marc Mauillon (Bobinet), Marc Scoffoni (Baron de Gondremarck), Marie Perbost (Baronne de Gondremarck), Marine Chagnon (Métella), Philippe Estèphe (Urbain), Pierre Derhet (The Brazilian / Gontran / Frick)

See details for our premium option below!

Next dates

04

SunJanuary

3:00 PM

Premium Option and Experience

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

Prestige Tickets: Show + Glass of Champagne + Programme
This ticket category includes a glass of champagne, a specially prepared programme of the show, as well as exclusive access to the two best categories in the house.

Story: La Vie parisienne at Royal Opera of Versailles

In Paris, two cheerful companions, Raoul de Gardefeu and Bobinet, decide to pose as fashionable guides in order to charm wealthy provincials and foreigners newly arrived in the capital.

Their goal: to introduce them to the pleasures of Parisian life while orchestrating a series of delightful misunderstandings, disguises and exuberant parties. Among their guests are the Baroness of Gondremarck, an exuberant Brazilian and the charming Métella, Raoul’s former mistress. Between fake hotels, true desires and infectious laughter, everyone ends up lost — and thoroughly amused — in the whirlwind of Paris.

La Vie parisienne is a true whirlwind of laughter.

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Royal Opera of Versailles

4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles

History and Fun Facts about 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
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

plan d'acces, access map, opera royal de versailles

FAQ

How do I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?

The Royal Opera of Versailles is accessible by:
RER: Line C (station Versailles Château Rive Gauche), from this station, the castle is a 10-minute walk.
Transilien: Line N (station Versailles Chantiers), line U (station Versailles Chantiers), line L (station Versailles Rive Droite), from this station, the castle is a 25-minute walk.
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Paris
You can find a map to guide you to the Royal Opera’s ticket office in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.
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 the Royal Opera of Versailles?

The Royal Opera of Versailles is located within the Château de Versailles. To get there, follow the signs for Entrance B at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur.
We invite you to arrive 20 minutes before the beginning of La Vie parisienne, and present your ticket at the front desk. The Royal Opera of Versailles’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.

How long does the opera, La Vie parisienne, last?

The opera La Vie parisienne at the Royal Opera of Versailles lasts approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, with intermission.

Is La Vie parisienne for an international audience or French speakers?

Both! The Royal Opera of Versailles has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for many years. The opera, La Vie parisienne, 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 Versailles venue.

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

At the Royal Opera of Versailles, the surtitles are projected on both on the sides of the stage and directly above the stage.
*Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. Fun fact: In French “sur” means “above”.

Is there a dress code at the Royal Opera of Versailles?

There is no specific dress code at the Royal Opera of Versailles, but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire.

For Parisian operas and ballets, the dress code tends to be a bit fancier than in other venues, so feel free to have a little fun and dress to impress.

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!
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.

I bought tickets for La Vie parisienne and I haven’t received them yet. Is this normal?

Yes, it’s completely normal! Your order will first be created as a pre-booking so that the Royal Opera of Versailles can assign your seat. You may see a pre-payment on your card, but rest assured that we will not charge your card until your reservation has been validated by the Royal Opera of Versailles. Once the reservation is confirmed, you will receive your ticket by email.
Due to the large number of requests that the Royal Opera of Versailles 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.