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Famous French playwrights such as Alexander Dumas, Voltaire, Victor Hugo,and Jean-Baptiste Poquelin aka “Moilière,” put French theater on the map. In the Middle Ages, French theater had limited genres, including farce theater, poking fun at humanity; Pastourelle, set in a rustic environment; morality play; passion play; and sottie theater, a play on words, filled with puns. Over time, more risqué forms of theater, such as cabarets, burlesque, and variety shows hit the scene.

Many top venues for Parisian theater underwent reconstruction, changed ownership, and were renamed many times over the course of the years. Hôtel de Bourgogne, Théâtre du Marias, and La Comédie Française were some of Paris’ finest entertainment centers. From tragicomedies, baroque theater, romanticism, and classicism, Paris theater has come a long way.

If you're a theater afficiando, or just in the mood for some culture, these venues are some great places to start. But there's no shortage of great places to see live actors flit their moment on the stage.

Theatre Antoine Simone Berriau

Theatre Antoine Simone Berriau has had many incarnations since its opening in 1866. It has been called many different names, including Theatre des Menus-Plaisirs, Théâtre des Arts, Opéra-Bouffe, and Comédie Perisienne. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the venue was home to the André Antoine theater company, and produced shows focused around Darwinism and naturalism.

It was only in 1943 that the director and actress Simone Berriau took over, giving the theater its current moniker, which honors both Antoine and herself. To this day, Theatre Antoine Simone Berriau is a premier venue for Parisian entertainment, putting on live shows and plays year round.

Theatre de la Ville

Today, Theatre de la Ville is regarded as a prestigious Paris venue for dance troupes, theater, and other notable events. Architect Gabriel Davioud constructed the building from 1860 to 1862, under the orders of Baron Georges Haussmann. The Baron commission the theater as part of his massive urban revamp of Paris. Opening in 1986, the building lasted 9 years before it was burned down in 1871, just before the French Revolution. Reconstructed in 1874 based off of the original plans, the new Theatre de la Ville is what we see today.

Over the years, it has been known as Théâtre Lyrique, the Théâtre des Nations, and the Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt. Famous choreographers such as Jan Fabre, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Merce Cunningham, and Sankai Juku have showcased their work here. The Theatre de la Ville continues to be known primarily as a venue for contemporary dance programs.

The Moulin Rouge

Known as “Bal du Moulin Rouge,” or “Red Mill,” is perhaps the most famous cabaret shows in Paris, if not the world. It is also regarded as the birthplace of cancan dancers. Opened in October 1889 in the 18^th arrondissement, creator Joseph Oller and manager Charles Zidler were known to call the place “Le Premier Palais des Femmes,” or “The First Palace of Women.” The Moulin Rouge spawned many imitation clubs, making risqué dancing the new trend.

In 1915, a fire burned down the venue. It wasn’t until 1921 that Moulin Rouge was reconstructed, and shed its former brothel identity. These days, it’s frequented by celebrities and other Parisian elite, offering more reputable shows such as variety shows, and operettas. Bing Crosby, Line Renaud, Fernand Raynaud, Liza Minelli, Dean Martin, Elton John, and Frank Sinatra are a few famous performers who have graced the stage of the Moulin Rouge.

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