Performances in Paris
The city hosts more than 800 venues for cabaret, opera, ballet, concerts and theatre year-round.
Performances under $50
See circuses, comedy shows, and concerts without stretching your budget.
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Evening performances
Discover nightly cabaret and opera shows across the city.
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About performances in Paris
Paris has a long and storied history with public performance. The Opéra national de Paris originated in 1669 and continues to this day with two houses: the ornate Palais Garnier and the modern Opéra Bastille. The Comédie-Française, founded in 1680, is now the oldest operating theater in the world. Meanwhile, Montmarte’s Moulin Rouge opened in 1889 and still performs its world famous can-can nightly. Today, the city has more than 800 performance venues hosting cabaret, opera, ballet, theatre, circus acts, and live concerts. Whether you’re watching 80 artists take the stage in elaborately feathered costumes or taking in a casual stand-up comedy show, there’s plenty in Paris to keep you entertained.
Top highlights for your visit
Cabaret nights
Moulin Rouge, Paradis Latin, and Crazy Horse each offer a distinct take on Parisian cabaret. Moulin Rouge’s Féerie revue features 80 performers donning more than 1,000 costumes, while Paradis Latin offers a more intimate setting with family-friendly options. Crazy Horse is known for its unconventional choreography, paired with precision lighting.
Opera and ballet
The Opéra national de Paris performs at two venues: the 1875 Palais Garnier, with its Chagall-painted ceiling and 7-ton chandelier, and the more modern Opéra Bastille. Discounted tickets are available for audience members under 28 years old. They start at about $10.
Dinner and a show
Cabaret venues like Moulin Rouge and Paradis Latin offer full-evening experiences that include both dinner and a show. At Moulin Rouge, dinner service begins at 7:00 PM with a multi-course French meal before the performance.
Circus and live music
Cirque Bormann is currently staging its interactive “Arbre” show with tickets starting at around $20. Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre hosts classical music concerts in one of Paris’s oldest churches. Larger venues like L’Olympia and the Philharmonie de Paris host concerts in a range of genres.
Performances and shows in Paris FAQs
What are the best shows in Paris?
That depends on what you’re looking for. Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse are the top cabaret picks, while the Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille are the go-tos for opera and ballet. For theatre fans, The Lion King runs at Théâtre Mogador through November 2026.
Do I need to speak French?
Not at all. Cabaret shows are largely visual and don’t require any French. Several theatres offer English subtitles, and Olivier Giraud’s comedy routine is performed entirely in English.
How much do performance tickets cost?
Prices vary widely. Circus and comedy show tickets start around $20. Cabarets range from about $90 for show-only tickets to upwards of $200 for dinner-and-show packages.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes, especially for weekends. Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse sell out fastest, so booking at least 2 weeks ahead is a good idea. Paradis Latin offers same-day, last-minute tickets at its box office.
What should I wear to a performance?
Smart-casual usually works well. Moulin Rouge prohibits shorts, sportswear, and flip-flops. Opera at Palais Garnier tends toward dressier attire, but there’s no formal dress code.
Are there discounts for young visitors?
Yes. The Opéra national de Paris offers $10 tickets for audience members under 28 at many of its opera and ballet performances.
When is the best time for performances?
Paris has plenty of performances year-round. The opera and ballet season runs September through July, and cabarets run nightly all year long. Weekday evenings tend to have more availability than weekends.
Can I visit Palais Garnier without a ticket?
Absolutely. Self-guided visits let you explore Charles Garnier’s 1875 opera house, including its grand marble staircase and Chagall-painted ceiling, even without attending a show. Online booking is still required.
Things to know about performances in Paris
Entry
- Most venues sell tickets on their official websites.
- Book cabaret shows at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Weekday evenings generally have more availability.
What to bring
- Smart-casual attire works for most Paris venues.
- Bring a light layer for air-conditioned theatres.
- Keep your booking confirmation on your phone.
Important information
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime.
- Cabarets are visual and don’t require French fluency.
- Opera tickets start at $10 for people under 28.