Aktéon Théâtre

Aktéon Théâtre is a small neighbourhood playhouse for children and family audiences in Paris's 11th arrondissement, facing Square Maurice Gardette. Directed by Maud Ferrer for more than a decade, it has built a reputation for an eclectic programme spanning drama, storytelling, puppetry, magic and musical shows. It rarely turns up in mainstream guidebooks, yet it's a solid option for travellers exploring Paris with young children in tow.

Where is Aktéon Théâtre and how do you get there?

The venue sits at 11 rue du Général Blaise, directly across from Square Maurice Gardette and close to the Comédie Oberkampf and the Ménagerie de Verre. The closest metro stops are Rue Saint-Maur (line 3) and Saint-Ambroise (line 9), both an easy few-minute walk through quiet residential streets. Bus routes 46, 56, 61 and 69 also stop nearby, along with the night lines N16 and N34. The theatre's position puts it within easy reach of both Place de la République and Bastille, so it works well as an add-on stop if you're already exploring eastern Paris on foot.

What can you expect inside?

The main hall seats 60 people and is air-conditioned, keeping performances comfortable whatever the season. The programme changes roughly every two and a half months, so the bill is refreshed often with new productions ranging from classic tales to puppet shows, magic acts and musical performances. Much of what's staged comes from independent theatre companies invited in for each new season, which keeps the styles and subjects varied from one visit to the next. Beyond ticketed shows, Aktéon runs regular classes: drama workshops for children from age 5, early musical awakening sessions for babies from 6 months old, and amateur acting courses for adults every Tuesday evening. Since 2024 the Aktéon name has expanded to a second hall in Montreuil, just outside Paris, extending its young-audience programming beyond the capital.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the schedule rotates so often, it's worth checking the current programme on akteon.fr before planning a visit — performances typically run on weekends and on Wednesdays, the day French schools are traditionally out. Families with young children appreciate the intimate scale of the room: even the back row sits close to the stage, giving the whole show a far more personal feel than the grand theatres in central Paris built for mass audiences. At €10 for a standard ticket (€8 reduced), a visit here fits easily into a family itinerary without straining the trip budget, and a short show fills an afternoon nicely between other sightseeing stops.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Aktéon Théâtre for? The programme is aimed mainly at children and families, though the venue also runs acting courses for adult amateurs and musical sessions for babies.

How much does a ticket cost? A standard ticket costs €10, with a reduced rate of €8.

How do you get to Aktéon Théâtre? The metro is easiest — Rue Saint-Maur (line 3) or Saint-Ambroise (line 9) are both a short walk from the entrance.

Do you need to book tickets in advance? Given the small 60-seat hall and a programme that rotates every 2.5 months, it's worth checking the current schedule and booking ahead on the theatre's website.