Bobino

Bobino is one of Paris's most storied music halls, standing at 20 rue de la Gaîté in the Montparnasse district. For generations its stage has hosted many of the biggest names in 20th-century French music, making it a key address on the map of Parisian live entertainment.

Where is Bobino located?

The theatre sits on rue de la Gaîté, a street that has been associated with Parisian theatre and cabaret life since the 19th century, in the 14th arrondissement's Montparnasse neighbourhood. Its coordinates are 48.8397°N, 2.3236°E.

How do you get there?

The easiest way in is by metro: Gaîté station (line 13) sits right at the theatre's doorstep. Edgar Quinet (line 6) and Montparnasse–Bienvenüe (lines 4, 6, 12, 13) are both a short walk away and make useful alternatives if you're coming from elsewhere in the city. Several bus lines also run along boulevard Edgar Quinet and rue de la Gaîté, so reaching the venue from almost anywhere in Paris is straightforward.

What can you expect to see?

Bobino is a working theatre and concert hall, not a museum, so what you experience depends on what's on the bill that evening. The venue has kept the feel of a classic music hall: an intimate auditorium, a close relationship between performers and audience, and an atmosphere that for decades has drawn leading figures of the French music scene. Some of the most memorable evenings in the history of French popular song have played out on this very stage, and the Bobino name has long stood as shorthand for the Parisian music hall tradition.

When is the best time to visit?

Bobino runs shows throughout the year, and the programme changes with the current schedule of concerts and performances, so it's worth checking what's on before planning a visit — the line-up shifts from week to week. Evening performances are the norm here, as in most Parisian theatres and concert halls. The Montparnasse district itself is pleasant to explore in any season, thanks to its cafés, restaurants and viewpoints, making it easy to pair a show at Bobino with a full day around the neighbourhood.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Montparnasse carries a rich artistic and literary history. Nearby you'll find famous historic cafés, the Montparnasse cemetery, and the Montparnasse Tower with its observation deck. A walk around the area before or after a show at Bobino gives a good feel for this part of Paris — quieter and less touristy than the more central districts, and a solid pick for anyone after an authentic, local evening out.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bobino? A Parisian music hall and theatre on rue de la Gaîté in the Montparnasse district, known as a stage for leading names in 20th-century French music.

How do you get to Bobino? The closest stop is Gaîté metro station (line 13); Edgar Quinet (line 6) and Montparnasse–Bienvenüe (lines 4, 6, 12, 13) are nearby alternatives.

Is Bobino a museum or an active theatre? It's a working performance venue — to see the inside, you need to attend a current show or concert.

What else can you see in the area? The Montparnasse cemetery, the Montparnasse Tower, and the neighbourhood's historic artistic cafés.