La Cigale

La Cigale is a historic concert hall in Paris, standing on Boulevard de Rochechouart in the Pigalle district, within the city's 18th arrondissement.

Where is La Cigale located?

The venue sits at 120, boulevard de Rochechouart, right next to Place Pigalle — one of the best-known spots on the map of Paris nightlife. The hall is part of a complex connected to the neighboring club Boule Noire, so the two venues effectively work together as one hub for live music in this part of the city. Being in Pigalle means the surrounding blocks are packed with cafés, clubs, and small theatres, so an evening at La Cigale pairs naturally with a stroll through the neighborhood. This is one of the Paris districts that really comes alive after dark, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a visit.

What will you see inside?

The hall holds up to 1,389 people standing or 954 seated — a substantial difference that shows how flexibly the space can be configured depending on the type of event. The standout feature is the floor in front of the stage: it's built as a scalable platform that a hydraulic system can tilt and raise. In practice, this lets organizers reshape the layout for each show — sometimes the crowd stands close to the stage for a club-style concert, other times the room is arranged in rows like a traditional theatre. That kind of adaptability is unusual for a historic concert hall and is part of why the venue keeps drawing such a varied lineup of performers.

How do you get to La Cigale?

The hall sits right in the middle of Pigalle, so getting there by public transport is straightforward — the nearest metro station shares its name with the square the building stands beside. From central Paris it's a short ride away, and after dark the area stays lively thanks to the many bars, clubs, and entertainment spots within a few blocks. It makes for a good area to wander after a show, though as in any big city it pays to stay reasonably alert at night.

When should you visit?

Timing your visit really comes down to the schedule — La Cigale is an active concert hall, so it's worth checking the event calendar before booking a trip rather than hoping to drop in casually. Given the type of programming (concerts, live shows, club nights), most events run in the evening, which fits neatly with a day of sightseeing in Paris followed by a night out in Pigalle. For popular shows, especially well-known acts, it's worth booking tickets ahead of time rather than waiting until the last minute.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can La Cigale hold? The hall accommodates up to 1,389 people standing or 954 seated, depending on the type of event.

Which part of Paris is La Cigale in? It's located in the 18th arrondissement, in the Pigalle district, on Boulevard de Rochechouart.

Is La Cigale connected to another venue? Yes, it's part of a complex linked to the neighboring club Boule Noire.

What makes the inside of La Cigale distinctive? Its scalable floor platform in front of the stage, which a hydraulic system can tilt and raise, letting the room's layout change to suit different kinds of events.