théâtre Antoine - Simone-Berriau

Théâtre Antoine - Simone Berriau is one of the oldest working theatres in Paris, standing at 14 boulevard de Strasbourg in the city's 10th arrondissement. Its double name reflects two people central to its history: André Antoine, a reformer of French theatre, and Simone Berriau, the actress and director who ran the house for decades.

Where does the name come from?

The first half of the name honors André Antoine, an actor and director who, around the turn of the 20th century, pushed French theatre toward naturalism — favoring performances closer to everyday life over the declamatory acting style that had dominated the stage before him. He attached his name to the building on boulevard de Strasbourg, giving it lasting recognition among Paris venues.

The second name, Simone Berriau, entered the story later. An actress turned director, she took over management of the theatre in the 1940s and ran it for several decades, building a repertoire centered on contemporary French drama. Under her direction, the stage became closely associated with the plays of Jean-Paul Sartre, cementing its role in post-war French theatre. After her death, her name was permanently added to the theatre's own — hence the double title it carries today.

What will you find there?

The building reflects the style typical of Paris's "boulevard theatres" — an intimate, elegant hall with seating set close to the stage, characteristic of the private theatres that have operated along the Grands Boulevards and the surrounding streets since the 19th century. Théâtre Antoine - Simone Berriau remains an active venue with a running program of productions rather than a museum or sightseeing stop — a visit typically means watching a specific show, not touring the interior on its own.

The surrounding 10th arrondissement, along boulevard de Strasbourg, sits within Paris's historic theatre district, close to Porte Saint-Denis — the triumphal arch standing at the junction with boulevard Saint-Denis, just a short walk from the theatre's entrance.

How do you get there?

The easiest way in is by metro to Strasbourg-Saint-Denis station, served by lines 4, 8, and 9, located right at the crossing of the streets that give the theatre part of its name. From there, the entrance is only a few minutes on foot. The area is well connected to other metro lines running along the Grands Boulevards, making it easy to reach from most central Paris neighborhoods.

When should you visit?

The theatre runs on a seasonal program of productions, so timing a visit is best done around a specific title on the bill — check the current schedule before you go. Evening performances are standard for Paris's private theatres, and the Grands Boulevards area comes alive after dark, as neighboring venues and restaurants open around showtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Théâtre Antoine - Simone Berriau located? At 14 boulevard de Strasbourg, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, near Porte Saint-Denis.

Why does the theatre carry two names? After André Antoine, the reformer of French theatre, and Simone Berriau, the actress and director who ran the venue for decades and staged plays by Jean-Paul Sartre, among others.

Which metro station is closest? Strasbourg-Saint-Denis, served by lines 4, 8, and 9, a few minutes' walk from the entrance.

Is it a theatre to see a show, or a sightseeing attraction? It's an active theatre with a running program — visiting means watching a performance, not touring the building as a museum.