Théâtre des Abbesses

Théâtre des Abbesses is an intimate performance venue at the foot of Montmartre, in Paris's 18th arrondissement. It serves as the second, smaller stage of the renowned Théâtre de la Ville, whose main house stands near Place du Châtelet, and for three decades it has been a key address for contemporary dance and theatre in the French capital.

How do you get there?

The theatre sits at 31, rue des Abbesses, just steps from Place des Abbesses, one of Montmartre's most recognisable corners. The easiest approach is metro line 12 to Abbesses station — one of the deepest stations on the Paris network, famous for its Art Nouveau entrance designed by Hector Guimard. Pigalle station, served by lines 2 and 12, is another option, followed by a short uphill walk of a few minutes. Bus lines 30, 54 and 67 also stop nearby, and a Vélib bike-share dock sits right on Place des Abbesses. Visitors arriving by car will find an underground car park on rue Dancourt.

What will you see?

The building occupies a plot once filled with small trade businesses — as recently as the mid-20th century it housed a butcher's, a poultry shop and a delicatessen, including the once well-known "Cochon Rose". In 1986 the City of Paris commissioned Belgian architect Charles Vandenhove, working alongside Jacques Sequaris and Prudent de Wispelaere, to turn the site into a nearly 2,300 m² municipal theatre. Construction stretched over close to a decade and produced one of France's rare examples of post-modern architecture drawing on 19th-century neoclassicism.

The approach to the theatre is itself distinctive: two buildings with curved rooflines frame a narrow passage leading to the actual façade. That façade, painted a bold tomato red, is fronted by a columned portico topped with a triangular pediment — purely decorative, supporting nothing structurally. The mix of monumental form and playful, almost stage-set architectural gesture makes an impression before visitors even step inside.

The 420-seat auditorium was formally inaugurated on 18 November 1996, opening with Jean Cocteau's chamber opera "L'Épouse injustement soupçonnée." Since then the stage has been devoted mainly to contemporary dance, alongside theatre, world and classical music, and literary events — programming that runs in close step with the flagship Théâtre de la Ville venue and regularly brings in high-profile premieres and international artists. The complex also includes four rehearsal and dance studios, reached from rue Véron and named after major figures of dance history: Serge Lifar, Martha Graham, Vaslav Nijinsky and George Balanchine. Some of these studios are co-run by the Paris Regional Conservatory.

When should you visit?

Since the theatre follows a regular performing-arts season, the richest programming runs from autumn through spring, mixing large-scale dance productions with smaller experimental shows. The summer schedule tends to be lighter, though the surrounding Abbesses neighbourhood is worth a visit at any time of year — it's one of Montmartre's most picturesque corners, offering hillside views with a calmer atmosphere than the crowded Place du Tertre nearby.

Frequently asked questions

What is Théâtre des Abbesses? It is the second stage of the Théâtre de la Ville, operating since 1996 in Paris's 18th arrondissement at the foot of Montmartre, focused mainly on contemporary dance and theatre.

How do you reach the theatre? The simplest route is metro line 12 to Abbesses station, or lines 2/12 to Pigalle followed by a short uphill walk; bus routes 30, 54 and 67 also serve the area.

Who designed the building? Belgian architect Charles Vandenhove, with Jacques Sequaris and Prudent de Wispelaere, under a 1986 commission from the City of Paris — the result is a post-modern, neoclassical-inspired building with a signature red façade.

How many seats does it have, and what's on the programme? The hall seats 420 people; the repertoire centres on contemporary dance, complemented by theatre, world and classical music, and literary events, all coordinated with the main Théâtre de la Ville programme near Châtelet.