Théâtre des Corps Saints

Théâtre des Corps Saints sits in the historic heart of Avignon, on the small square of the same name, directly across from the cloister of the Célestins and just steps from the Porte Saint-Michel.

How do you get there?

The venue is located at 76 Place des Corps Saints, right inside Avignon's medieval old town. This is a walking-only part of the city — the easiest approach is on foot from the center, heading toward the Célestins cloister, whose walls form one side of the square.

Why is the square called "Corps Saints"?

The site's history stretches back to Roman times, when it served as a burial ground. Its story took a religious turn with Cardinal Pierre de Luxembourg, who asked to be buried in the paupers' cemetery here; Marie de Blois, Countess of Provence, had his grave sheltered under a small wooden chapel. The project grew far larger under King Charles VI, who from 1389 ordered a church built on the spot and entrusted it to the Célestins, meant to house the relics of his illustrious relative. At that point the square took the name "place du Corps-Saint," in the singular. The plural only appeared in 1674, when the relics of Saint Bénézet were moved to the Célestins church from the crumbling chapel on Avignon's famous bridge — from that point on the square has been known as "place des Corps-Saints."

What will you find inside the theatre?

Théâtre des Corps Saints has been running since 1999, building a reputation on a varied and carefully curated program. The venue has three separate auditoriums — seating 66, 120, and 155 — two of which, notable for their architecture, were added in 2015 and 2016. Its lineup spans classical and contemporary drama as well as lyric works. The house champions both emerging companies and established artists, favoring engaged writing and inventive stagings that stay accessible to a broad audience rather than a niche crowd.

When is the best time to visit?

The theatre runs year-round, but its busiest stretch falls in July, during the Avignon Festival's OFF program. During that period, the three auditoriums of Théâtre des Corps Saints together host as many as 23 shows a day, making it one of the most heavily used festival venues in the city. Outside festival season, it's worth checking the current listings, which change regularly across genres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Théâtre des Corps Saints located? At 76 Place des Corps Saints in Avignon, opposite the Célestins cloister and close to the Porte Saint-Michel, right in the historic city center.

Where does the name "Corps Saints" come from? It comes from the holy relics kept in the Célestins church, built from 1389 onward — first for Cardinal Pierre de Luxembourg, then from 1674 also for Saint Bénézet, which is why the square's name shifted from singular to plural.

How many auditoriums does the theatre have, and how large are they? Three: seating 66, 120, and 155 people, two of which were added in 2015 and 2016.

When is the best time to catch a show? July is the peak period, during the Avignon OFF Festival, when the theatre stages up to 23 performances a day. Outside the festival, it runs a year-round, changing program.