There are certain places in Paris which, at the mere mention of their name, arouse admiration and fascination. In 2023, the Olympia, the legendary concert hall on Boulevard des Capucines, celebrates its 130th anniversary. The Olympia was inaugurated on April 12, 1893, making it the oldest music hall in Paris still in operation today.
Although fairground attractions were offered in its early days, song soon made its appearance, notably through music-hall revues with Mistinguett and Yvonne Printemps between 1911 and 1914. After the First World War, when the venue was closed, the Olympia played host to a number of chanson stars of the day, including Fréhel, Marie Dubas and Lucienne Boyer.
Unfortunately, as the years went by, the popularity of the venue waned, and in 1929 it was transformed into a cinema. The venue was renamed Olympia - Théâtre Jacques Haïck until 1954. This was the year the Olympia was reborn as a music hall, thanks to the arrival of Bruno Coquatrix as director of the Parisian venue. Work was also carried out on the interior and the hall, to provide audiences with a magnificent new venue.
The new Olympia opened on February 5, 1954. A date that marked the return of chanson to the Olympia. And success followed. In the 1950s and 1960s, the greatest artists of the day took to the stage, including Georges Brassens (1954), Jacques Brel (1964, 1966...), Léo Ferré (1955, 1972), Édith Piaf ( 1955, 1961...), Juliette Gréco (1955, 1966...), Barbara (1969, 1978...)... International artists were also present, including Louis Armstrong (1962), Ella Fitzgerald (1963), Billie Holiday (1958), Sidney Bechet (1955, 1958...), and later The Beatles (1964) and The Rolling Stones (1964).
Among the musical moments that marked the 130th anniversary of the Olympia, we can't help but think of Edith Piaf. In 1961, when she was ill, she performed one of her most beautiful songs there, " Non, je ne regrette rien ", and for three months held two shows a night!
Johnny Hallyday also created euphoria when he performed there in 1961, on his debut. The artist returned many times, in 1962, in 1964 for 57 performances, in 1965, in 1966 for a Musicorama, and again in 1967, alongside Sylvie Vartan.
Another highlight, another year: one evening in 1964, Jacques Brel performed " Amsterdam " for the first time. It was a triumph, and his stage performance remains engraved in the memories of many. Jacques Brel 's love affair with the Olympia led to his official farewell concert there in October 1966.
While the songs and concerts have left their mark on the history of theOlympia, so have the shows. For many years now, comedians have also taken to the stage, including Coluche, Guy Bedos, Florence Foresti and Dany Boon.
And there's more to come from this legendary venue. The Olympia still has many surprises in store for us in the months and years to come.
Olivier de Benoist at the Olympia: The Right to Happiness in January 2027
Olivier de Benoist brings Le Droit au bonheur to the Olympia on January 25, 2027. The date is billed as his final show in Paris, with tickets going on sale October 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM. [Read more]
Pomme performs live at the Olympia in Paris in March 2027
Pomme gears up for a grand return to the live scene as she unveils her fifth studio album, "la forteresse." In Paris, the singer-songwriter and musician will take the iconic Olympia stage on Thursday, March 4, 2027. [Read more]
Fills Monkey marks its 20th anniversary at the Olympia with We Will Drum You
Fills Monkey celebrates 20 years of making music at the Olympia in Paris on October 24, 2026 with We Will Drum You, a drum show that blends live concert, comedy and performance, from rock to jazz and even classical. [Read more]
The Wriggles at the Olympia: a one-off date in Paris this October
Les Wriggles are performing live at the Olympia in Paris on October 10, 2026 at 8 p.m. The quartet presents Les Wriggles se mettent en quatre, a set blending new songs from Quatre Étoiles with the band's classics. [Read more]
Agnes Obel in concert at the Olympia in Paris in September 2027
Agnes Obel makes a triumphant return with a new album and a European tour stopping in France in 2027! In Paris, the Danish singer-songwriter will perform at the Olympia on Thursday, September 23 and Friday, September 24, 2027. [Read more]
The Pogues, the band that revolutionized Irish folk, set to play the Olympia in November 2026
The Pogues, the authors of the hits "Dirty Old Town" and "The Irish Rover," announce a Paris concert this autumn! Catch the founding members James Fearnley, Jem Finer, and Spider Stacy, joined for the occasion by guest musicians and vocalists, on the Olympia stage Thursday, November 26, 2026. [Read more]
Zazie to perform live at the Olympia in Paris in June 2027
Zazie is back on tour, hitting the road to showcase on stage the tracks from her new studio album and to perform a few of her many hits. In Paris, she heads to the legendary Olympia on Wednesday, June 9, 2027. [Read more]
Ghinzu to play Paris shows at Élysée Montmartre and Olympia in 2026, added date
The Belgian band Ghinzu is gearing up for a return to the stage in Paris. They’ll kick things off at the Élysée Montmartre on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before heading to Olympia on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, for a strong dose of rock. Due to overwhelming demand, Ghinzu has added a second Olympia show on Thursday, October 15, 2026. [Read more]
Art Garfunkel to perform live at the Olympia in Paris in October 2026.
After several years away, Art Garfunkel has announced his return to Paris! The American singer, half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel, is set to reconnect with his Paris-area fans at a one-night concert scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the iconic Olympia venue. [Read more]
Outlander: Memorable Moments from the Series Coming to Life in a Cinema Concert at Olympia in February 2027
Attention Outlander fans: on February 19, 2027, Claire and Jamie’s fate will take center stage at the Olympia. The beloved series is set to deliver an epic concert experience, where the breathtaking Scottish landscapes come alive alongside a live orchestra, featuring the riveting scores of Bear McCreary and traditional instruments that evoke the series’ wild spirit. [Read more]
Camille set to perform at the Olympia in Paris in February 2027
Camille announces a nationwide tour with a stop in Paris in 2027, in celebration of her upcoming album titled "The Sound of Milk." Fans can catch the singer live at the legendary Olympia venue on Monday, February 1st. [Read more]
The musical tribute to Elvis in Paris in 2027: honoring the King on the 50th anniversary of his passing
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the King's passing, Olympia is set to host the show "The Musical Story of Elvis" on Saturday, January 9, 2027. Over a two-hour performance, fans will be transported back in time with Nils Strassburg's captivating portrayal of the legendary American singer. [Read more]
The Fray to perform a one-night-only concert at the Olympia in November 2026
Attention all 2000s nostalgia fans: The Fray has announced a concert at the Olympia in Paris on November 3, 2026. A perfect chance to see live a band that defined an entire generation with their melodic rock sound. [Read more]
Beth Hart to perform at Paris Olympia in November 2026
Beth Hart announces her return to Paris, her beloved venue! The renowned American singer will be performing at the Olympia on Sunday, November 29, 2026. [Read more]
Piche in concert at L'Olympia: queer rap, drag show, and a unique performance in Paris.
Piche takes over the Olympia for an explosive concert combining French rap, dance, and queer performance. An extraordinary show not to be missed by fans of hip-hop and drag culture, on November 24, 2026. [Read more]
Marguerite in concert at the Olympia in Paris in December 2026
Marguerite announces her very first concert at the Olympia! The singer, who rose to fame during the twelfth season of "Star Academy," will take over this legendary Parisian venue for a unique concert on Friday, December 4, 2026. [Read more]
Fatoumata Diawara in concert at the Olympia in Paris in November 2026
Fatoumata Diawara, considered one of the most beautiful voices in modern Africa, will enchant Parisian audiences at the Olympia on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. [Read more]
Location
L'Olympia
28 Boulevard des Capucines
75009 Paris 9
Route planner
Accessibility info
Official website
www.olympiahall.com
