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.
Jack White to perform at Paris's Olympia in June 2026
Jack White announces his return to Paris with two exceptional concerts at the Olympia, slated for Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026. Mark your calendars for April 2, when tickets go on sale! [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]
All Them Witches to perform live at Olympia in Paris in June 2026, with SLIFT as special guest
The heavy psych scene is making its way to Paris this summer! Catch All Them Witches at Olympia on Monday, June 29, 2026, for a one-of-a-kind concert that promises to be explosive. And as a cherry on top, SLIFT has been announced as the special guest! [Read more]
Ghinzu set to perform at Élysée Montmartre and Olympia in Paris in 2026
The Belgian band Ghinzu is gearing up for a comeback on stage in the capital. They will take over the iconic Élysée Montmartre in Paris on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for an electrifying night of rock. Due to soaring demand, Ghinzu has added a second date in the city and announced a performance at the Olympia on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. [Read more]
Yes, performing live at Olympia in Paris in May 2026.
After sold-out shows in Paris in 2016, 2018, and 2024, Yes is making a return to the French capital! Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 7, 2026, when they'll take the stage at Olympia to journey through their iconic hits and celebrate the legacy of these legendary progressive rock pioneers. [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]
Charlie Puth set to perform live at the Olympia in Paris this July 2026
Charlie Puth announces a summer concert in Paris as part of his global "Whatever’s Clever! World Tour." The American singer-songwriter will take to the stage at the iconic Olympia venue on Monday, July 13, 2026. [Read more]
Dogstar, Keanu Reeves' rock band, in concert at the Olympia in Paris in June 2026
After a sold-out concert at La Cigale in 2024, Dogstar announces its return to Paris! See Keanu Reeves' rock band on stage at the Olympia on Wednesday, June 17, 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]
Europe celebrates 40 years of "The Final Countdown" at the Olympia in Paris in October 2026
To mark the 40th anniversary of their hit album "The Final Countdown," Europe has announced a European tour! In Paris, catch the Swedish hard rock band on stage at the Olympia on Tuesday, October 6, 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]
Machine Head in concert at the Olympia in Paris in May 2026
Machine Head announces a four-date French tour in spring 2026! In Paris, see Robb Flynn and his bandmates on the legendary stage of the Olympia on Saturday, May 2, 2026. [Read more]
Cassius in concert at the Olympia in Paris in April 2026
Cassius, now led by Boombass, has announced a unique set at a legendary venue in the capital in 2026. See you on Wednesday, April 22 at the Olympia to dance to the hits of this essential figure of the French Touch. [Read more]
Tori Amos in concert at the Olympia in Paris in April 2026
Tori Amos announces her return to the Paris stage for her new tour, entitled "In Times Of Dragons". The American singer and pianist will be back at the Olympia on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. [Read more]
Alan Stivell in concert at the Olympia in Paris in May 2026
Alan Stivell, a key figure on the Breton scene and in modern Celtic music, announces his return to the stage! As part of his 60-year career, the singer is embarking on a new tour, entitled "Liberté". In Paris, join the artist for a unique concert at the Olympia on Sunday, May 31, 2026. [Read more]
Big Thief in concert at the Olympia in Paris in April 2026
Big Thief announce their live comeback with not one, but two concerts in Paris! Join the American indie-folk band on stage at the Olympia on Friday April 17 and Saturday April 18, 2026. [Read more]
Titoff at the Olympia: a return to the stage expected in 2026
Comedian Titoff will be back on stage at Olympia on May 5, 2026 at 8pm for a one-off show, with tickets available from 35 to 65 euros. Tickets officially open on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 12 noon! [Read more]
Les Wampas in concert at the Olympia in Paris in April 2026
To the delight of their fans, Les Wampas announce their return to the stage with an explosive concert in Paris. Join Didier Wampas and his merry band at the Olympia for a unique, not-to-be-missed show on Saturday, April 11, 2026. [Read more]
Florent Pagny in concert at the Olympia in Paris in June and July 2026
Florent Pagny fans can smile! The famous French singer has announced his return to the stage, with no fewer than 20 concerts scheduled in Paris in 2026. Join us at the Olympia from Tuesday June 16 to Sunday July 19, 2026, for a live performance of Florent Pagny's greatest hits. [Read more]
Kim Wilde in concert at the Olympia in Paris in April 2026
New Kim Wilde concert in Paris! The British pop artist has announced her return to the capital for a tour that will honor her new opus "Closer". In the capital, she heads for the legendary Olympia concert hall on Tuesday April 21, 2026. [Read more]
Location
L'Olympia
28 Boulevard des Capucines
75009 Paris 9
Official website
www.olympiahall.com
