TheParisian art of living means enjoying fine restaurants and conquering beautiful exhibitions, but it also means being surprised by a fine program of shows and concerts in the capital's many venues. There's so much to see and do, in fact, that every district of the capital has something to offer year-round.
This time, we're taking you to the capital's 2nd arrondissement to conquer the different spots that await us. In this trendy district, where local nuggets are well established, you'll find theaters with the typical charm of Paris of yesteryear, but also more confidential spots, including secret comedy clubs. All these fine addresses contribute to the rhythm of a surprising program in which stand-up, plays, intimate concerts and other shows intermingle so that there's something for everyone.
To inspire you, here's a selection of shows to see right now in Paris's 2nd arrondissement. By the way, stay tuned: this guide is updated as we make announcements and discoveries, so keep checking this page for new show ideas. And for more recommendations for going out in the neighborhood, click here!
Café Oscar, Paris's first comedy club
The first comedy club created in Paris, Café Oscar is now over 30 years old and continues to welcome stand-up professionals, and potentially future professionals. Every week, Café Oscar introduces new comedians. [Read more]
Le Fridge Comedy Club by Kev Adams: a stand-up stage with bar and restaurant in Paris, our opinion
In the heart of Paris's 2nd arrondissement, the Fridge is a Comedy Club created by comedian Kev Adams, featuring a stand-up stage where today's and tomorrow's talents share the stage, while offering the public a bar with creative cocktails and a restaurant. [Read more]
The Sebastopol Comedy Club: stand-up comedy in a Paris hotel
The Sebastopol Comedy Club is the unusual comedy stage that awaits you in the heart of the 123 Sebastopol hotel in Paris. Every weekend, in the heart of a hotel, you'll find a stand-up stage hosted by established artists. [Read more]
C'est comme ça: a dramatic comedy at La Pépinière
Discover "C'est comme ça," written and directed by Marc Arnaud, at Théâtre La Pépinière starting November 14, 2025. [Read more]
The Nutcracker: the magical Christmas show at Grand Rex and Théâtre du 13e Art
In Paris, the Nutcracker ballet will enchant the Grand Rex on November 14 and 15, 2025, then the Théâtre du 13ème Art from December 23, 2025 to January 3, 2026. This enchanting show, presented by the British Festival Ballet, celebrates the magic of Christmas to the rhythm of Tchaikovsky. [Read more]
Marion Mezadorian on Craquage: the jubilant art of the fart.
After Pépites, Marion Mezadorian returns with Craquage, a show mixing humor and emotion, to be discovered from September 23, 2025 at the Théâtre de la Pépinière in Paris. [Read more]
La Scandaleuse: the burlesque cabaret show in the former Aux Belles Poules brothel
Aux Belles Poules, a former brothel in the 2ᵉ arrondissement, becomes a burlesque cabaret one Friday a month, where three artists await you for an intimate show, "La Scandaleuse". [Read more]
Theatrical experience: Laurent Ruquier plays with stage codes at La Michodière
From September 24, 2025, the Théâtre de la Michodière celebrates its centenary with "L'expérience théâtrale", a comedy by Laurent Ruquier starring François Berléand and Max Boublil. [Read more]
The Disappearance of Josef Mengele: the one-man show adapted from Olivier Guez's novel, extended
Attention reading enthusiasts: Olivier Guez's book The Disappearance of Josef Mengele will be extended in theaters from September 2, 2025. Playing at La Pépinière Théâtre, the play tells the story of one of the greatest manhunts of the late 20th century. [Read more]
VA AIMER ! Eva Rami's award-winning one-woman show returns to La Pépinière
VA AIMER! returns to Paris at Théâtre La Pépinière from October 13 to December 22, 2025. Eva Rami won the Molière for Best Single Act at the Molière 2024 awards. [Read more]
La Jalousie: Sacha Guitry in majesty for the 100th anniversary of the Théâtre de la Michodière
To celebrate its centenary, the Théâtre de la Michodière presents La Jalousie, a gritty comedy by Sacha Guitry, directed by Michel Fau. To be seen from October 16, 2025. [Read more]
Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Illusionist: a show full of magic and adventure
Arsène Lupin arrives at the Théâtre des Variétés in "Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Illusionist", a family show combining theater, magic and adventure, from October 5, 2025. [Read more]
La Séparation at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens: Claude Simon's oppressive behind-closed-doors story
Claude Simon's only play, between the unspoken and the isolated, is on view from September 23, 2025 to January 4, 2026, at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens. [Read more]
Témoin de mariage: Jean-Luc Lemoine's explosive comedy
Looking for a good laugh? Jean-Luc Lemoine's explosive new comedy has just that. Since November 2, 2024, the Petit Théâtre des Variétés has been hosting the play Témoin de Mariage from Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. [Read more]
