La Vie Parisienne: Offenbach's famous opera buffa comes to the Royal Opera of Versailles

La Vie Parisienne is treating itself to a royal stay in Versailles. From December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026,the Royal Opera of Versailles, adjacent to the Palace in the Yvelines (78), will hostOffenbach's most sparkling show in an original, unabridged version from 1866. Yes, just as it was imagined before being reworked to suit the vocal limitations of the time. A historical gem brought back to life thanks to the archives of the Théâtre du Palais-Royal.

At the helm? Christian Lacroix himself, the iconic fashion designer who swapped the catwalk for the magic of theater and live performance, and who is responsible for the staging and, of course, the flamboyant costumes. We are talking here about Paris on the eve of its second Universal Exhibition (April to November 1867): a technological boom, the arrival of the railroad, an explosion of entertainment venues, and colorful characters. Offenbach and his accomplices Meilhac and Halévy unleash a mischievous satire, an (almost) faithful mirror of the capital and its pleasures, designed to seduce an international audience.

The triumph was phenomenal, with 323 performances until 1869, andthe Royal Opera intends to revive this enthusiasm with a talented troupe, ready to bring La Vie Parisienne back to life .

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What's on the program? A five-act opera buffa in French, with French and English surtitles, for a total of 3½ hoursincluding intermission, combining energy, satire, Parisian glamour, and great lyric art. As a bonus, for the December 31st performance, the New Year will be celebrated with an exceptional fireworks display from the Hall of Mirrors, for a spectacular and memorable end to the evening (weather permitting on the day).

La Vie Parisienne in Versailles, a major lyrical moment at the end of the year, offering a taste of Offenbach's Paris...in royal style!