The Comédie-Française, a theatrical institution in Paris

The Comédie Francaise, founded over three centuries ago, is a French cultural institution. Since 1799, it has been located in the heart of Paris, at the Palais-Royal station in the 1st arrondissement.

Today, the Comédie-Francaise is the only French theater entitled to its own permanent troupe of actors, called La Troupe de la Comédie-Française. Located on Place Colette in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the Comédie-Française is at the heart of the capital.

The Troupe de la Comédie-Française was founded in 1680 by the union of two troupes, including that of Molière, who had died eight years earlier. The Troupe de la Comédie-Française was also known as La Maison de Molière.

The Comédie-Francaise has three halls. The famous Salle Richelieu, seating 862, became the Comédie-Française's main auditorium in 1799. It offers a dozen varied shows, alternating from July to September. A special feature of the Salle Richelieu is that all plays performed there must first be submitted to the Comité de lecture before they can be included in the Comédie-Francaise repertoire, which now numbers over 3,000 plays. The Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier, created in 1993, offers at least four classical or contemporary creations, programmed from September to July. Finally, the third venue, called the Studio-théâtre and created in 1996, presents shorter, more diversified shows from Wednesday to Sunday at 6.30pm, allowing actors to follow up with a show at 8.30pm in the Salle Richelieu .

Exhibitions at the Comédie-Française also change from month to month.

As you can see, the Comédie-Française is the theater to visit at least once in your life in Paris, because of its history and the shows and exhibitions it hosts.

How can you tour the backstage of the Comédie-Française and see what goes on behind the scenes?
The Comédie-Française occasionally opens the doors to its backstage areas. Discover the dressing rooms, the technical spaces, and the traditions of the prestigious House of Molière. [Read more]

Special offer: attend a Comédie-Française play for less
The Comédie-Française, a symbol of theatrical excellence, remains accessible. The Comédie-Française is a symbol of theatrical excellence, and there are a number of cost-effective ways to enjoy its shows without spending a fortune. We tell you all about it! [Read more]