The Comédie-Française, a theatrical institution in Paris

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 .

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• This week in Paris, from July 7 to 14, 2025: free or cheap outings

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.

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]