Eight places to see puppet shows in Paris

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Updated on 29/04/2025

A crowd of children stands in front of a puppet theater. — Crédit photo : Emilie chaix/Ville de Paris

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Colorful backdrops, twists and turns and iconic characters: puppet shows enchant young and old people alike. We'll guide you through our favourite Parisian addresses!

Jardin du Luxembourg (6th)

At the heart of the Luxembourg Gardens, between the games and the merry-go-round, you'll find France's largest puppet theater, with 275 covered seats. Open since 1933, it features traditional shows by Guignol and his friends from all over the world!

Where is it? In the Luxembourg Gardens (6th arrondissement), on the rue Guynemer side.

When is it open? Every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday and every day during school vacations in the Paris region.

At what times? From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., doors open 30 minutes before the show.

How much does it cost? Prices start at 2.70€.

On the Champ-de-Mars (7th)

Since 1902, this Napoleon III-style theater has been one of the most beautiful in Paris. Its classic repertoire is inspired by fairy tales (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood…) as well as original creations (Les Graines Magiques, Treasure Island, Guignol in Wonderland…).

Where is it? Avenue du général Margueritte in the 7th arrondissement.

When is it open? Every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday and every day during school vacations in the Paris region.

At what time? At 3.15pm and 4.15pm.

How much does it cost? Prices start at 6€.

Credit Le Théâtre des Marionnettes parisiennes

Parc Monceau (8th)

This adorable little open-air theater, nestled in the heart of Parc Monceau, is one of our favourites… even if it's weather-dependent.

Where to find us? Enter via avenue Vélasquez near the Musée Cernuschi, then follow the allée Michel Berger.

When is it open? Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

At what time? At 5:30 p.m.

How much does it cost? Prices start at 6€.

Parc floral (12th arrondissement)

For over twenty years, the Parc Floral's Théâtre de Guignol has been delighting young visitors with shows from the classical repertoire as well as modern gems.

Where to find us? Opposite Le Bosquet restaurant, in the Parc Floral.

When is it open? Every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, and every day (except Monday) during school vacations.

At what time? At 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

How much does it cost? Prices start at 4€.

Parc Montsouris (14th arrondissement)

Heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer, this covered puppet theater features comfortable Art Deco-inspired club chairs. Perfect for enjoying the show!

Where is it? On the corner of avenues Reille and Gazan.

When is it open? Every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday and every day during school vacations in the Paris region.

At what time? At 11:15 and/or 15:45, opening 15 minutes before the show.

How much does it cost? Prices start at 6€.

Georges Brassens Park (15th district)

You'll love the delightfully old-fashioned spirit of the puppets, carved from boxwood with glass eyes. Guided by Philippe Casidanus, a descendant of a long line of 'girdle' puppeteers, each character's components are exquisite treasures of beauty!

Where? Opposite 87, rue de Brancion.

When is it open? Every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday and every day during school vacations in the Paris region.

At what times? At 3.30pm and 4.30pm, opening 15 minutes before the show.

How much does it cost? Prices start at 4€.

Buttes-Chaumont park (19th district)

The Petits Bouffons de Paris troupe is made up exclusively of professional puppeteers, who do almost everything themselves, from making the puppets and sets to writing and adapting certain texts.

Where to find us? Take the rue Botzaris des Buttes-Chaumont entrance.

When's the event? Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

At what times? At 11:15, 15:15 and 16:30.

How much does it cost? Prices start at 6€.

And for adults?

Away from the Guignol classics, we head for Le Mouffetard - Centre national de la Marionnette. A unique institution in France, the Mouffetard's mission is to defend and promote contemporary forms of puppetry in all their diversity, primarily for adult audiences.