How to enjoy theater in Paris without breaking the bank

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Updated on 29/04/2025

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Spectators in an auditorium
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You'll find them in the metro, on the streets, on Morris columns… and even in our picks! Paris offers hundreds of enticing plays to choose from. To help you enjoy them without spending too much, we've compiled our tips for experiencing theater on a budget.

Go to kiosk

The Kiosque Théâtre offers half-price same-day theater tickets, with no strings attached. For that, head over to Madeleine for (much) cheaper tickets. The Tourist Office also offers accessible tickets. The perfect opportunity to make some great discoveries at a low price!
  • Kiosque Madeleine - 15, place de la Madeleine (8th arrondissement), open Tuesday to Saturday, 12:30 to 2:30 pm and 3 pm to 7:30 pm. Open on all public holidays coinciding with their opening days.
  • SPOT 24 - 101 quai Jacques Chirac, (15th)

Enjoying your age

  • If you're under 26, you can take advantage of the reduced tariffsoffered by some private theaters. For ten euros, you'll have access to first- or second-class seats, subject to availability. Don't hesitate to call the theater to make a reservation, or go directly to the box office.
  • If you're under 28, the Comédie-Française gives away 85 free tickets every Monday evening. Go to the box office on rue Richelieu, one hour before the start of the show, to pick up your ticket.
  • If you're a senior citizen (or unemployed), you can also take advantage of attractive discounts. Each venue offers a different discount: to find out more, contact your favorite theater.

Sacrificing a game night

Yes, yes, you read that right! On the evenings of French national team matches (soccer, rugby…), or even during competitions where the French shine, theaters are often deserted. Some theaters take advantage of this to slash the prices of their shows. If you're not a sports fan, you're welcome!

Take part in previews

Previews provide actors with a chance to test their show in front of an audience, sometimes leading to changes in the script or staging. To cater to the curious, Théâtres et Producteurs Associés have introduced the 'Premiers aux premières' initiative, offering a 50% discount on the first performances of a show. Tickets can be purchased directly from the theater. The duration of this offer varies by theater, so be sure to inquire for specifics.

Subscribe

  • If you want to discover a whole host of shows, a subscription may be the ideal solution. Subscriptions allow you to take advantage of year-round discounts. They come with a number of benefits, such as priority access to bookings of popular plays.
  • There are also a number of passes that offer advantages for you and the person accompanying you, such as those for the Théâtre Paris-Villette or Théâtre 13.

Book online

Many websites offer unconditional discounts all year round(billetreduc, Ticketac or theatreonline). This is also the case for official theater websites, so you can take advantage of promotions while avoiding intermediaries and booking fees.

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