The Comédie Française in Paris

1/ A tour of the Salle Richelieu.

The Comédie-Française runs guided tours of the Salle Richelieu, where it has performed since 1799, so that the public can discover the venue outside performances.

In this magnificent Italian-style theatre, explore the corridors and the dressing rooms where the actors get ready before going on stage! See the auditorium as you will never see it during a performance.

2/ History of the building.

Commissioned by the Duke of Orléans, who lived at the Palais-Royal, the Salle Richelieu was built between 1786 and 1790. The architect Victor Louis drew up the plans following the codes of “Italian-style” theatres: a semicircular auditorium with spectators seated on several levels (stalls, dress circle, balconies, galleries).

It underwent many transformations over the centuries. Only the west façade, on rue de Richelieu, dates from the 18th century. The south façade, on Place Colette, was designed by Prosper Chabrol in 1861.

The theatre was destroyed by fire just before the turn of the 20th century and rebuilt identically in 1900.

3/ The company of actors.

The Comédie-Française is the name of the company created in 1680 by order of Louis XIV. Originally, it was the only company authorised to perform the plays of Molière, Racine and Corneille. Its distinctive feature is that it is a company of permanent actors, known as “sociétaires”.

Since its creation, the company has occupied several venues: the Théâtre Guénégaud, the Théâtre Royal, the Salle des Machines of the Tuileries Palace and the Théâtre de l’Odéon. After settling at the Palais-Royal, it gave the name “Comédie-Française” to the Salle Richelieu.

Practical information:

- Tour duration: 2 hours.

- Price: €12/€10

- From age 10.

Online booking: https://billetterie.comedie-francaise.fr/fr/node/93673