History and Features of La Cigale
La Cigale is a historic theatre located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, at 120, boulevard Marguerite-de-Rochechouart. Built in 1887 on the site of the former Boule Noire cabaret, La Cigale initially accommodated around 1,000 people and was known for its theatrical revues. In 1894, the theatre underwent enlargement and remodeling by architect Henry Grandpierre, with ceiling paintings added by Adolphe Leon Willette. During this period, it hosted performances by notable artists such as Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier, Yvonne Printemps, Arletty, Raimu, and Max Linder.
In the 1920s, La Cigale shifted its focus to operettas, vaudeville, and avant-garde evenings, including events with Jean Cocteau. A cabaret opened in the basement in 1924 but closed three years later, replaced by the temporary La Fourmi music hall. By 1940, the venue had transformed into a cinema specializing in B movies, Kung-fu films, and later, X-rated movies.
On December 8, 1981, the vestibule and auditorium of La Cigale were listed as French historical monuments. In 1987, the venue hosted a performance by the band Les Rita Mitsouko, supported by Jacques Renault and Fabrice Coat, cofounders of the renowned Paris nightclub Les Bains Douches. This period saw modernization of the auditorium, the addition of a hydraulic system, and interior redesign by the famous designer Philippe Starck. Corinne Mimram was appointed as the artistic and musical director.
In 2007, La Cigale partnered with the French telecommunications company SFR, and for two years, the venue was officially known as La Cigale SFR. In January 2011, Jean-Louis Menanteau became the new general director.
La Cigale’s Role in Music
La Cigale has been a prominent venue for the Inrockuptibles music festival for over two decades and also hosts the Factory Festival. The theatre can accommodate 1,389 standing guests or 954 seated, with an orchestra floor featuring a scalable platform that can tilt and rise using a hydraulic system. This flexibility allows La Cigale to host a wide range of music events, making it a significant player in the live music scene of Paris.
Verified venue information
| Location | Paris, France |
|---|---|
| Address | 120, boulevard Marguerite-de-Rochechouart 75018 Paris |
| Opened | 1887 |
| Official website | www.lacigale.fr |
| Information checked | 2026-08-20 |
Map
Sources
Wikipedia / Wikidata / Official website
Image: Andreas Praefcke / CC BY 3.0 CC BY 3.0
See the official website for the latest show information
Artists who have played here
- Raimu
- Max Linder
- Jean Cocteau
- Les Rita Mitsouko
- Mistinguett
- Maurice Chevalier
- Yvonne Printemps
- Arletty
Names from the Wikipedia article.
