Théâtre de La Huchette Paris
Spectacle Ionesco
The Théâtre de La Huchette in Paris’ quartier latin is one of those places that sat on my "to do" list for nearly too long for me to admit. My high school French literature teacher told us about the theatre, back in the day, when we were studying Ionesco in class. After experiencing the first lockdown in Paris during the pandemic - and subsequent restrictions - which forced cultural venues to stay closed for several months, I vowed to make the most of Paris’ theatre scene as soon as theatres were allowed to reopen. My first stop was this theatre.
Home to what is known as the "Spectacle Ionesco", the self-proclaimed "smallest of the big theatres" holds a Guinness World Record for having hosted performances of the famous Romanian playwright’s two plays – The Bald Soprano and The Lesson – back to back, every Wednesday to Saturday evenings, (nearly) without interruption since 1957. Despite only having 97 seats, the theatre has welcomed over 2 million spectators, including Edith Piaf.
However, it wasn’t always all sunshine and roses for Ionesco. Although his plays are now a roaring success and are known as two classics of the "theatre of the absurd" genre, he had a bit of a rocky start. The plays were first played at the Théâtre de La Huchette in 1952 for a mere three months, before being picked up again indefinitely five years later.
If you don’t speak any French, do not despair, English subtitles are provided every Wednesday!
About this spot
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
Clos Montmartre
A hidden vineyard in Paris
"Clos Montmartre" is one of five remaining vineyards in central Paris! Their presence dates back to the 10th century...
by
Alix
Mengin
Cimetière du Montparnasse
A green cemetery
"Cimetière du Montparnasse" is not only a cemetery but also one of Paris' biggest green spaces. Many world-famous people are buried here, too...
by
Alix
Mengin
Beaupassage
An open-air food court
The "Beaupassage" in Paris is just as much a space dedicated to food as it is to nature and art. It's a 10,000 m² courtyard completed in 2018...
by
Alix
Mengin
Le Réservoir de Montsouris
Water in Paris
"Le Réservoir de Montsouris" is the biggest water reservoir in Paris. It's a truly impressive structure that's more than 150 years old...
by
Alix
Mengin
La Ferme d’Alexandre
Cheese lovers’ paradise
"La Ferme d’Alexandre" is a cheeseshop like no other in Paris. With their over 350 types of cheeses, they've made it all the way to the Elysée Palace...
by
Alix
Mengin
Librairie Galignani
A bookstore with a history
"Librairie Galignani" in Paris is a bookshop with a long history and is without a doubt one of the city's most beautiful!
by
Alix
Mengin
Promenade Plantée
A walk on the Viaduc des arts
The "Promenade Plantée" in Paris is a 4.5-km corridor that's 10m above ground that will take you from the Place de la Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes...
by
Alix
Mengin
Miznon
Boeuf bourguignon in-a-pita
"Miznon" in Paris had the absolute genius idea of combining the traditional pita with a great French classic - the bœuf bourguignon! Great lunch spot.
by
Alix
Mengin
Chercheminippes
Second-hand pioneers!
The Marais in Paris is best known for its second-hand clothing shops, but "Chercheminippes" and its six shops have been innovating for half a century...
by
Alix
Mengin
L’Atelier Geneviève
Ceramicafé
"L’Atelier Geneviève" is a 'ceramicafé' - here you can decorate your own ceramics w/ a coffee or breakfast. They even have kintsugi workshops!
by
Alix
Mengin
Land & Monkeys
Mastering the vegan croissant
"Land & Monkeys" in Paris makes 100% vegan croissants & other French staples. Is such a thing possible, you ask? Oh yes...
by
Alix
Mengin
Des Gâteaux et du Pain
The butteriest croissants
"Des Gâteaux et du Pain" was the first place that sprang to my mind when listing my top spots in Paris. They completely changed my croissant habits...
by
Alix
Mengin
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Paris?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
