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!
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Paris Jazz Corner is your place to go for getting hold of archive & rare music, as long as it's jazz. The knowledge of the associate owner is also mint...
by
"Hotel Ekta" in Paris is a day-use hotel perfect for resting in between meetings, or spend some more intimate moments...
by
The "St. Genevieve Library" in Paris is a university library anyone older than 18 can access for free by getting a membership card. It's alive & active!
by
"Doll House" in Paris is an atypical erotic shop. Specialized on very original lingerie, the ladies that run it since '05 are really helpful. Don't be shy!
by
"Shakespeare and Company" is an English-language bookstore in Paris, right next to Notre Dame! I love coming here for an hour or so to take in its charm...
by
"Au Metro" in Paris is a French Basque restaurant I go to when I'm in need of carnivorous energy -- their steak tartare is truly the best in the city...
by
"MOKUS Pizzeria" is not the cheapest pizza in Paris, but it can certainly be considered one of the best. I like it for the quality & the informal setting.
by
"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
by
"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
by
"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
by
"La Belle Iloise" in Paris, next to Les Halles, does top quality canned fish . I very much like tuna & sardines and how they even have fish sandwiches...
by
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
by
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips