Théâtre Déjazet, located at 41 boulevard du Temple in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement, is the sole surviving theatre from the legendary “Boulevard du Crime”, once famed for melodramatic shows in 19th‑century Paris. Built in 1770 as a jeu de paume by the Comte d’Artois (future Charles X), it opened in 1851 as a café‑concert under various names—Folies‑Mayer, Folies‑Concertantes and Folies‑Nouvelles after significant restoration.

In 1859, celebrated actress Virginie Déjazet purchased the venue and established a repertoire of operettas, vaudevilles and comedies, popular with Parisian audiences until 1870. Renamed Théâtre Déjazet, it became a cornerstone of boulevard entertainment in Paris. Later, in the 1920s‑30s, the theatre was converted to a cinema, reducing capacity from about 900 to 500 seats, and hosted interior scenes for Marcel Carné’s Les Enfants du paradis in 1945.

Rescued from closure in 1976 by Jean Bouquin, the building underwent major restoration and reopened under Coluche in 1977 as a music‑hall. From 1986 to 1992, it housed the Théâtre Libertaire de Paris (TLP‑Déjazet), showcasing chanson, jazz and poetry by artists such as Léo Ferré, Georges Moustaki and Claude Nougaro.

Today’s programme is diverse: boulevard comedies, stand‑up, musicals, dance and magic. A highlight of 2025 is Tout Bascule, running from July to August with tickets ranging from ~19 € to ~39‑46 € per show. With a capacity of around 600–700 seats, the venue boasts elegant balconies, a painted ceiling by Honoré Daumier spanning 120 m², and authentic Italianate décor. Facilities include wheelchair access, multilingual staff, comfortable seating, air‑conditioning and restrooms.

The atmosphere is both intimate and vibrant—a place rich in history where cultural heritage and live entertainment merge. Target audiences include heritage seekers, theatre and music lovers, as well as tourists seeking iconic Parisian venues. Fun anecdote: during restoration, the magnificent Daumier ceiling was preserved, embodying the fusion of theatrical and visual arts from the 19th century.

Practical info: closed Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays; late evening shows depend on programming; accepts CB/Visa; nearest metro République (lines 3/5/8/9/11), buses 20,56,65,75; nearby parking; tickets available online or by phone.