The Grand Théâtre was inaugurated in April 1780 with the performance of Athalie, a play written by Racine. From that moment on, the venue never ceased to welcome artists and works of art, to amaze and attract the Bordeaux public. Prior to this, the building had been constructed in 1773 by the Parisian architect Victor Louis. The magnificence of this monument inspired the architect Charles Garnier to design the Paris Opera House. 12 statues are placed above the frontal architecture, 9 muses and 3 goddesses from ancient mythology: Euterpe (music), Urania (astronomy), Venus (goddess of love), Calliope (epic poetry and eloquence), Melpomène (tragedy), Terpsichore (dance), Thalie (comedy), Juno (goddess of fertility), Polymnie (rhetoric), Minerve (goddess of war), Clio (history) and Erato (lyric poetry). Its blue, white and gold auditorium is reminiscent of the Château de Versailles Opera House, built a few years earlier.
Bordeaux is home to the world-famous Grand Théâtre. Along with the opera houses of Versailles and Turin, it is known as one of the most beautiful 18th-century theatres in the world. It is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions and one of the oldest theatres in Europe. Located on the Place de la Comédie, the Grand Théâtre is the home of the Opéra national de Bordeaux. It hosts ballet performances as well as symphony concerts by the Orchestre national Bordeaux-Aquitaine. Guided tours are organised by the Tourist Office to learn more about the history of this venue and discover what goes on behind the scenes. The National Opera now manages the Grand Théâtre stage and offers a wide range of programmes. It was listed as a historic monument in 1899.
✈️ Flights to Bordeaux
Easy access to Bordeaux from several cities in the UK and Europe.History of the Grand Théâtre
Why go there?
It's impossible not to pass the Opéra National de Bordeaux during your stay. Of all the city's monuments, it is the most famous and the most exceptional. The large auditorium is 17 metres high from floor to ceiling, and the building is 19 metres high and 47 metres wide. It can hold up to 4,000 spectators, and each week's programme includes opera, concerts and ballets. Its auditorium, built entirely of wood, is one of the few to have been preserved.
Despite its ancient construction, since the 1990s the Grand Théâtre has been constantly modernising and adapting to the times to attract new audiences. Ballet performances include classics such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Coppélia, Don Quixote and Swan Lake, as well as Russian marvels such as Prélude, Petrouchka, the Tricorne, The Rite of Spring and, of course, choreographies by Balanchine and Lifar.
You have the opportunity to enter this undeniably popular monument. Guided tours are organised, showing you, accompanied by a guide, the outside of the building, a visit to the vestibule, the grand staircase and the auditorium, visible from a glassed-in box. The meeting point will be in front of the Grand Théâtre shop on Place de la Comédie. The tour will last 50 minutes and the number of participants will range from 2 to 20. Children and adults alike, there's no age limit for discovering, contemplating and admiring the beauty of the Grand Théâtre.
Experience magical, unforgettable moments as you enjoy each performance in this exceptional theatre with its surrounding wooden frame.
How do I get there?
You can get there on foot in 13 minutes, or by public transport on tram line B, getting off at the "Grand Théâtre" stop.
Where to stay nearby?
The Yndo hotel is 700 metres from the Bordeaux National Opera and will be delighted to welcome you and help you enjoy your stay in style.
Bordeaux
Yndo Hotel
Situated in the heart of the historic centre of Bordeaux, this establishment boasts a fragrant garden and shady terrace, where you can enjoy a chic and relaxing stay.Where to eat nearby?
The Palatino restaurant, which specialises in Italian cuisine, is just a few metres from the Grand Théâtre. It offers excellent value for money and its cuisine is divine. You can also enjoy lunch in the restaurant Le quatrième mur, located in the Grand Théâtre and run by the famous chef Philippe Etchebest. The cuisine is served in a setting of unrivalled elegance.
Practical information
⏰ Opening times :
- The monument is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 6.30pm.
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
👛 Admission:
Admission costs €10 per person, €7.50 for 13-17 year olds and €5 for 5 - 12 year olds.
The tour lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
To book, visit the Bordeaux Tourist Office website.
