La Cigale was built at the foot of Montmartre in 1887. This special Parisian venue was initially an open-air theatre, undergoing several major revamps before it was finally listed as a historic building in 1981.
Although La Cigale has had several different lives over its more than 130 years of history, it has always maintained a passion for putting artists on stage and welcoming audiences.
At the beginning of the last century, its stage was graced by the giants of French music: Chevalier, Trenet and Mistinguett. In more recent times Johnny Hallyday, Bashung, Vanessa Paradis and all the major French stars have performed there, consolidating the venue’s reputation as THE place where artists must perform in order to cement their fame.
In 1987, La Cigale underwent a new major revamp conceived by architect-designer Philippe Starck and inspired by the audacity of Jacques Renault, thanks to whom it remains in good hands to this day.
It reopened as an international-standard multi-purpose venue, hosting the world’s most innovative artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie, Prince, Iggy Pop, REM, Radiohead, Ben Harper and The Black Keys.
With a capacity of 1,477-seats, La Cigale puts on more than 220 shows for some 250,000 spectators each season. It also plays host to artists’ residencies, film shoots (video clips, TV shows) and special private events.
La Cigale remains a legendary venue in Paris and a year-round festival all on its own.
La Cigale also owns the adjoining “La Cantine de la Cigale” restaurant.