Théâtre du Lido

The basics

Lido de Paris guests can expect a show. Advance booking is essential, as tickets can sell out weeks in advance, especially in busy periods. Two 90-minute shows are performed each evening, with lunch and matinee shows held on select days. You can enjoy a pre-show dinner and/or Champagne, opt for a private hotel transfer, or combine the show with a guided night tour of the City of Light.

Things to know before you go

• There is a smart-casual dress code—shorts, sportswear, flip-flops, and sneakers are not permitted.

• A free coat check is available.

• Taking photos or videos is not permitted during the show.

• Lido de Paris is wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

Lido de Paris, on the Champs-Élysées in Paris’ eighth arrondissement, is a 5-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. The closest metro stop is George V, and the nearest RER A train station is Charles de Gaulle–Etoile.

When to get there

Lido de Paris has performances every day of the year. For last-minute tickets and deals, it’s best to visit in low season (Nov. to Mar.) or opt for a weekday show. The hottest tickets of the year are the special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve shows, accompanied by a 6-course gourmet dinner and plenty of Champagne.

The magic of *Paris Merveilles*

Over the years, stars such as Elton John, Elvis Presley, Edith Piaf, and Shirley MacLaine have performed at the iconic Lido de Paris cabaret, while in-house entertainers include the famous Bluebell Girls, Lido Boys, and Lido Orchestra. Franco Dragone’s Paris Merveilles show, a 90-minute extravaganza devoted to the wonders of Paris, features sets that include an ice rink, gigantic chandelier, and water fountains, plus acts with burlesque dancers, acrobats, magicians, and mimes.

What is the history behind the Lido de Paris?

Once home to public swimming facilities, the Lido de Paris was reborn as a thriving cabaret venue in the 1930s, located on the Champs-Élysées. It continued to host popular and risqué cabaret revues until its closure in 2021. It was later renamed Lido 2 Paris and became a musical theater venue.

What is the dress code for attending a show at the Lido de Paris?

The venue recommends that all visitors wear “proper” attire when attending its performances. In practice, this means smart-casual—avoid sneakers, athletic gear, or anything incredibly informal, and aim for stylish slacks, shirts, blouses, and other formal options. This is Paris, after all—it’s the perfect opportunity to look chic.

Can children attend performances at the Lido de Paris?

No, the Lido de Paris is not a particularly child-friendly establishment. Its rotating schedule of theatrical performances generally caters to adult audiences. The theater advises that its shows are inappropriate for children under 14, so it’s best to avoid bringing younger kids.

Are there any dining options available at the Lido de Paris?

Although the Lido de Paris used to provide a dinner show in its previous guise as a more traditional cabaret, since it was reimagined as Lido 2 Paris, it no longer offers dinner. However, the venue does operate a bar that serves light refreshments before shows and during intermission.

How do I book tickets for a show at the Lido de Paris?

There are several ways to buy show tickets at the Lido de Paris. The venue has an online box office, and tickets can be purchased over the phone. Several partner retailers and vendors also sell tickets, so you have plenty of options for nabbing yours.

What is the best way to get to the Lido de Paris using public transportation?

Thanks to its location right on the Champs-Élysées, the Lido de Paris is easy to reach via public transportation. Take the Métro line 1 to George V, located just moments from the venue, or take bus 73. You can also use the Vélib bike share service to get there.

Ways to explore

The Théâtre du Lido no longer hosts the historic cabaret show—instead, attend an international musical or theater performance at the popular venue. The event roster changes each season, but past shows include Hello, Dolly!, the musical based on the music of Dolly Parton; Titanique, a comedy featuring Celine Dion’s greatest hits; and The Rocky Horror Show. After the show, take a walk or drive down the iconic Champs-Élysées to admire illuminated landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Galeries Lafayette.

Accessibility

The Théâtre du Lido is wheelchair accessible with ramps, an elevator, and accessible restrooms; contact the theater in advance if you have special requirements

Age limits

Some performances may also have a recommended minimum age

What to pack

Binoculars, a light cover-up (it can be cool inside the air-conditioned theater)

What to wear

Smart-casual clothing; avoid shorts, sportswear, flip-flops, sneakers, or clothing that could obscure the view of other audience members.

Not allowed

Large backpacks, suitcases, large umbrellas, cameras and recording devices, scooters, late arrivals (doors close when the show begins)

Amenities

Bar serving drinks and snacks, free cloakroom

Address

The Théâtre du Lido is located along the Champs-Élysées in the heart of Paris’ 8th arrondissement, just a 5-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. It is accessible on foot and by car, but the most convenient way to get around in central Paris is by metro.

Driving

The Champs-Élysées is one of Paris’ busiest streets, and the nearby Arc de Triomphe roundabout is notoriously challenging to navigate, even for the French! It’s highly recommended to leave the car at home and take a taxi or use a rideshare service instead. If you must drive, the George V car park is opposite the theater, but spaces fill up quickly.

Public transportation

The closest metro station is George V (1), right opposite the theater. You can also take RER A to Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, a 5-minute walk away, or bus 73, which stops right outside.

Best times to visit

Evening shows typically start at 8pm sharp, so arrive between 7:15pm and 7:45pm to purchase drinks and find your seats before curtain up.

Best days to visit

Shows are usually held on Tuesday to Saturday evenings, but there are sometimes weekend matinee performances. For last-minute bookings, Tuesday and Thursday nights typically sell out last.

Best months to visit

The Champs-Élysées can be overwhelmed with tourists during July and August; to combine a show with sightseeing, the quieter months of May through June or September to October are a better option.

Special events

Look out for special shows around holidays such as Halloween and Christmas.