Le Mois Molière

Versailles, a grand open-air stage

Since 1996, Le Mois Molière has transformed the city of Versailles into a vast open-air theater every June. For a full month, over 250 performances take over 60 locations in the city: the Grande Écurie du Roi, the Place du Marché Notre-Dame, the gardens of the Saint-Louis district, building courtyards, chapels, parks, and performance halls. This profusion of performances makes Le Mois Molière the largest performing arts festival in Île-de-France and one of the most important in France in terms of the number of performances offered.

A popular and demanding festival

The philosophy of Le Mois Molière is based on a dual commitment: artistic excellence and accessibility for all. The vast majority of performances are free or offered at a symbolic price of 2 euros for performances at the Grande Écurie. This bold pricing policy allows all audiences to discover quality creations, from classical theater to the most contemporary forms. The festival welcomes over 100,000 spectators each year, from Versailles, the Yvelines, and the entire Île-de-France region.

Theater, dance, circus, music: a multidisciplinary program

While theater remains the beating heart of the festival — from Molière to Marivaux, from Shakespeare to contemporary authors — the program is widely open to other performing arts. Dance, circus, street arts, music, storytelling, and humor make up an eclectic program that renews the spectator's experience each year. Emerging companies rub shoulders with established artists in a program that values creation and risk-taking.

An incubator of talent since 1996

Founded by François de Mazières, mayor of Versailles, Le Mois Molière has established itself over the years as a true launchpad for young companies. Many artists who are now recognized made their debut on the festival's stages. This vocation of discovery remains at the heart of the project: each edition gives pride of place to premieres, creations, and innovative forms. The festival thus actively contributes to the renewal of performing arts in France.

Versailles, city of culture and heritage

Le Mois Molière also draws its uniqueness from its exceptional setting. Performances unfold in historic locations: the Grande Écurie du Roi, a masterpiece by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the French gardens, the squares and alleys of the historic center. This staging within the urban space creates a unique experience where architectural heritage and live creation respond to each other, offering spectators an unprecedented connection to the city and its treasures.