Les Arènes Lyriques Montmartre
Classical and lyrical nights in the heart of Montmartre
About Arènes Lyriques
Les Arènes Lyriques Montmartre: Opera Under the Stars of the Butte
The Arènes Lyriques Montmartre were born from the desire to make classical and lyrical music resonate in one of Paris's most emblematic districts. Montmartre, a land of artists since the 19th century, has seen the greatest names in music, painting, and literature pass through. It is in this spirit that the festival offers every summer Classical Nights in Montmartre, evenings where lyrical art meets the magic of Parisian open air.
The Orchestre des Arènes and its Lyrical Voices
At the heart of the festival is the Orchestre des Arènes, an ensemble dedicated to the great works of the classical and lyrical repertoire. Accompanied by vocal soloists — sopranos, tenors, baritones, and mezzo-sopranos — the orchestra performs the most famous arias from opera, from Verdi to Puccini, from Bizet to Mozart, as well as Gounod, Offenbach, and Rossini. The programs are designed to appeal to a wide audience, from opera lovers to curious newcomers, with universally loved pieces that transcend genre boundaries.
An Exceptional Montmartre Setting
The concerts take place in historic venues in the 18th arrondissement, at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica or in the gardens and open spaces of Montmartre. The atmosphere is unique: the lights of Paris as a backdrop, the illuminated bell tower of Sacré-Cœur, the rustling of trees, and the gentle summer evenings create a natural setting worthy of the most beautiful opera stages.
A Montmartre Musical Tradition
Montmartre has always been a place of music. From Aristide Bruant's Chat Noir to the cabarets of the Belle Époque, from the Moulin Rouge to the studios where Satie composed his Gymnopédies, the Butte is steeped in music. Les Arènes Lyriques continues this tradition by offering accessible and convivial lyrical art, true to the bohemian and popular spirit of the district.
Arènes Lyriques — edition 2026
For summer 2026, Les Arènes Lyriques once again takes over the secret garden of Les Arènes de Montmartre for sixteen evenings of open-air lyrical and classical concerts, from July 22 to August 15. The new season, titled « E Fra le nubi d'or » (« Among the Clouds »), blends grand opera repertoire with touches of soul, performed by the Orchestre des Arènes and its soloists, at nightfall in the heart of the 18th arrondissement.
2026 Edition — « E Fra le nubi d'or »
From July 22 to August 15, 2026, the garden of Les Arènes de Montmartre — a place usually closed to the public, nestled at the foot of the Butte at 25 rue Chappe — hosts sixteen open-air concerts, at nightfall. The 2026 season is titled « E Fra le nubi d'or » (« Among the Clouds »).
On stage, the Orchestre des Arènes (fifteen musicians) accompanies sopranos, tenors, soul voices, and piano, under the musical direction of Angelina Zurzolo and Thomas Lefort. The program spans eras and styles: from grand lyrical repertoire to forays into Latin American music, punctuated by jazz and soul interludes.
Programme Arènes Lyriques 2026
Evenings and Cast
Sixteen open-air concerts, at nightfall, divided into two casts:
- From July 22 to August 1, 2026 — Clara Orif (soprano), Louise Bianco (soul voice), Jean-François Marras (tenor), Kim Bernard (piano)
- From August 5 to 15, 2026 — Anara Khassenova (soprano), Laurine Moullet (soul voice), Jérémie Schütz (tenor), Alexandre Lombard-Buffet (piano)
Musical direction: Angelina Zurzolo and Thomas Lefort · Orchestre des Arènes (15 musicians).
Musical Program
- Danzón n° 2 — Arturo Márquez
- Turandot, « Nessun Dorma » — Giacomo Puccini
- La Wally, « Ebben? Ne andrò lontana » — Alfredo Catalani
- « My Baby Just Cares For Me » — Nina Simone
Highlights Arènes Lyriques 2026
- 16 evenings of open-air lyrical and classical concerts
- A secret garden in Montmartre usually closed to the public (25 rue Chappe)
- Concerts at nightfall, accompanied by the Orchestre des Arènes (15 musicians)
- 2026 season « E Fra le nubi d'or » blending opera, Latin American music, and soul
Prices Arènes Lyriques 2026
Practical information — Arènes Lyriques
Practical Information
Access
District: Montmartre, 18th arrondissement of Paris.
Metro: Anvers (line 2), Abbesses (line 12), or Lamarck-Caulaincourt (line 12).
Bus: Lines 30, 54, 80, 85.
Funicular: Montmartre Funicular from Place Saint-Pierre.
Prices
Prices range from €20 to €45 depending on the concerts and categories. Reductions are available for students and groups. Online booking is recommended.
Schedules
Concerts take place in the evening, generally at 9 PM, in July and August. Doors open 30 minutes before the concert begins.
Tips
- Book in advance, as capacity is limited.
- Bring a warm layer for open-air evening concerts.
- Take advantage of your visit to explore Montmartre in the early evening: the Butte is particularly beautiful at sunset.
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Festival-goer reviews (1)
« Un petit bijou lyrique dans la nuit féerique d'un Montmartre de toujours. »
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Where does it take place — Arènes Lyriques
Jardin des Arènes de Montmartre
25 rue Chappe, 75018 Paris, 75018 Paris