Theatre National de Chaillot
The Theatre National de Chaillot is located at the Palais de Chaillot underneath the esplanade that looks out across the Jardins du Trocadero Gardens towards the Eiffel Tower, and is a popular theatre for plays, just as it was after World War II.
A bit of history
Originally there was a Palais de Trocadero built for the Universal Exhibition of 1878 and there was a massive rotunda with a 5,000 seat auditorium that had a monumental organ, plus the Trocadero Gardens were designed in the same year.
However after the exhibition, although the City of Paris decided to maintain the gardens, the actual building was sold to the French state as the building had always met with disapproval.
And it was not until 1920 that Pierre Rameil announced the conversion of the Palais de Trocadero into a theatre and named the Theatre National Popular, this is where the theatre really started its roots, but due to poor acoustics and a very badly equipped stage, the neon sign was removed in 1935, and it was decided that the building would be demolished.
A new building was commissioned to take its place, which was to be ready for the World Fair in 1937 and all signs of the old theatre vanished except for the stage wall. However, an original blueprint was retained for the arrangement and decoration of the new auditorium and the building took on a new name of the Palais du Chaillot, yet with financial scandals and strikes, not everything went according to plan.
And even though the Palais du Chaillot with its new hall opened for the World Fair in 1937, which is where the award ceremonies were conducted, the theatre itself was not officially inaugurated until the February of 1939, and it is still running under the name of the Theatre National de Chaillot today.
About Theatre National de Chaillot
The theatre is actually wider than it is deeper and unlike many of the theatres and opera houses in Paris, this was designed without any boxes or overhangs and only has a balcony, as it was thought to be more adaptable.
A trip to the theatre is still as much a part of culture as it is history, although over the years many theatre companies have tried to update things to appeal more to the masses and encourage the younger generations to enjoy this unique style of art.
And this is exactly what the Theatre National de Chaillot have done, which is why this is still one of the most popular theatres in Paris that even caters for those that are on holiday in Paris who do not even know the French language.
This theatre is primarily dance orientated and provides internal performances in many different styles to suite all tastes that run in line with the many breakthroughs that have taken place with the choreography from different production companies. So from hip hop through to ballet and Flamenco, there are always different performances on the agenda each month of the year.
There is also a bookshop, bar that also serves snacks and a restaurant called Listrani that are open 90 minutes prior to a show and after performances on a Friday and Saturday night, which means that you can enjoy a completely different evening out in the city of lights.
About the Maison Pradier - Foyer de Chaillot Restaurant
With incredible views over the Jardins du Trocadero Gardens with its waterfalls and the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, you will be able to enjoy snacks and cuisine prior or after your visit to the Theatre National de Chaillot.
And although the menu is always changing with the seasons, some of the delights you may be able to experience at the Bar with what is classed as a rapid service include soups, numerous salads and sandwiches along with sweets and pastries for quick snacks from the Maison Pradier that has been running at different institutions since the 1800s.
There is also the option for what is classed as service at the table andmMain dishes are basically dishes of the day that could be meat or fish for around €16, yet you could opt for a formula where you get a choice from the buffet of entrees or a buffet of desserts with the main course, known in French as the Plat du Jour, which is a cost of approximately €20 as of 2018 and three course option is around €25.
There is also an option to enjoy Bruch served on a Sunday at Le Maison Pradier Foyer de Chaillot restaurant in Paris, which is served buffet style and a cost of €39 as of 2018 with a variety of starters, hot dishes, desserts, hot beverages and fresh orange juice.
As mentioned above, this restaurant is open prior to a performance and also afterwards from 7pm through to 11pm, plus for Sunday Brunch from 11am through to 4pm, although it is highly recommended that you book at table by telephone on +33 (0) 6 37 36 16 16.
Access to Theatre National de Chaillot
This theatre in Paris is located within the Palais du Chaillot and the main entrance is on the Place du Trocadero via the right wing of the building and all visitors are more than welcome any time from 90 minutes prior to the performance starting.
Tickets for the Theatre National de Chaillot can be purchased online at their website, which is where you can also find out more about the designers and choreographers for each show along with what each one is about, but you can also book tickets by telephone as well.
You will be pleased to know that disabled visitors are also welcome, but you should inform the staff when you are booking your ticket via telephone on +33 (0) 1 53 65 30 00 from 11am to 7pm on a Monday through to Saturday.
Groups of ten people or more are also welcome, however you do have to book in advance by telephone on +33 (0) 1 53 65 30 01 on a Monday to Saturday from 11am through to 6pm.
When it comes to accessing the restaurant, you can do so via the same entrance mentioned above, however, for those that are disabled or wheelchair users, you would need the access in the Trocadero Gardens on the Avenue Hussain 1er de Jordanie and reservations are highly recommended.
Now when it comes to getting to the Theatre de Chaillot, you will find that the nearest Metro station is the Trocadero stop accessed by lines 6 and 9, however other forms of public transport include the Batobus water bus on the River Seine that stops by the Eiffel Tower.
Alternatively the Bus Lines 22, 30, 32, 63, 72 and 82 along with the Noctilien Night Bus Seervice via Line N53 will also get you within walking distance, as will the RER trains via the Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel stop serving the RER C Line on the opposite bank to the Jardins du Trocadero.
