The Théâtre Trianon in Bordeaux

At 6 rue Franklin, on the corner of the Place des Grands Hommes, the Théâtre Trianon is the only listed historic monument theatre in the Triangle d'Or. Built in 1913 and restored in 2009, this 250-seat semicircular auditorium has been programmed since 2012 by Xavier Viton, who also directs the Théâtre Molière and was appointed Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2021. Candlelight concerts by candlelight fill the house several times a month.

2026 programme at the Théâtre Trianon

The Théâtre Trianon hasn't lost any of its appeal. The 2026 season blends concerts, comedy and immersive performances inside a heritage setting few Bordeaux venues can match. Here's what not to miss.

• April 2026: John Sulo in acoustic concert, Candlelight evenings (classical music by candlelight).
• May 2026: Nadim (one-man show), "The Jury Experience" (immersive theatre).
• June 2026: end-of-season concerts, lighter summer programming.
• September 2026: autumn reopening with dramatic comedies and new productions.
• October 2026: special Halloween Candlelight, contemporary theatre.
• November to December 2026: Christmas shows, year-end concerts, special event evenings.

For full details on programming and tickets, the Théâtre Trianon's official website for exact dates and ticket prices. Candlelight evenings and headline shows often sell out.

The history and architecture of the Théâtre Trianon

In 1913, Bordeaux had roughly a dozen private performance venues, and rue Franklin gained one more. The Théâtre Trianon was conceived in a hybrid style, refined Louis XVI crossed with Art Nouveau ornamentation, a blend that captures the aesthetic hesitations of a turning point between two centuries. The historic-monument listing froze this decorative ensemble in place, meaning that every intervention, from the 2009 restoration to the smallest lighting upgrade, requires approval from the Bâtiments de France architects.

Inside, gilded balustrades, deep red draperies and ornate ceilings create an atmosphere closer to a private salon than a theatre. The semicircular layout places every spectator within a few metres of the stage, a human scale that explains why Candlelight concerts by candlelight work so well in this space. Far from the formal grandeur of the Grand Théâtre, the Théâtre Trianon draws its strength from this intimacy.

The stucco cornices, the floral ironwork motifs and the gilded proscenium frames are the details that earned the listing. During restoration, craftsmen uncovered original colour schemes beneath decades of accumulated paint. Every cornice, every piece of ironwork was cleaned or replicated to match its 1913 state, a painstaking effort that mobilised heritage tradespeople for several months under Bâtiments de France supervision.

Practical information for your visit to the Théâtre Trianon

The Théâtre Trianon seats 250 in a listed auditorium, ensuring optimal acoustics and a closeness between audience and performers that sets it apart. The theatre sits at 6 rue Franklin, right in the Triangle d'Or, steps from the Place des Grands Hommes.

Tramway line B, Grand Théâtre or Gambetta stops, drops you at the theatre's doorstep. If you're driving, the Grands Hommes car park is a short walk away. Full details (box office, prices, showtimes, disabled access) are available on the Théâtre Trianon's official website.

On Candlelight concert evenings, rue Franklin takes on a particular glow and the restaurants along cours Georges Clemenceau fill after the show. It is no coincidence that the Haussmann-era apartments and hôtels particuliers in the Triangle d'Or rank among the most sought-after addresses in Bordeaux. Dreaming of living in the neighbourhood or owning a pied-à-terre? Your next home may well be among our selection of properties in the Triangle d'Or or across our full collection of properties for sale in Bordeaux.

Location remains the most important factor in a successful property investment, and between rue Franklin and the cours Georges Clemenceau, that of the Théâtre Trianon is hard to fault. Our consultants know every listed building in this area and guide each project from the initial valuation through to completion. The most exclusive addresses in the Triangle d'Or await you at BARNES Bordeaux.

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