Architecture

Théâtre Jean-Deschamps

Carcassonne

Théâtre Jean-Deschamps is the former grand theatre of the Cité of Carcassonne, in the department of Aude, France. Located inside the medieval city, it stands against the ramparts at the base of the tour du Moulin, between the tour Mipadre and the tour Saint-Nazaire. It was created in 1908 under the mandate of Gaston Faucilhon, from an idea by doctor Jean Sempé, and was partially established on the site of the old cloister adjacent to the Basilica Saint-Nazaire-et-Saint-Celse. The construction was authorized by Étienne Dujardin-Beaumetz after a visit in his role as undersecretary of State for fine arts, and it was built to plans by architect Léon Vassas based on ancient Roman theaters. Originally able to accommodate spectators, it was modified in 1972. Now a state property used in agreement with the municipality, the open-air theater has 3,097 seats and a removable translucent roof capable of supporting up to 32 tons of equipment. It hosts a multidisciplinary summer festival including concerts, operas, dance, and theater. The venue was renamed in connection with actor and director Jean Deschamps, a member of the Comédie-Française who directed the Festival de la Cité from 1957 to 1974.

Map showing the location of Théâtre Jean-Deschamps in Carcassonne
Location of Théâtre Jean-Deschamps in Carcassonne

Nearby Objects

Former Grand Theatre in Carcassonne

Theatre Jean-Deschamps is the name of the former grand theatre of the Cite of Carcassonne, in the department of Aude, France. As a former grand theatre, it forms part of the historical fabric of the Cite of Carcassonne and is identified by its earlier function rather than by a detailed architectural description in the available facts.

Site, Design, and Festival Use

Th eatre Jean-Deschamps is located inside the medieval city of Carcassonne, against the ramparts at the base of the tour du Moulin and between the tour Mipadre and the tour Saint-Nazaire along the wall. It is adjoining the Hotel de la Cite and occupies the same site that was originally authorized for its construction. The venue was created in 1908 under the mandate of Gaston Faucilhon, following an idea by doctor Jean Sempe. It was partially established on the site of the old cloister next to the Basilica Saint-Nazaire-et-Saint-Celse.

The construction was authorized by Etienne Dujardin-Beaumetz after his visit in his role as undersecretary of State for fine arts. Architect Leon Vassas designed the theater using plans based on ancient Roman theaters. As an open-air theater, it could originally accommodate spectators and now has 3097 seats. It also has a removable translucent roof that can support up to 32 tons of equipment. The venue was modified in 1972.

The theater is state property and is used in agreement with the municipality. It was renamed on the occasion of actor and director Jean Deschamps's presence. Deschamps was a member of the Comedie-Francaise and directed the Festival de la Cite from 1957 to 1974, when the event focused on theater and major operatic works before being renamed the Festival de Carcassonne. Today, the theater serves as the venue for a multidisciplinary summer festival including concerts, operas, dance, and theater.

Johnny Hallyday at the Venue

Johnny Hallyday performed at the venue in 1996, 1999, 2012, and 2015. His final concert there was given with the group Les Vieilles Canailles, alongside Jacques Dutronc and Eddy Mitchell. These performances contributed to the venue's cultural significance through its association with major French popular music events.